# A cancelled US flight: check the refund before taking a voucher

An airline’s alternative offer is not the only option. Choosing to travel or accept a credit changes the refund question.

[Canonical HTML page](https://nosecrets.app/en/stories/us-flight-refund-before-accepting-voucher)

Published by: [No Secrets Research](https://nosecrets.app/en/about#methodology)
Added: 2026-10-20
Topic: Everyday life

## Scope and context

Applies to: Flights to, from or within the United States
Time context: DOT guidance checked October 20, 2026
Sources checked: 2026-10-20

Ticket-price refund guidance, not a promise of extra delay compensation. Booking through an agent can change who handles the refund.

## When the rule applies

DOT’s rule covers cancelled or significantly changed flights to, from or within the US when the passenger does not accept alternative transportation or compensation. The protection also covers foreign airlines on applicable routes.

[1: US Department of Transportation](https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/federal-register-documents/2024-07177)

## Not every delay means the same thing

DOT guidance includes scheduled arrival delays of at least three hours on domestic itineraries or six on international ones, as well as other significant changes. If you take the changed or replacement flight, this ticket-refund entitlement generally does not apply.

[2: US Department of Transportation](https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds)

## Make the choice explicit

Keep the change notice and your response. Check who charged your card if an agency sold the ticket. Read the official refund guidance before accepting credit; do not assume you can both use replacement travel and reclaim the entire fare.

[2: US Department of Transportation](https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds)

## Sources

1. [Refunds and Other Consumer Protections](https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/federal-register-documents/2024-07177) — US Department of Transportation. 2024. Rule covering flights to, from, or within the United States.

2. [Refunds](https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds) — US Department of Transportation. 2025-11-07. Eligibility, significant changes, and accepting alternative travel.

## Disclosure

AI-assisted research, writing and translation by No Secrets, using the linked public documents. This is a source summary, not firsthand reporting or an independently audited investigation. No affiliate links are used in this article.

The source-check date is not the event date. Original documents control if a summary differs.