Most plane tickets are not refundable, but you may receive a credit or cash back under specific conditions
Whether you get money back for a plane ticket depends on the ticket type you bought and the reason you're not using it. Airlines sell three main categories of tickets: basic economy (almost never refundable), standard tickets (refundable only if the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight), and refundable fares (you can cancel and get cash back). If the airline cancels your flight or changes it by more than a few hours, you're may have access to to a refund or rebooking on another flight at no extra cost — this is true regardless of ticket type. If you cancel for personal reasons, your money back depends entirely on what you paid for.
The key distinction is between cancellations you initiate and cancellations the airline initiates. When you cancel, the ticket type determines what you receive. When the airline cancels or materially changes the flight, federal rules and airline policy give you the right to cash back or a free rebooking, no matter which ticket you bought.
Key Takeaways
- Basic economy and most standard tickets are non-refundable if you cancel, though you may receive a travel credit toward a future flight.
- Refundable fares cost more upfront but let you cancel and receive cash back to your original payment method.
- If the airline cancels your flight or changes the departure time by more than two to three hours, you can request a cash refund or rebook for free.
- Airlines must process refunds within a set timeframe — typically 7 to 30 days depending on your payment method — if you're may have access to to one.
- Travel credits issued by airlines do not expire when ready and usually remain valid for one year, though the exact policy varies by carrier.
The three ticket types and what happens if you cancel
Basic economy fares are the cheapest option and come with no refund if you cancel. You lose the ticket price entirely. Some airlines allow you to change your flight to a different date at no extra charge, but only if you pay any fare difference — and you cannot convert it to cash. Basic economy typically also means no seat selection, no checked bags, and no priority boarding.
Standard or main cabin tickets fall in the middle. If you cancel, the airline will not refund your cash, but most will issue a travel credit (sometimes called a flight credit or airline credit) for the full ticket price. You can use this credit to book another flight on that airline within a set window — usually one year from the original booking date. The credit is tied to your name and booking reference, so you cannot transfer it to someone else or cash it out.
Refundable fares cost significantly more than non-refundable tickets, sometimes 50 to 200 percent more depending on the route and how far ahead you book. If you cancel a refundable ticket, the airline returns your money to your original payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account — within the timeframe required by law. You do not receive a credit; you receive actual cash back.
When the airline cancels or changes your flight
If the airline cancels your flight, you have two rights: you can receive a refund to your original payment method, or you can rebook on another flight to the same destination at no extra cost. This applies to every ticket type, including basic economy. The airline must offer you the refund option; you do not have to accept a rebooking or a travel credit.
If the airline changes your departure time significantly — typically more than two to three hours earlier or later, though this varies by airline and flight length — you can also request a refund instead of accepting the new time. Some airlines call this a "material change." Check your airline's policy or your booking confirmation to see the exact threshold. If you accept the new time, you have no refund claim.
Weather delays, mechanical issues, and crew problems are usually considered the airline's responsibility, so cancellations from these causes may have access to you to a refund. Strikes and "acts of God" (severe weather that makes flying impossible) are sometimes treated differently; some airlines will refund, others will only rebook. Read your airline's policy or contact them directly to confirm.
How to request a refund from the airline
Log into your airline account using your booking reference and email address. Most airlines have a "Manage My Booking" or "My Trips" section where you can view your reservation and select a cancellation or refund option. If the airline cancelled the flight, you should see a refund button or a rebooking option. Click the refund option and follow the prompts to confirm your request.
If you cannot find the refund option online, contact the airline's customer service by phone or chat. Have your booking reference, confirmation email, and payment method ready. Explain that the airline cancelled your flight (or changed it materially) and you want a refund to your original payment method. The airline will confirm your identity and process the request. Do not accept a travel credit if you want cash back — some agents will offer it first, and you have the right to refuse.
Keep a copy of your cancellation request and any confirmation number the airline provides. Take a screenshot of the airline's website showing the cancellation or change if possible. These records help if the refund is delayed or if you need to dispute it with your credit card company later.
How long refunds take and where the money goes
The timeframe for a refund depends on your payment method. If you paid with a credit card or debit card, the airline must issue the refund within 7 days in most cases, though it may take an additional 5 to 10 business days for your bank to post it to your account. If you paid with a bank transfer or check, the airline typically has 30 days. Some airlines are slower; check your airline's policy or your booking confirmation for their specific timeline.
The refund goes back to the same card or account you used to book the ticket. If you paid with a credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement. If you paid with a debit card, the money returns to your checking account. If you used a third-party payment service like PayPal or Apple Pay, the refund goes back to that service first, and you may need to transfer it to your bank account from there.
If more than 30 days have passed and you have not received your refund, contact your airline again with your confirmation number and ask for a status update. If the airline does not respond or refuses to refund you, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank. Most card companies will side with you if the airline cancelled the flight or made a material change.
Travel credits and how they work
When an airline issues a travel credit instead of a refund, the credit is a voucher for future travel on that airline only. You cannot use it on partner airlines, and you cannot cash it out. The credit is usually valid for one year from the original booking date, though some airlines extend this during high-demand periods or as a temporary policy.
To use a travel credit, log into your airline account and look for a "Manage Credits" or "My Funds" section. Enter the credit amount when you book a new flight. The new flight can be to any destination the airline serves, on any date within the credit's expiration window. If the new flight costs less than your credit, most airlines will not refund the difference — you lose it. If the new flight costs more, you pay the difference out of pocket.
Travel credits are usually non-transferable, meaning you cannot give them to a family member or friend. Some airlines have loosened this rule temporarily, so check your airline's current policy. If your credit expires unused, you cannot recover the money. Set a calendar reminder for a few months before the expiration date so you do not lose it.
Refunds for tickets bought through travel agencies or third-party sites
If you bought your ticket through a travel agency, Expedia, Kayak, or another booking site, the refund process is more complicated. These companies act as intermediaries between you and the airline. When you cancel, you must request the refund through the site where you booked, not directly from the airline.
The third-party site will process your request and then request the refund from the airline. This adds extra steps and can delay your money by several days or weeks. Some third-party sites charge a processing fee to issue a refund, even if the airline cancelled the flight — read their refund policy before you book.
If the airline cancelled your flight and you booked through a third party, you have the right to a refund from the airline. If the third-party site is slow to process it or charges a fee, you can contact the airline directly with your booking reference and request the refund yourself. The airline should honor it, though they may ask you to work through the booking site first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I bought a non-refundable ticket but my plans changed?
No, if you cancel a non-refundable ticket for personal reasons, you do not receive cash back. Most airlines will issue a travel credit for the full ticket price that you can use toward a future flight within one year. Some airlines allow you to change your flight to a different date at no extra charge if you pay any fare difference, but this is not a refund.
What if I bought a refundable ticket but the airline says they will only give me a credit?
If you bought a refundable fare, you have the right to a cash refund to your original payment method. Do not accept a travel credit. Contact the airline again and clearly state that you purchased a refundable ticket and want a refund, not a credit. If they refuse, dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank.
Do I get a refund if I miss my flight?
No. If you miss your flight due to a personal reason — traffic, oversleeping, or arriving late to the airport — the airline will not refund your ticket. Some airlines allow you to rebook on a later flight for a change fee, but this is at their discretion. Check your airline's policy on missed flights.
Can I get a refund if I bought the ticket with airline miles or points?
Refunds for award tickets (booked with miles or points) work differently than cash refunds. Most airlines will return your miles to your account if you cancel, but the exact policy varies. Some charge a cancellation fee in miles. Contact your airline's frequent flyer program to understand their refund policy for award tickets.
What if the airline goes out of business before I use my travel credit?
If an airline ceases operations, your travel credit becomes worthless and you typically cannot recover the money. This is a risk of holding airline credits. If you are concerned about an airline's financial stability, consider booking refundable fares or using a credit card that offers travel insurance or purchase protection.