Flight cancellation: refunds, credits and your rights
Whether you get money back depends on who cancelled and the fare you bought. Here is the short version, and how we handle it for Expedian Holidays bookings.
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Flight cancellation: refunds, credits and your rights
Cancelled within 24 hours of booking (booked 7+ days out): full refund. Airline cancelled or significantly changed your flight and you decline the alternative: full refund. Otherwise your fare rules decide. For an Expedian Holidays booking, call .
If the airline cancelled your flight
You can choose rebooking on the next available flight or a full refund of the unused ticket if you no longer want to travel. Under US DOT rules, the refund goes back to your original form of payment within 7 business days for card purchases. Airlines cannot force you to accept a voucher instead.
If you want to cancel
| Fare | Typical outcome |
|---|---|
| Refundable | Refund, minus any penalty in the fare rules |
| Standard non-refundable | Future travel credit with the airline |
| Basic economy | Usually no value except some government taxes |
| Any fare within 24 hours of booking (booked 7+ days out) | Full refund |
Flights to and from Europe
For flights departing the EU or UK, or arriving there on an EU or UK airline, EU Regulation 261/2004 and its UK equivalent can add cash compensation when the airline cancels with less than 14 days' notice or you arrive more than 3 hours late. Amounts range from €250 to €600 depending on distance, unless the airline can show extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather.
Who processes your cancellation
The agency or airline that issued your ticket. For Expedian Holidays bookings that is us. If you booked elsewhere, contact that company.
How the booking process works
- 1Search or callEnter your route and dates above, or call the desk and tell an advisor where you want to go.
- 2Compare optionsAirline, departure times, connections and fare family, with what each fare includes for bags and changes.
- 3Hear the totalBase fare, every tax and carrier charge, and any service fee, quoted as one figure.
- 4Approve and payPayment is processed securely by , the merchant of record on your statement.
- 5Receive your ticketBooking reference, the airline's six-character record locator and a 13-digit e-ticket number per traveller.
- 6Verify with the airlineLook up the record locator on the airline's own website to confirm the booking.
Important information
Flight Cancellation: frequently asked questions
Do I have to cancel before departure?
Yes. If you do not show up and did not cancel, the airline may cancel the rest of the itinerary and the fare may lose all value.
Can I get a refund for a cancelled connecting flight?
If the airline cancels any part of your trip and you decline the alternative, you can get a refund for the unused portion.
Sources and rules referenced: US DOT refund rule, 14 CFR Part 260; EU Regulation (EC) No 261/2004; UK Regulation 261 as retained.
Ready to book, or just have a question?
There is no charge to ask, and we will tell you when booking direct is cheaper.