Am I entitled to a refund if my flight is cancelled?

Yes. Under DOT regulations, if an airline cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you are legally entitled to a full cash refund to your original payment method — regardless of whether the ticket was non-refundable. Airlines may offer vouchers, but you do not have to accept them. Refunds must be processed within 7 business days for credit card payments.

Your Flight Cancellation Rights (2026)

If your airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full cash refund — to your original payment method — regardless of ticket type. This is a federal DOT rule, not airline policy.

DOT-Guaranteed Rights

Full refund for airline-caused cancellations — even on non-refundable fares. Domestic delays of 3+ hours or international delays of 6+ hours also trigger refund rights.
Refund within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 calendar days (cash/check). Airlines cannot delay indefinitely or force vouchers without your consent.
Free rebooking — if you prefer to rebook, the airline must place you on the next available flight at no additional fare.
Tarmac delay rules — airlines cannot hold you on the tarmac more than 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international) without offering to deplane. Food and water required after 2 hours.

What To Do When Your Flight Is Cancelled

Screenshot the cancellation notice and any official communication.
Decide whether you want a refund or rebook — you choose, not the airline.
Request the refund through the airline's website (look for "Cancel & Refund" or call the ticket counter).
If refused, file a chargeback with your credit card under "services not rendered."
File a DOT complaint at airconsumer.dot.gov if the airline still refuses.

Weather vs. Airline-Caused Cancellations

Weather cancellations (Act of God) typically entitle you to a rebooking but not a cash refund — most tickets are non-refundable. Airline-caused cancellations (mechanical, crew, operational) trigger the full DOT refund right. Always confirm the stated reason in writing.

Official sources: DOT Fly-Rights (transportation.gov) · Airline Customer Service Dashboard · File a DOT Complaint