Most airline tickets are not refundable, but the rules depend on the ticket type and when you bought it
Whether you get money back for an airline ticket depends on three things: the fare class you purchased, when you need to cancel, and which airline sold it to you. Most basic economy tickets sold today are non-refundable — if you cancel, you lose the fare. However, you may be able to use the ticket value as a credit toward a future flight, or you may have a right to a refund under federal rules if the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight.
The airline industry uses different ticket types with different rules. A refundable ticket costs more but lets you get cash back if you cancel. A non-refundable ticket is cheaper but locks you in — you can only change or cancel it by forfeiting the fare or converting it to a credit. Some airlines also sell "basic economy" fares that are non-refundable and have additional restrictions on changes.
Federal law also gives you refund rights in specific situations, regardless of what your ticket says. If the airline cancels your flight, significantly delays it, or makes a major schedule change, you have the right to a refund rather than a rebooking on another flight.
Key Takeaways
- Refundable tickets cost more but return your money if you cancel; non-refundable tickets are cheaper and convert to a credit instead of a refund.
- You can see whether your ticket is refundable by checking your confirmation email or logging into the airline's website under your booking.
- If the airline cancels your flight or makes a major schedule change, federal law entitles you to a cash refund, not just a credit.
- Changing your flight date on a non-refundable ticket usually costs a change fee plus any fare difference, though some airlines have waived change fees during certain periods.
- Travel insurance and credit card protections may cover cancellations the airline does not, but you must read the policy to know what situations are covered.
How to learn about your ticket is refundable
The easiest way is to check your booking confirmation email from the airline. It will state the fare type — often labeled "refundable," "non-refundable," or "basic economy" — and what happens if you cancel. If you cannot find the email, log into the airline's website, enter your confirmation number and last name, and pull up your booking. The fare rules will be listed there.
Some airlines also let you call their customer service line and ask directly. Have your confirmation number ready. The agent can tell you whether your specific ticket is refundable and what your options are if you need to cancel.
What happens when you cancel a non-refundable ticket
If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, the airline keeps the fare. However, most airlines will let you use the ticket value as a credit toward a future flight with that same airline. The credit usually has an expiration date — often one year from the original ticket issue date, though this varies by airline and has changed during different periods.
Some airlines charge a change fee on top of the credit conversion. For example, you might lose the fare and also pay $75 to rebook on a different flight. Other airlines have suspended change fees at various times. Check your airline's current policy on their website or by calling.
If you do not use the credit before it expires, you lose it. The airline does not refund the unused balance to your original payment method.
When the airline must refund you, regardless of ticket type
Federal law requires airlines to refund your money — not just a credit — in these situations:
- The airline cancels your flight.
- The airline makes a significant schedule change (the definition varies, but typically means a delay of three or more hours at your final destination).
- The airline significantly reduces the number of stops on your route.
- The airline changes your departure or arrival airport to one that is significantly farther away.
In these cases, you have two choices: accept a rebooking on another flight at no extra cost, or request a refund to your original payment method. The airline must process the refund within a set timeframe — the exact important date depends on your payment method and the airline, but it is typically seven to ten business days.
If the airline offers you a rebooking and you accept it, you have given up your right to a refund for that cancellation. If you later change your mind about the new flight, you would be subject to the normal cancellation rules for that new ticket.
Refunds for weather and other airline-caused delays
If your flight is delayed but not cancelled, federal law does not automatically may have access to you to a refund. The airline can rebook you on the next available flight at no cost, but they do not have to refund your ticket.
However, if the delay is caused by something within the airline's control — a mechanical problem, crew scheduling, or a decision to cancel a flight and consolidate passengers — some airlines will refund you if you ask. If the delay is caused by weather or air traffic control, the airline typically will not refund you, only rebook you.
This is where travel insurance or credit card protections become relevant. Some travel insurance policies cover delays over a certain length, and some premium credit cards offer delay reimbursement. Read your policy to see what situations are covered.
How refundable tickets work
A refundable ticket costs more upfront but gives you the flexibility to cancel and get your money back. If you cancel a refundable ticket, the airline refunds the full fare to your original payment method, usually within seven to ten business days. You do not receive a credit — you receive actual money back.
Refundable tickets are typically sold at higher price points than non-refundable ones on the same route and date. The price difference reflects the airline's risk: they are giving up the ability to keep your money if you cancel.
Some airlines label refundable tickets as "flexible" or "premium" fares. Check the fare rules in your confirmation to confirm it is truly refundable and not just a credit-may be able to access ticket.
Using airline credits and vouchers
If you cancel a non-refundable ticket and receive a credit, the airline will issue it as a voucher or credit in your online account. You can use this credit to book a new flight on the same airline. The credit applies to the base fare, not to taxes and fees, so you will still owe those on your new ticket.
Credits have expiration dates. Most airlines set them to one year from the original ticket issue date, but some have extended this during certain periods. Check your voucher or account to see when yours expires.
If you do not use the credit before it expires, you cannot recover it. The airline will not refund the unused balance or extend the expiration date, with rare exceptions for specific circumstances (such as government-mandated travel restrictions during a pandemic).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I just change my mind about the trip?
Only if you bought a refundable ticket. Non-refundable tickets do not refund for cancellations due to personal choice — you can only convert them to a credit. If you bought a refundable ticket, you can cancel and receive a refund to your original payment method, usually within seven to ten business days.
What if the airline changes my flight time but I still arrive on the same day?
A small time change does not trigger a federal refund right. The airline only owes you a refund if the change is "significant" — typically a delay of three or more hours at your final destination. If the new time does not meet that threshold, you can only cancel and use your ticket as a credit (if non-refundable) or request a refund (if refundable).
Do I lose my refund right if I book through a travel website instead of the airline directly?
No. Your refund rights depend on the ticket type and federal law, not where you bought it. However, if you booked through a third-party site like Expedia or Kayak, you may need to contact that site to cancel or request a refund, rather than contacting the airline directly. Check your confirmation email to see who issued the ticket and where to submit cancellation requests.
Can I get a refund if I miss my flight?
No. If you do not show up for your flight, the airline keeps the fare. You cannot later cancel and request a refund because you missed the departure. Some airlines will let you rebook on a later flight and use the ticket value as a credit, but this is at their discretion and may involve a change fee.
What if I bought travel insurance — does that cover cancellations?
It depends on the policy. Some travel insurance plans cover cancellations for specific reasons (illness, injury, death of a family member, job loss) but not for personal choice. Others cover cancellations for any reason, but at a lower reimbursement rate. Read your policy documents to see what situations are covered and what the claim process is.