U.S. DOT refund rules for flight cancellations and delays
Start here when a U.S. itinerary changes because the airline cancelled the flight, changed the schedule significantly, or delayed baggage. This is different from choosing a restrictive fare: airline-caused disruption rights and fare-rule change fees are separate questions.
Quick answer
If the airline cancels or significantly changes the flight and you do not accept the alternative, refund rights may apply. If you voluntarily change your plans, the ticket's fare rules usually control the fee, credit, or refund outcome.
1. Refunds for cancellations
2. Significant delay / change
Published DOT reference thresholds commonly cited are:
- 3 hours for domestic itineraries
- 6 hours for international itineraries
Examples listed in DOT guidance include:
- Schedule shift
- Airport change
- Added connections
- Downgrade
3. Tarmac delay rules
- 3-hour limit for domestic flights
- 4-hour limit for international flights
- Exceptions include safety, security, and air traffic control constraints.
4. Baggage delay refunds
- 12 hours for domestic itineraries
- 15 hours for international itineraries under 12 hours in length
- 30 hours for international itineraries of 12 hours or more
5. Where this fits with airline fees
Use DOT refund rules when the problem is an airline-caused cancellation, significant schedule change, tarmac delay, or baggage delay timing issue.
Use the change and cancellation fee guide when the problem is a passenger-requested change, Basic Economy restriction, or fare credit rule.
Do you need a travel eSIM before you fly?
For international trips, an eSIM is most useful when you need data immediately after landing, want to avoid airport SIM counters, or do not trust your home carrier's roaming price.