Refund vs. Travel Credit: What Happens When a Flight Is Cancelled
When a flight is cancelled — whether by you or by the airline — the outcome usually falls into one of two categories: a refund back to your original payment method, or a travel credit/voucher you can apply to a future booking. Which one applies depends on why the flight was cancelled and what fare you purchased.
When a refund is typically owed
In general, if an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight (schedule change, route change, or cancellation initiated by the carrier), you are commonly entitled to request a refund to your original payment method, even on a "non-refundable" fare, since the airline did not deliver the itinerary you purchased.
When a travel credit is more likely
If you cancel a non-refundable fare voluntarily, outside of any applicable 24-hour window, airlines typically issue a travel credit or voucher for future use rather than a cash refund. Credit terms — expiration dates, whether they're transferable, and any reissue fees — vary by airline and fare type.
- Airline-initiated cancellation or major schedule change: refund is commonly available on request
- Passenger-initiated cancellation on a non-refundable fare: usually a travel credit
- Fully refundable fare: cash refund regardless of who cancels
- Cancellation within 24 hours of booking (7+ days before departure): often a full refund under U.S. federal rule — see our 24-hour rule guide
What to check before you cancel
Before cancelling, review your fare rules for refund eligibility, any deadline for requesting a refund versus credit, and whether the credit (if offered) can be used by someone else or must be used by the original passenger. If your flight was booked through a third-party site, see our guide on managing a flight booked through Expedia, Booking.com, or Priceline.
Need help sorting out your options?
Contact Fos Travel Deals and we can help you understand what you're likely entitled to before you submit a cancellation request.