Flight refund rights: when you get your money back in the EU, UK and US

If an airline cancels your flight, the first question is whether you get cash back or only a voucher. The answer depends on where the flight operates, and the rules in the EU, the UK and the US differ in the details. Here is the practical version, with links to the official texts.

European Union and United Kingdom

Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 applies to flights departing from an EU airport, and to flights arriving in the EU on an EU carrier. The UK kept the same rules as UK261 for flights departing from the UK and for UK carriers arriving in the UK.

When a flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a choice (Article 8):

1. A refund of the ticket price within 7 days, for the unused part of the trip (and for the used part too, if the flight no longer serves your purpose).
2. Re-routing to your destination at the earliest opportunity.
3. Re-routing at a later date that suits you, subject to seat availability.

The choice is yours, not the airline's. A voucher is only valid if you agree to it. The refund can go to your card, by bank transfer or in vouchers if you sign for them.

The refund is separate from compensation. Whether you also receive a cash payment of €250, €400 or €600 depends on the notice you were given and the reason for the cancellation. See flight delay and cancellation compensation.

The text is on EUR-Lex: Regulation 261/2004. For UK flights see the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

United States

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) requires an automatic refund when:

• the airline cancels a flight, or makes a significant change to it, and you do not take the alternative offered;
• a domestic flight is delayed by 3 hours or more, or an international flight by 6 hours or more, and you choose not to travel.

Key points of the rule:

• The refund goes to the original form of payment. An airline cannot default to a voucher.
• Card payments must be refunded within 7 business days, other payment methods within 20 calendar days.
• If you accept a rebooking or a credit, you do not get the automatic refund.
• Delays and cancellations in the US do not create a right to cash compensation, except for involuntary denied boarding.

Details are on the DOT airline passenger refunds page.

If you changed your mind (voluntary cancellation)

None of the rules above gives you a refund just because your plans changed. What you get depends on the fare:

• Non-refundable fares usually return only airport taxes and fees. In the EU and UK, taxes and charges that you did not use are generally refundable even on cheap fares, though airlines may charge an admin fee.
• Flexible and refundable fares return the full price or the price minus a fee.
• In the US, tickets bought directly from the airline can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours if you booked at least 7 days before departure.

Booked through an agency

If you bought through an online travel agency, the refund usually has to come through the agency. The airline may say it has already paid the agency. Keep the booking number, ask the agency in writing, and set a date. If it does not respond, a chargeback with your card issuer is available for services not provided.

How to ask for a refund

1. Use the airline's refund form on its website, not the call center, so that you have a written record.
2. Say which law you rely on (Article 8 of Regulation 261/2004, or the DOT refund rule).
3. Attach the cancellation notice and booking confirmation.
4. If there is no answer within the stated time, escalate: a national enforcement body in the EU, the UK CAA, or a DOT complaint at transportation.gov.

Travel insurance can cover costs that the airline does not refund. See travel insurance for trips abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Can the airline give me a voucher instead of a refund?

In the EU and UK only if you agree. In the US, the DOT rule requires a refund to the original payment when the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you decline the alternative.

How long does a refund take?

In the EU and UK the regulation says 7 days. In the US it is 7 business days for credit cards and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.

Do I get a refund if the airline delays my flight?

In the US, yes for a delay of 3 hours or more on a domestic flight and 6 hours or more on an international one, if you choose not to fly. In the EU and UK a refund for a long delay applies from 5 hours.

Do I also get compensation?

Possibly in the EU and UK, depending on notice and cause. In the US not for cancellations or delays. See the compensation guide linked above.

Cover: photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels