My Flight Was Cancelled: What Do I Do? (Quick Answer)
Founder, TravelStacks
If your flight was cancelled, you are entitled to a full cash refund to your original payment method under DOT rules, no matter what the airline says about vouchers or credits. Here is exactly what to do in the next 30 minutes.
The Short Answer
If your flight was cancelled, you are entitled to a full cash refund to your original payment method under DOT rules, no matter what the airline says about vouchers or credits.
The reason for the cancellation does not matter. Weather, mechanical issues, staffing problems: all of them trigger the same cash refund obligation under the DOT final refund rule. The airline must refund you within 7 business days for credit card purchases. Your job right now is to request the refund in the right way and document everything.
What to Do Right Now
- 1
Decline any voucher or travel credit at the gate. Do not click accept in the airline app.
- 2
Ask for a cash refund in writing (email or airline app) citing the DOT refund rule.
- 3
Document everything: screenshots of cancellation notice, your refund request, the airline's response.
- 4
If refused, file a DOT complaint at transportation.gov/airconsumer.
- 5
If still unpaid after 7 business days, initiate a credit card chargeback citing services not rendered.
Speed matters here. The sooner you submit a written refund request that cites the specific DOT regulation, the sooner the airline's internal refund clock starts ticking. Requests that cite the regulation by name are processed faster than generic complaints.
What the Airline Will Try
Airlines have systematic tactics to avoid issuing cash refunds. Knowing them in advance means you will not be caught off guard.
- ›
Offering travel credit by default, without mentioning the cash option.
- ›
Claiming only certain types of cancellations qualify for refunds (they all do).
- ›
Saying the refund takes 7 to 20 days (it does, but it should come as cash, not credit).
Your Rights in One Sentence
Under the DOT final refund rule, airlines must refund cash to your original payment method for all cancellations, regardless of the reason.
Read the Full Guide
For the complete escalation sequence from initial request through small claims court, read the Flight Compensation Guide. If the airline has already denied your claim, go directly to the escalation guide. To start a claim with TravelStacks, visit /claim.