If you are traveling today
- 1
Check the entire itinerary
Check every flight, connection, airport, traveler, and separate ticket. Do not look only at the canceled flight.
- 2
Review the airline's offer
The app or notice may show a new flight. Check the date, airport, connection, seats, and arrival time.
- 3
Contact the operating airline
For same-day airport help, the operating airline has the latest flight options.
- 4
Tell the original ticket issuer
If an agency issued the ticket, tell it too. Check before making a change that could affect other flights.
Rebooking or refund?
If the airline offers a flight that works, rebooking may solve the problem. If the airline canceled or made a major change, you may have refund rights when you reject the new flight.
The facts of your trip matter. Read the U.S. Department of Transportation refund page. Then contact the original merchant or ticket issuer.
When a travel agency sold the ticket
Use the receipt and card statement to find the ticket issuer and merchant. An agency that did not issue the ticket may not be able to change or refund it.
Ask the original agency who will handle any refund. Also ask whether its service fee can be refunded.
Keep a simple evidence file
Documents do not promise that you will get money back. They make it easier to follow up with the airline, agency, insurer, card issuer, or consumer office.
- Original and updated itinerary
- Airline cancellation or schedule-change notice
- E-ticket and receipt
- Screenshots of offered alternatives
- Agency and airline case numbers
- Representative names and call times
- Receipts for additional expenses
What not to assume
- The first automated alternative is your only choice
- Canceling always means a cash refund
- A booking reference identifies the merchant
- The airline will automatically protect a separate ticket
- An agency service fee follows the same refund rule as airfare