How to Get a Refund for a Delayed or Canceled Flight

A senior couple examines their boarding passes while at the airport.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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?

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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 flight cancellation compensation policies

Airline customer service list

Once you've determined whether your airline covers your situation, contact them via their respective customer service website:

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.

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.