Flight cancellation compensation

If my flight gets canceled do I get a refund?

Yes! In the U.S., if an airline cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, regardless of the reason, they are required to automatically refund your ticket if you choose not to be rebooked on an alternate flight. This federal rule requires airlines to process the refund within seven business days if the passenger bought the ticket with a credit card or within 20 days if they paid by cash or check.

Refunds for add-ons 

Can I get a reimbursement of fees for a canceled flight?

If an airline cancels your flight and you paid for additional services that you couldn’t use, like checking a bag, pre-purchasing a meal, or selecting a seat, then you are entitled to a refund of the fees that you paid. However, if you get rebooked and are able to still take advantage of the services you paid for, then you are not entitled to a refund.

Getting rebooked  

Can the airline rebook me on another flight?

If you wish to continue your trip despite the cancellation of a flight, your airline might be able to offer you an alternative. If there are still seats available on your carrier’s next scheduled flight to your destination, they should be able to rebook you at no extra cost. If you need to fly out as soon as possible, feel free to look for seats on another carrier’s flights and ask yours if they can cover the cost. Just remember that federal law doesn’t compel your airline to do so. In some cases, you might also be able to book onto alternative transport, such as a train. You’ll need to discuss this directly with your airline.

Here's what you can expect from the top 10 U.S. airlines if your flight gets canceled:

Source: US Department of Transportation

Finding information

How do I contact my airline? 

While your rights are protected under U.S. law, every airline has its own approach. Visit the airline’s official website and read through the cancellation policy – it’s usually either on the ‘Contact’ or ‘FAQ’ page. Most airlines will include information about rebooking and refunds when they email to tell you about the cancellation, so check your inbox too. You can also find our partners’ contact details or if you booked via Skyscanner, you can read more about the Skyscanner cancellation policy.

Remember, if your flight is canceled and you choose not to be rebooked, you’re entitled to a full refund — including any extras you purchased, such as checked bags. While compensation like meal vouchers or overnight hotel stays isn’t guaranteed, it’s always worth asking the gate agent about your options if you're already at the airport when the cancellation occurs.