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?

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Slip Ahead of Big Earnings, Inflation Week
Perhaps uncertainty about tariffs, inflation, interest rates and economic growth can only be answered with earnings.
-
Ask the Editor — Tax Questions on "The One Big Beautiful Bill Act"
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on the new tax law.
-
The Anti-Prime Day Deals Guide to Everyday Essentials Worth Stocking Up on at Walmart, Target and Sam's Club
Skip Amazon and shop these anti-Prime Day deals at Walmart, Target or Sam's Club to save on all of your household essentials.
-
Amtrak Joins Prime Day With Deals on Fares — But You’ll Have to Act Fast
Prime members can score 20% off midweek fares — what travelers should know before booking.
-
Florida Revives Popular Home-Hardening Program With $280M in New Funding
A major infusion of state funds revives Florida's flagship home-hardening grant program to protect homeowners and potentially lower insurance costs.
-
TSA Expands Precheck Benefits for Military, Gold Star Families and Veterans
Enhanced "Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease" initiative lowers barriers to expedited screening for service members and their loved ones.
-
The Hated TSA Shoe Removal Rule Was Finally Phased Out
After nearly 20 years, the TSA is ending its shoes-off policy. Travelers will still need a Real ID, and advanced screening remains in place. Here’s what to expect on your next flight.
-
Last Chance to Shop These Under-$100 Prime Day Deals for a Smarter, Safer Home: Ring Doorbells, Nest Thermostats, Leak Detectors and More
These under-$100 Prime Day deals on Ring, Blink, Nest and other top smart home brands are disappearing after today.
-
Forget Prime Day: Top Walmart Anti-Prime Deals You Can't Miss
Walmart Deals runs through July 13, giving shoppers two extra days compared to Amazon Prime. Here are the best anti-Prime deals to consider.
-
46 Anti-Prime Day Tech Deals You Should Get from Best Buy's Black Friday in July Sale Instead
Apple, Blink, Garmin, Samsung and more leading tech brands are on sale at Best Buy's competing Prime Day sale this week.