When Can You Cancel a Flight and Get a Refund?
Airlines typically offer different fare classes:
- Basic Economy: Usually non-refundable and non-changeable
- Main Cabin/Flexible Economy: Changeable for a fee
- Premium/Business/First Class: Often includes free changes and refunds
Even if your ticket is labeled non-refundable, airlines may still offer full or partial refunds in certain situations.
Common Scenarios Where Refunds or Free Changes Apply
Flight canceled or significantly delayed
If your airline cancels or severely delays your flight, you're generally entitled to:
- A free rebooking
- Or a full refund (even on non-refundable tickets)
Example: United Airlines considers a delay of more than 2 hours as grounds for a refund.
Involuntary changes to your itinerary
Did your direct flight suddenly become a layover? Did the airline change your departure time by 5+ hours?
That’s called a schedule change, and you can typically:
- Rebook without a fee
- Or request a refund if the new itinerary doesn't work for you
Illness, emergencies, or medical conditions
If you’re unable to travel due to illness or hospitalization, most airlines will allow you to cancel or rebook — with proper documentation:
- Doctor’s note
- Hospital admission form
- Positive COVID test (still accepted in many policies)
How to Cancel or Reschedule a Flight
Whether you booked through the airline or a third-party service like Expedia or Google Flights, the process is similar:
- Log in to your account or enter your booking reference
- Find your reservation
- Choose "Cancel flight" or “Change flight”
- Follow the on-screen steps to complete the process
- Upload any required documents (for medical refunds, etc.)
Tip: Cancel as early as possible. Some airlines offer full refunds if you cancel within 24 hours of booking, or reduced change fees if done 60+ days before departure.
Flight Change and Refund Policies: Major Airlines (2025)
| Airline | Refund/Change Policy |
| Delta Air Lines | No change fees for most tickets (except Basic). Full refund for flight disruptions over 2 hours. |
| American Airlines | Free same-day changes for elite members. Refunds on non-refundable fares only in case of cancellation or emergencies. |
| United Airlines | No change fees for most economy fares. Full refund if delayed over 2 hours or if the new schedule is unacceptable. |
| Ryanair | No refunds on standard fares. Date changes allowed for a fee (~€45–60), plus fare difference. |
| easyJet | Cancellation fee of ~£49 if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. Changes allowed with fee and fare difference. |
| Air Canada | Free changes on most fares purchased directly. Medical refunds allowed with documentation. |
Refund vs. Rebooking: What's Better?
| Situation | Best Option |
| Flight canceled by airline | Full refund or free rebook |
| Minor schedule change | Free rebook |
| Medical emergency | Refund with documentation |
| Change of travel plans (personal) | Rebooking (fee may apply) |
| Visa issues | Request refund with proof |
Key Takeaways
- Refundable vs. non-refundable: Understand what your fare includes before you book.
- Major delays, medical issues, and flight cancellations can often override normal fare rules.
- Act quickly: The sooner you request a change, the more options (and refunds) you’ll have.
- Always check the airline’s website for the most up-to-date policies before canceling.
