FIRST 5 MINUTES: Do This Now
Do NOT leave the gate area. Get in the airline rebooking line AND call their reservations number simultaneously on your phone. Have your confirmation number ready. The person who acts fastest gets the best rebooking options.
Your Rights by Region
United States (DOT Rules): Full cash refund OR rebooking. Airlines cannot force vouchers. See our US DOT refund guide for details.
Europe/UK (EU261/UK261): Automatic compensation of €250–€600 PLUS rebooking or refund. See our EU261 guide and UK261 guide.
Canada (APPR): Rebooking on next available flight at no cost, meals and accommodation, plus compensation up to $1,000 CAD. See Canada APPR guide.
Asia/Australia: Rights vary by country. See our Asia and Australia guides.
Getting Rebooked
Same Airline vs. Different Airline
- Same airline: They rebook you on their next flight at no cost. This is automatic in the US, EU, Canada, and Australia.
- Different airline: Ask the airline to rebook you on a competitor's flight if that gets you there faster. You don't pay extra.
- No same-day availability: You're entitled to a full cash refund (US, EU, UK, Canada) or rebooking on the next available flight.
Pro tip
Ask the airline to rebook you on the FIRST available flight to your destination with ANY airline, not just them. Many passengers don't know they can request this.
Cash Refund vs. Voucher — Know the Difference
- US (DOT): Cash refund within 7 days. Not a voucher. Not a credit.
- EU/UK: Cash refund or rebooking — your choice.
- Canada: Refund or rebooking — your choice.
Vouchers often expire, have blackout dates, or become worthless if the airline goes bankrupt. Cash is almost always the better choice.
Meals, Hotels & Transportation
If your rebooking is hours away, airlines must provide:
- Meals — free food and drinks (or meal vouchers)
- Hotel — if overnight stay is required
- Transportation — taxi/shuttle to and from the hotel
Keep all receipts. If the airline won't provide these directly, pay out of pocket and claim reimbursement later.
Document Everything
Even if you accept rebooking, you may be entitled to additional compensation. You need proof:
- Photo of the cancelled flight on the departures board (with timestamp)
- Boarding pass or e-ticket confirmation
- Any emails/texts from the airline about the cancellation
- Rebooking confirmation with date/time
- All receipts: meals, hotel, transportation, phone calls
Credit Card Protections
If you paid with a premium credit card (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture), check if your card includes trip cancellation coverage. Many reimburse $500–$10,000 for cancellations. Call the concierge number on the back of your card. See credit card travel protection for specific card benefits.
If the Airline Refuses
- Demand to speak to a supervisor. Be calm but firm.
- Cite the regulation: DOT (US), EU261 (Europe), UK261 (UK), or APPR (Canada).
- Get the supervisor's name and ask for their refusal in writing.
- File a regulatory complaint within 24 hours.
- Dispute the charge with your credit card company.
For detailed escalation steps, see our guide on what to do when airlines deny refunds.
Your action checklist
1. Stay at the airport. 2. Get in line AND call simultaneously. 3. Demand cash refund if no same-day rebooking. 4. Collect all receipts. 5. Photo everything. 6. File regulatory complaints within 24 hours. 7. Contact your credit card company. 8. Keep detailed notes of who you spoke to and when.
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