How to get money back from an airline on flights you've already purchased using price alerts (2024)

FAQs

What to do if an airline won't refund your money? ›

If you contact the airline or ticket agent to obtain a required refund and you are refused that refund, you should file a complaint against the airline or ticket agent with the Department at https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.

Refundable Plane Tickets. Purchasing a nonrefundable plane ticket means if you cancel your trip, you are not entitled to a cash refund of the full fare of your ticket. On the other hand, a refundable plane ticket allows you to cancel your airfare and receive a refund to your method of payment.

Regardless whether you cancel your flight months in advance, or you miss it due to some unforeseen issue on the way to the airport, you have a right to the same refund of taxes and fees from the airline. This is because in either case, you have not used the flight and are therefore not liable to pay these costs.

The cost of an airline ticket tends to be a deciding factor in buying a ticket, along with comfort and convenience. One of those conveniences is the ability to refund your ticket. U.S. airlines that offer refundable tickets include Southwest, JetBlue, Delta, United, and American.

There are some cases that an airline might deem eligible for free change or cancellation even on non-refundable tickets. These are generally in extraordinary circ*mstances, particularly in the case of a death in the family.

Most airlines offer both refundable and non-refundable plane tickets, and each airline is free to establish its own rules and fees for cancellations and refunds. It's always best to check an airline's own policies before booking, as travel agencies or websites may have their own refund rules.

if you cancel your booking, the refund amount depends on your flight's fare type, and the modification time window. Only taxes are refunded. Modification is done more than 72 hours before departure: No additional charges. Modification is done more than 48 hours before departure: No additional charges.

If you purchased a round-trip flight and need to change the first leg to a different day, your best bet will likely be to pay the change fee and book a new flight. If you only need to change the return portion of a round trip, however, it may be cheaper to book a new one-way flight than to pay the cancellation fee.

How long before a flight can I cancel a refundable ticket? ›

You have 24 hours from the time you first buy your ticket for a refund if you booked at least 2 days before departure. The 24-hour refund policy applies to all ticket types, but you have to cancel the trip to get a refund.* Reservations booked as part of group block do not qualify for the 24-hour refund.

If an airline refuses to refund you the money you deserve, you can file a consumer complaint with the Aviation Consumer Protection division of the DOT. Complaints submitted to the DOT are available to the news media and the public.

If the airline refuses to provide you with a refund or travel voucher after that, you may have a viable claim in court. You will need to show that the airline violated a refund policy under its contract of carriage.

When you first contact your airline, aim to set out your case clearly and concisely. Explain what happened and when, and why you feel you are entitled to receive a payment. Send your claim to the airline's customer relations department. You can escalate your complaint if you don't get the result you hoped for.

You should get the refund within 7 days of the date of the flight.