Flight Cancelled or Delayed? Your Refund Rights Explained

A cancelled or delayed flight is stressful. Knowing your rights helps you get your money back instead of settling for a voucher.

Flights in or from the United States

Under US Department of Transportation rules, you are entitled to a cash refund (not a voucher) if:

• The airline cancels your flight and you choose not to travel, or
• The airline makes a significant change — for example a delay of 3+ hours on a domestic flight or 6+ hours on an international flight — and you don't accept it.

Refunds should go back to your original payment method. You can still accept a rebooking or voucher if you prefer — but it's your choice.

Flights in or from Europe and the UK

EU261 and UK261 rules can give you compensation of €250–€600 (or the UK equivalent) for long delays or late cancellations, depending on distance — unless the cause was "extraordinary," like severe weather.

What to do at the airport

• Ask for the reason of the delay or cancellation in writing if you can.
• Keep receipts for food, hotels and transport.
• Don't accept a voucher if you want cash — say clearly you want a refund.
• Check the airline's app — rebooking is often faster there than in line.

Check your rights in 30 seconds

Use the flight rights checker on our free travel tools page. For help filing a compensation claim, see the options on Travel Extras.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the airline's policy and official government sources.