Cancelling a flight feels stressful — especially when you're worried about losing the money you paid. The good news: depending on when you cancel and what kind of ticket you bought, you may be entitled to a full refund, a travel credit, or at least most of your money back. This guide walks through exactly how to cancel a flight and get a refund, step by step.
Short on time or in a tricky situation? Our agents do this all day. Call +1 (855) 302-0422 (24/7) and we'll check your refund options and handle the cancellation for you.
First: can you actually get a refund?
Whether you get cash back comes down to three things:
- Your fare type — refundable tickets get cash; most cheap fares are non-refundable.
- How soon you cancel — cancel within 24 hours of booking and U.S. rules usually require a full refund.
- Who cancelled — if the airline cancels or makes a big schedule change, you're owed a refund even on a non-refundable ticket.
The 24-hour rule (your easiest refund)
Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, if you booked at least 7 days before departure, you can cancel within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund — no fees, even on non-refundable fares. This is the single most useful refund right most travelers don't know about. We break it down fully in the 24-hour flight cancellation rule explained.
Refundable vs non-refundable tickets
Here's what each fare type typically means when you cancel:
| Ticket type | What you usually get back |
|---|---|
| Refundable / flexible fare | Full refund to your original payment method |
| Non-refundable (main cabin) | Travel credit for future use, minus any change/cancel fee |
| Basic economy | Often no refund or credit — but exceptions exist (24-hour rule, airline cancellations) |
| Award ticket (miles/points) | Miles redeposited, sometimes for a fee |
Even if your ticket looks non-refundable, don't assume you're stuck — read can you get a refund on a non-refundable flight for the workarounds.
How to cancel a flight and request a refund: step by step
- Find your booking. Have your confirmation code (PNR) and the name on the ticket ready.
- Check your fare rules. Look for "refundable," "non-refundable," or the 24-hour window.
- Decide: refund or credit? Cash is better if you have no firm travel plans; a credit may keep more value if there's a fee.
- Cancel before departure. If you simply don't show up ("no-show"), most airlines void the ticket with zero refund — always cancel first.
- Request the refund in writing and keep the confirmation. Refunds aren't always automatic.
- Track it. Card refunds typically take 7 business days; see how long a flight refund takes.
When the airline owes you a refund
If the airline cancels your flight, significantly delays it, or changes the schedule in a way that doesn't work for you, you're entitled to a cash refund — not just a voucher — even on the cheapest non-refundable fare. Many travelers accept a credit without realizing they could've had their money back. If this happened to you, see what to do when your flight is canceled by the airline.
Common mistakes that cost you the refund
- No-showing instead of formally cancelling.
- Accepting a voucher when you were owed cash.
- Missing the 24-hour window by a few hours.
- Not asking about a fee waiver (medical, bereavement, military orders often qualify).
Not sure which rules apply to your ticket? That's exactly what we're here for. Call +1 (855) 302-0422 and an agent will tell you in minutes whether you can get your money back — and do the paperwork for you. If you'd rather keep the trip but move it, see how to change your flight date without paying a fee instead.