Find who issued your ticket
Open your airline confirmation or original booking email. If you booked directly, check the airline's official website or app. If you booked through an agency, check its cancellation instructions.
When your plans change
Need to cancel a flight? Start here.
If you decide not to take a booked flight, check your ticket rules, cancellation deadline, and refund or credit options before you act.
Discuss Travel Options ·Independent travel assistance, not an airline. For an existing booking, start with the airline or original ticket seller. Third-party assistance, if available, may involve fees and cannot guarantee a cancellation or refund.
Before you cancel
Three things to check first
Canceling a ticket yourself is different from an airline canceling your scheduled flight. Begin with your exact booking.
Read your fare's cancellation terms
Check whether your ticket is refundable, whether a fee applies, and whether you can receive a travel credit. Rules vary by fare, airline, seller, and route.
Act before the deadline
Some tickets lose remaining value if you miss the flight without canceling in advance. Review the time limit and complete any cancellation with the party responsible for your reservation.
Booked very recently? For qualifying airline tickets purchased at least seven days before departure, the airline must offer either a 24-hour penalty-free cancellation and refund or a 24-hour unpaid hold. The airline is not required to offer both. This federal airline requirement does not apply to bookings made through third-party travel agents. Check U.S. Department of Transportation guidance.
Know the difference
Will you get a refund, a credit, or neither?
The answer depends on why the trip is canceled and the conditions of your particular ticket.
You choose to cancel the trip
A refundable ticket may qualify for a refund under its terms. For many nonrefundable tickets, changing your plans does not automatically entitle you to cash back. A credit, fee, or loss of ticket value may apply.
Look for cancellation choices in your booking, and check the terms before confirming. If you have travel insurance, review its covered reasons and claim procedure separately.
The airline canceled or significantly changed your flight
Different U.S. refund protections can apply when the airline cancels or significantly changes a flight to, from, or within the United States and you do not accept the offered alternative or compensation.
That situation needs its own checklist: read what to do when the airline cancels your flight, or consult the DOT refund guidance.
Need to fly another day instead? Changing the date and canceling the ticket can have different costs. Compare both options before making a final decision. Read our flight change guide if rescheduling may work better. If you need an entirely new ticket, see our new flight booking checklist.
Who handles the booking?
Where should you request the cancellation?
Bought directly from an airline?
Start with the airline's official Manage Trip page or mobile app. Review any refund or credit estimate and save the cancellation confirmation.
Bought through a travel website or agent?
Check the booking confirmation to identify your ticket seller and its servicing policy. You may need to make the request through that seller rather than through an independent referral website.
Common questions
Canceling a flight booking: questions answered
Can I cancel a nonrefundable ticket?
You can usually cancel your booking, but a nonrefundable ticket may not qualify for a cash refund. Depending on your fare rules, you may receive a travel credit or lose the remaining ticket value. Check your airline's policy before canceling.
Does every booking qualify for a 24-hour full refund?
No. The U.S. airline rule covers qualifying bookings made at least seven days before departure and lets the airline provide either a 24-hour penalty-free refund option or a 24-hour unpaid hold. It does not require third-party ticket sellers to offer the same policy. Check the DOT rules.
Can I cancel a flight departing today?
It depends on the fare and the airline's deadlines. Review the booking and contact the airline or ticket issuer as soon as possible. Waiting until after departure may reduce or eliminate any credit you could otherwise receive.
What if the airline canceled the flight, not me?
Do not use the voluntary-cancellation rules without checking your options. Different refund and rebooking protections may apply. See our airline-canceled flight guide.
Still reviewing your options?
Need to discuss a different flight option?
If your travel plans changed and you may need a new reservation or an alternative itinerary, you can call an independent travel assistance agent to discuss possible booking options. For canceling your existing ticket or obtaining a refund, contact the airline or original ticket seller directly.
AirTripAssist is not affiliated with an airline. A separate reservation may involve different fares and provider fees. No cancellation, refund, or particular ticket availability is guaranteed.