Can you get refunds on plane tickets? A comprehensive guide to refund policies

If your travel plans are still in flux, opting for a super cheap fare might be risky. Having the option to receive a full refund on an unused ticket offers great flexibility when needed. However, there are important differences between non-refundable and refundable airline tickets. So, how do you find a clear answer to the crucial question: can you get refunds on plane tickets?

In this piece

Understanding the differences between refundable and non-refundable tickets

When you purchase a non-refundable ticket, if you don’t board your flight, the airlines are not required to refund your money. In contrast, a refundable ticket allows you to cancel your journey and receive your funds back.

What’s the downside? The cost. A fully refundable ticket often comes at a significantly higher price than a non-refundable one. For example, I looked up a flight from LAX to NYC and discovered that fully refundable options on one flight were twice as expensive as the non-refundable fares. Additionally, some airlines may impose a fee for processing your refund, and you might only have a limited time to request it.

It’s important to remember that regardless of the ticket type, if an airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a refund. Moreover, in recent years, many major US airlines have eliminated change or cancellation fees, allowing you to adjust your flight for just the fare difference.

Grasping the policies surrounding refundable airline tickets

Airlines have their own contracts of carriage that outline how they handle refunds, cancellations, and other situations. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) ensures airlines comply with these contracts, while also enforcing regulations that protect travelers across all airlines.

For example, the “24-hour rule” permits anyone, even those with non-refundable tickets, to cancel their reservation and receive a full refund within 24 hours of booking, provided the ticket was bought at least seven days before the flight's departure.

When reviewing airline cancellation policies, you’ll find that many highlight this 24-hour rule as a feature of their customer service. However, it’s important to note that it is a federal mandate. This rule requires airlines to either refund travelers or allow them to reserve the fare without payment for 24 hours; they aren't obligated to provide both options.

If you choose to cancel your flight for a refund, be aware that you may face higher prices if you decide to rebook later. The 24-hour rule is applicable only when tickets are purchased directly from the airline. Generally, airlines will refund non-refundable tickets if the cancellation or major change is due to their error, but not if you simply choose not to fly—even in the case of illness.

Typical refund policies among leading airlines

While federal regulations enforce the 24-hour rule, airlines set their own cancellation fee policies. Most offer both refundable and non-refundable tickets. If you opt for a non-refundable ticket, you can usually modify your travel dates, and some airlines may waive change fees. It’s advisable to review the specific airline's policy to understand your entitlements.

Can you get a refund on Delta plane tickets?

Delta provides both refundable and non-refundable tickets for domestic and international flights. If you need to cancel a non-refundable ticket, Delta will not impose a cancellation fee if you hold a Main Cabin ticket (which is above Basic Economy) for travel within the US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, or if your journey originates in the US and goes anywhere globally.

Can you get a refund for tickets purchased from American Airlines?

If you purchase a refundable ticket from American Airlines, they will return your refund to the original payment method within 7 days. Similar to most airlines, American does not issue refunds for non-refundable tickets, but you can cancel without incurring a fee and retain the ticket's value as trip credit, valid for one year from the issue date.

Are plane tickets refundable on Frontier Airlines?

Does travel insurance cover changes to non-refundable flights?

If you don't possess a fully refundable ticket, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers unforeseen circumstances like sudden illness or family emergencies. Standard travel insurance typically covers cancellations for valid reasons, but not merely if you change your mind. If you tend to change plans frequently, look for a cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) add-on, which allows cancellations for reasons outside the standard policy coverage.

These policies tend to be pricier, so it’s wise to compare their costs against fully refundable tickets (CFAR makes the most sense for trips with multiple components, such as flights, hotels, cruises, etc.).

How Dinogo curates this guide

As a consumer advice columnist for Travel + Leisure and the author of the 'Takeoffs and Landings' column in The Wall Street Journal, I derive an unusual amount of joy from untangling the complexities of airline contracts. This guide is shaped by my travel experiences and valuable insights from Dinogo’s experts. With rules that are constantly evolving, I do the research so you don’t have to.

Most airlines provide both refundable and non-refundable tickets, each with their own unique rules and fees concerning cancellations and refunds. It's advisable to review an airline’s specific policies before making a reservation, as travel agencies or websites may have their own refund guidelines.

For additional details on booking various fare types or to learn about the differences between premium economy and economy seats or business class and first class flights, be sure to consult the ultimate flight guide for comprehensive insights.