Flight Refund Help – What to Expect

When you're entitled to a refund

Whether you can get a cash refund depends mostly on the fare type you originally booked. Fully refundable fares can usually be refunded to your original payment method with no issue. Non-refundable fares — the most common type on discount tickets — are typically only eligible for a travel credit rather than cash back, unless the airline itself cancelled or significantly changed your flight, in which case stronger refund rights usually apply.

Most US airlines also allow a free cancellation or hold within 24 hours of booking, as long as the flight was booked at least a week before departure. If you're within that window, cancelling now could mean a full, fee-free refund.

How long refunds take

Processing times vary by airline and by how you paid. As a general guide, once a refund is approved it often takes somewhere between 7 and 20 business days to show up on a credit card statement. Refunds to a debit card or by check can sometimes take longer. If it's been well beyond that window, that's worth raising directly with the agent or the airline.

What an agent can help with

• Checking whether your specific fare is refundable or credit-only
• Explaining what applies if the airline changed or cancelled your flight
• Giving you a status update on a refund already in progress
• Walking through your options if you're inside the 24-hour booking window

If you also need to change dates rather than cancel outright, see our guide on changing or cancelling a flight by phone.

Common questions

Is my flight refundable?

It depends on your fare type. Fully refundable fares can be refunded to your original payment method. Non-refundable fares are often eligible for a travel credit instead, though exceptions can apply if the airline cancelled or significantly changed your flight.

How long does a refund take to process?

Once a refund is approved, it typically takes 7 to 20 business days to appear on a credit card statement, though this varies by airline and payment method.

What if the airline cancelled my flight?

If an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, you're generally entitled to a refund even on a non-refundable fare, rather than only a travel credit. An agent can confirm how this applies to your specific booking.