US flight delays & cancellations: your refund rights
US travelers aren't covered by Europe's EU261 cash-compensation rule. Instead, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) gives you the right to a refund in specific situations. Here's what you're actually owed — and what you're not.
No statutory cash compensation
There is no US equivalent of the EU's €250–€600 payout for delays. What US law guarantees is your money back when the airline doesn't deliver the flight you bought — not a punitive cash bonus on top.
The DOT automatic-refund rule (2024)
If the airline cancels your flight, or makes a significant change and you decline the alternative offered, you're owed an automatic refund to your original form of payment. You do not have to accept a voucher or travel credit.
A change is "significant" when it involves any of:
- a schedule change of 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international);
- a change of departure or arrival airport;
- an added connection;
- a downgrade in service class.
The tarmac-delay rule
Airlines must let you off the plane after a tarmac delay of 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international), and provide food and water within 2 hours. These are penalties on the airline, not a payment to you.
Refunds for paid extras
You're also owed a refund for any service you paid for but didn't receive — Wi-Fi, seat selection, or checked bags delivered significantly late.
Check if you're owed a refund
Check the delay & cancellation risk of your US flight before you fly.
Check your flightGeneral information, not legal advice. See the DOT for the authoritative rules.
US flight refund — FAQ
Do US airlines owe cash compensation for a delayed flight?
No. Unlike the EU's EU261 rule, US law has no statutory cash compensation for delays or cancellations. You may be owed a refund of the unused ticket, and airlines must follow their own contract of carriage for amenities like meals or hotels on controllable delays.
When am I entitled to an automatic refund?
Under the US DOT 2024 rule, if the airline cancels your flight or makes a significant change and you decline the alternative offered, you're owed an automatic refund to your original form of payment — you don't have to accept a voucher.
What counts as a significant change?
A schedule change of 3+ hours for a domestic flight or 6+ hours for an international flight, a change of departure or arrival airport, an added connection, or a downgrade in service class.
What is the tarmac delay rule?
US airlines must give passengers the chance to leave the aircraft after a tarmac delay of 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international), with food, water, and working lavatories required earlier. These are penalties on the airline, not cash to passengers.
Can I get a refund for paid extras I didn't receive?
Yes. If you paid for a service the airline didn't provide — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or checked bags that arrive significantly late — you're owed a refund for that service.
