Do I get a cash refund if JetBlue cancels my flight?

Yes. Under US DOT rules, if JetBlue cancels and you choose not to travel on a rebooked alternative, you're owed a full refund to your original form of payment — even on a Blue Basic or other non-refundable fare.

Does JetBlue pay fixed compensation like EU261?

Not in the US. There is no US equivalent of the EU261 EUR 250-600 payout. You get a refund or rebooking, plus any care JetBlue offers, but no statutory cash penalty for a US-domestic cancellation.

Are JetBlue transatlantic flights covered by EU261 or UK261?

Flights departing the EU/EEA (e.g. Amsterdam or Paris to New York) can qualify for EU261, and departures from London qualify for UK261, regardless of the airline. Flights departing the US do not.

How long does a JetBlue refund take?

Card refunds are generally processed within 7 business days under US DOT guidance; other payment methods can take around 20 days.

JetBlue cancelled flight refund: your rights and how to claim

When JetBlue cancels your flight, two separate things can be owed: a refund (your money back) and, on some European departures only, EU/UK compensation. Which applies depends mostly on where your flight departs.

Refund vs compensation

A refund returns the fare you paid when JetBlue cancels and you decline the rebooking. Compensation is a separate fixed payment that exists only under EU Regulation 261/2004 (and the UK’s equivalent) — there is no US version.

US DOT rules (most JetBlue flights)

For flights inside or departing the US, US Department of Transportation rules apply: if JetBlue cancels and you choose not to travel, you’re entitled to a full refund to your original payment method, including on non-refundable fares. The US has no fixed compensation scheme — no JetBlue equivalent of the EUR 250/400/600 payout.

When EU261 / UK261 applies

JetBlue flies transatlantic, so the departure airport matters:

Amsterdam or Paris to New York (EU/EEA departure): can qualify for EU261.
London to Boston/New York (UK departure): can qualify for UK261 (GBP 220/350/520).
Any US departure: not covered — US DOT refund rules only.

How to get a refund from JetBlue

Don’t accept a travel credit by default — request a refund to your original payment method.
Use JetBlue’s online refund form or contact the airline, stating the flight was cancelled and you decline rebooking.
Keep the cancellation notice, confirmation code and any receipts.
For a European departure, file a separate EU261/UK261 claim with the flight number, date and route.

Check before you fly

Assess the cancellation and delay risk of your JetBlue flight with FlightGuard. US passenger-rights detail: /en-us/dot-flight-refund-rules/.