Thanksgiving flight canceled or changed? Your right to an automatic cash refund

What's happened

Thanksgiving is on November 26, 2026, and it's one of the busiest weeks of the year to fly. If your flight is canceled or badly changed, US Department of Transportation (DOT) rules say you're owed a refund in your original form of payment, not just a travel credit.

The rules, finalized in 2024, are in 14 CFR part 260, and they're still in force. There's one recent change to know about. On July 7, 2026, DOT said it will keep not enforcing the refund rules for flights that are only renumbered, as long as you're rebooked on the new flight number and it runs without a significant change or delay. That enforcement pause runs until July 7, 2027. DOT is also working on a separate rulemaking that would change the definition of a canceled flight, and that's still pending. If a renumbering comes with a real disruption, DOT says the refund rules remain fully enforceable.

Who's affected

Anyone flying to, from or within the US on a scheduled passenger flight, with a US or foreign airline. The rules cover nonrefundable tickets too.

A "significant change" includes:

• departing 3 hours or more earlier, or arriving 3 hours or more later, on a domestic trip, or 6 hours or more on an international one
• a different departure or arrival airport
• an extra connection you didn't book
• a downgrade to a lower class of service
• for travelers with a disability, different connecting airports, or a substitute aircraft without the accessibility features they need

A checked bag is "significantly delayed" if it isn't delivered within 12 hours of your last flight landing on a domestic trip, or within 15 hours on an international trip (30 hours if the nonstop leg to or from the US is longer than 12 hours).

What the rules say

• Refunds are automatic if your flight is canceled and you're offered no alternative, if you reject the changed flight or rebooking, or if you don't respond and the flight leaves without you.
• It's the full fare, including taxes and any extra fees you paid, such as seat selection.
• It must be prompt: within 7 business days for credit card purchases, and 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card and other payments.
• It goes back the way you paid, unless you agree to a cash equivalent. Airlines can't charge a processing fee.
• A credit is your choice. You're only treated as accepting a voucher instead of a refund if you actively agree to it. Any voucher offered instead of a refund must be valid for at least five years.
• Bag fees come back for a significantly delayed bag, as long as you file a mishandled baggage report with the airline.
• Paid extras that aren't provided, such as Wi-Fi or a seat you paid for, must be refunded.

A worked example

This is an illustration, not a real case.

Maria pays $230 by credit card for a one-way domestic flight on Wednesday, November 25, plus $30 for a seat. The airline moves her flight so it now lands 4 hours later. That's a significant change. She rejects the new time and books another airline. She's owed $260, the fare, taxes and seat fee, back on her card within 7 business days.

On a different trip, Maria's checked bag, which cost her $40, turns up 15 hours after she lands. She files a mishandled baggage report at the airport, so the airline owes her the $40 bag fee back.

What to do now

1. Turn on airline alerts in the app or by text, so you hear about changes quickly.
2. Don't accept a credit by accident. If you'd rather have the money, choose the refund option, and screenshot what you're offered.
3. File a report for a late bag before you leave the airport, and keep the reference number.
4. Chase it in writing if the money hasn't arrived after 7 business days (card) or 20 calendar days (other payments).
5. Complain to DOT through its air travel consumer complaint process if the airline won't pay. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge.

FAQs

Do I get compensation for a long delay, like in Europe?

No. These rules are about refunds when you don't fly the changed trip, not extra compensation. Some airlines offer meals, hotels or credits during disruptions, but that's their own policy.

My flight number changed but nothing else did. Can I get a refund?

Probably not right now. DOT has said it won't enforce the refund rules for a flight that's only renumbered and runs without a significant change, until July 7, 2027.

What if the airline cancels and I take the rebooking?

Then you've accepted the alternative and aren't owed a fare refund, though any paid extras you lose, like a seat you paid for, should be refunded.

Sources: 14 CFR 260.2: definitions, 14 CFR 260.4: ancillary fees, 14 CFR 260.5: delayed bags, 14 CFR 260.6: refunds for canceled or changed flights, 14 CFR 260.7: consent to alternatives, 14 CFR 260.10: providing refunds, Federal Register, July 7, 2026: Airline refunds and other consumer protections