How to Get a Refund for a Delayed or Canceled Flight
Travelers can turn to these flight refund guidelines when their plans are disrupted by bad weather or airline mishaps.


It can be a challenge navigating holiday travel. Even with tedious planning, that kind of peak-season congestion can lead to delays, cancellations and missed connections.
Whether your trip is interrupted by severe weather or airport overcrowding, it’s important to know your rights.
From getting a refund to rebooking your flight, understanding airline policies and federal regulations can help you avoid paying out of pocket when your plans go sideways. So, how can you get your money back if you're affected?
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Protect your travel plans from weather delays
When traveling it's common for storms to pop up. If you live in or plan to travel in an area where inclement weather is common, make sure to pay close attention to weather forecasts.
Even with preparation, things can happen that cause delays: Airline staffing issues, computer glitches and delays from connecting airports can cause a ripple effect that could add time to your travel.
Airlines aren't always prepared to respond, despite years of warnings. Compensation for passengers can be slow and painful to extract.
So educate yourself before you head to the airport, and use the compensation guidance below if your travel plans get derailed.
How to get your refund
So your flight was canceled or delayed — now what? Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) Airline Customer Service Dashboard, where you can compare the refund and reimbursement policies of the 10 biggest U.S. airlines.
According to the DoT's information, Alaska and JetBlue are the top carriers in terms of assisting customers with disrupted travel plans, while Frontier is by far the worst.
Find your airline in the tables below and check if your disruption is covered under their policies.
Airline customer service list
Once you've determined whether your airline covers your situation, contact them via their respective customer service website:
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- JetBlue Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- United Airlines
Airport travel tips:
- Download your airline's app: If your flight delays, chances are customer service phone and physical lines will be long. Often, you can reschedule flights through your airline on their app quicker.
- Consider an airport lounge: Airports charge excessive prices for food and water. Instead of waiting in long lines, an airport lounge gives you a quiet place to relax, have a good meal, and even with a delay, you can rest comfortably.
- Have a credit card with trip insurance: Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer trip cancellation insurance if a flight cancels due to unexpected inclement weather, sickness and other covered events.
Earn rewards faster and enjoy exclusive perks, including complimentary airport lounge access when you add one of Kiplinger's top airline cards to your wallet, powered by Bankrate. Advertising disclosure.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Ben Demers manages digital content and engagement at Kiplinger, informing readers through a range of personal finance articles, e-newsletters, social media, syndicated content, and videos. He is passionate about helping people lead their best lives through sound financial behavior, particularly saving money at home and avoiding scams and identity theft. Ben graduated with an M.P.S. from Georgetown University and a B.A. from Vassar College. He joined Kiplinger in May 2017.
-
A Comfortable Retirement is About More Than Money
When it comes to a happy retirement, money can’t buy these things.
-
Four Ways a Massive Emergency Fund Can Hurt You More Than It Helps
Saving too much could mean you're missing opportunities to put your money to work. Redirect some of that money toward paying off debt, building retirement funds, fulfilling a dream or investing in higher-growth options.
-
Noctourism: The New Travel Trend For Your Next Trip
"Noctourism" is a new trend of building travel and vacations around events and plans that take place at night. Take a look at some inspiring noctourism ideas.
-
Eight Tricks to Shop for Glasses if You're Over 50
Shopping for glasses often gets trickier — and more expensive — as you age. If you've over 50, take these steps when you set out to buy a new pair.
-
My First $1 Million: Electric Utility Executive, 56, South Carolina
Ever wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
How to Turn Amazon Prime Day Into a Travel Windfall
During Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, skip the fluff — here’s how to extract real travel value via gear, services and strategic credit cards.
-
Need a Reason to Retire Early? Consider These Eye-Opening Stats
The majority of people retire early, leaving the workforce before reaching their Full Retirement Age (FRA). Maybe you should, too.
-
Seven Things You Should Do Before 2026 Because of One Big Beautiful Bill Changes
The new law ushers in significant changes for most taxpayers. Make these moves now to take advantage of them.