What to Do When Your Flight Is Cancelled
General steps and things to know if an upcoming or booked flight gets cancelled — whether by the airline or by choice.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations
When an airline cancels a flight, it typically offers an alternative flight automatically. Passengers generally aren't required to accept that alternative — most policies allow declining the rebooking in favor of a refund instead.
Cancelling a Flight Yourself
If you need to cancel a booking yourself, what you're entitled to depends heavily on your fare type and how far in advance you cancel. Refundable fares typically allow a full refund; non-refundable fares often only qualify for a travel credit, sometimes minus a cancellation fee.
Documenting the Cancellation
Keeping confirmation numbers, cancellation notices, and any correspondence is generally recommended in case a refund or credit needs to be disputed later.
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📞 Call Now - 1-844-362-8017Frequently Asked Questions
What am I entitled to if my flight is cancelled?
This depends on the cause of the cancellation and the airline's policy. In the U.S., if an airline cancels a flight, passengers are generally entitled to a refund if they choose not to travel, regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Is a refund the same as a travel credit?
No. A refund returns money to your original payment method, while a travel credit or voucher is typically usable only for future travel with the same airline, sometimes with an expiration date.
What if the airline rebooks me on a flight I can't take?
Passengers generally have the right to decline a rebooking and request a refund instead, particularly when the airline initiated the cancellation.