Airline added a connection: do you need a three-hour delay for a U.S. refund?

Count the connections

These rules cover scheduled flights to, from or within the U.S. An extra connection, or a different origin or destination airport, is a separate trigger.

Check timing and accessibility

Timing means earlier departure from the origin or later arrival at the destination: at least three hours domestically or six internationally.

For a passenger with a disability, a different connecting airport is listed; a substitute aircraft qualifies if a needed accessibility feature is unavailable. For others, a different connection airport alone does not meet the added-connection test; check other grounds and airline terms.

Decide before travelling

Decline changed travel, rebooking and compensation offered instead to receive that airfare refund. Continuing on the changed or replacement flight does not qualify.