New Airline Refund Rules

New automatic airline refund rules are now in effect — here’s what’s covered

You’re entitled to an automatic refund if you don’t accept alternative transportation options offered by the airline or travel credits when one of the following happens:

Your flight is canceled

Your domestic flight is delayed by three hours or more

Your international flight is delayed by six hours or more

Your departure or arrival airport changes

The number of connections increases

Your cabin class has been downgraded

A change in aircraft or connecting airport is “less accessible or accommodating” to your disability

You’re also entitled to a refund if you pay for an additional service such as inflight Wi-Fi or seat selection, and the airline fails to provide the service. Checked bag fees are refundable when your baggage is delayed by:

12 or more hours for a domestic flight

15 to 30 hours for an international flight (depending on the length of the flight)

Not covered by the airlines.

If you purchased a non-refundable ticket and your flight delay doesn’t qualify as “significant” under the new guidelines, the airline isn’t required to provide you with a refund. In the U.S., airlines also aren’t required to refund you for delays that are considered uncontrollable. You typically won’t be eligible for a refund for unsatisfactory service or delays caused by:

Personal reasons (sickness, late for your flight, etc.)

Weather or natural disasters

Air traffic

Safety or security issues

Airlines aren’t required to reimburse you for incidental expenses you incur because of a delay, such as meals and lodging. However, depending on the situation and the airline, they may provide meal or hotel vouchers or reimburse you for additional expenses you incur. So be sure to reach out to the airline as soon as possible if you’re flight is delayed or canceled.