Yes. For a flight to, from, or within the United States, you can choose a refund when the airline cancels and you decline rebooking and alternative compensation. Taking the replacement flight does not also entitle you to a full-ticket cancellation refund.
| Your choice | Refund treatment | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Decline replacement and voucher | Refund eligible under the cancellation rule | Make your choice clear; keep the cancellation notice |
| Take the replacement flight | No cancellation-based full-ticket refund | Use the alternative itinerary |
| Cancel your own trip | Different situation from airline cancellation | Check the terms for your booking |
Choose whether to travel
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s refund rule covers an airline cancellation regardless of the reason. If you decline the alternative flight and do not accept a voucher or other compensation, you are eligible for a refund under the rule. If you take the replacement flight, you cannot also claim a full-ticket refund based on the cancellation. A refund may exclude the value of transportation you already used.
This is about an airline cancelling the flight. If you decide to cancel your own trip, that is a different situation; do not assume the cancellation rule described here applies.
Make your choice clear
Airlines must issue automatic refunds when owed; a separate refund request is not the condition that creates this right. Make your decision about rebooking clear. If you booked through a travel agent, identify the merchant of record on your card statement. Vouchers and other alternative compensation require your affirmative consent.
Sample wording (not a submitted request): “My flight [number/date] was cancelled. I decline the replacement itinerary and travel credit. Please confirm the refund to my original payment method.” Keep your booking and cancellation details with the message so the recipient can identify the ticket.
Before deciding
- Confirm the airline cancelled the flight.
- State whether you decline both the replacement and travel credit.
- For an agent booking, identify the merchant of record on your statement.
Sources & scope
- U.S. DOT: Refunds ↗
- U.S. DOT: What airline passengers need to know about DOT's automatic refund rule ↗
- 14 CFR § 260.7: Alternative compensation ↗
Reviewed 2026-11-01. This summary is limited to the stated U.S. cancellation and alternative-compensation rules.