The 2024 DOT Refund Rule: What Changed for Passengers

Before the 2024 rule, airlines had more discretion in how they handled refunds. The new rule established three major changes.

1. 1

   Automatic refunds: Airlines must now initiate refunds automatically for cancelled and significantly delayed flights, without requiring passengers to request them.

2. 2

   Defined significant change: The rule established specific thresholds (3 hours domestic, 6 hours international) for what constitutes a significant delay, removing ambiguity airlines exploited.

3. 3

   Ancillary fee refunds: Bag fees, seat fees, and other add-ons must be refunded when the underlying flight is cancelled.

"Automatic" is the key word. Airlines previously could wait for passengers to request refunds, knowing many never would. Now the airline must proactively issue the refund. If you do not receive an automatic refund for a cancelled flight, the airline is already in violation.

The 2024 rule added a new right: airlines must refund your checked bag fee if your bag is not delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights. This applies even if your flight was on time and you receive your bag eventually.

For more on the 2026 state of DOT rules, see our DOT rules guide. For the general refund process, read our refund guide. For baggage-specific rights, see our lost baggage guide.

If an airline fails to provide an automatic refund for a cancelled flight, file a DOT complaint citing the October 2024 final refund rule. The DOT is actively enforcing this rule and has already taken action against airlines that failed to comply.

For the complaint process, see our DOT complaint guide. For DOT rights, see our rights page. Check your flight for eligibility.