Cancellation and refund

Two different sets of rules decide the outcome, and which one applies depends on who canceled. When you withdraw from the journey, the fare conditions govern: a refundable fare returns money, a great many fares return a travel credit, and the most restricted return nothing beyond certain taxes. When the airline cancels the flight, or changes it significantly and you decline the alternative offered, U.S. Department of Transportation rules generally require a refund to the original form of payment. Where the federal rules require a refund, you receive it.

Before anything is filed, an agent reads your fare and sends an estimate: the amount expected back, the airline's deduction, and any desk fee. That lets you weigh canceling against moving the dates or leaving the booking as it stands.

On your approval the cancellation is filed and the claim is followed with the airline until the money lands. Refunds return to the card or account that paid. The expected timing is stated at the moment the claim goes in.

How it works

1. 1

   Say what to cancel

   The booking reference, the travelers withdrawing, and whether the whole itinerary or one sector.

2. 2

   Estimate issued

   The expected refund or credit, the airline's deduction and any desk fee, in writing.

3. 3

   Your instruction

   Nothing is canceled without your written word. A canceled ticket is rarely recoverable, so the estimate is worth a second reading.

4. 4

   Claim followed

   The refund is tracked with the airline and reported to you at each stage until it reaches you.