What counts as a significant delay under DOT rules?

For domestic US flights, a delay of 3 or more hours from the scheduled departure time. For international flights to or from the US, a delay of 6 or more hours. A change of departure or arrival airport also qualifies as a significant change.

How do I know if EU261 applies to my flight?

EU261 applies if your flight departed from any EU airport regardless of which airline operated it, or if your flight arrived in the EU and was operated by an EU-based carrier. Check the country of departure and the carrier's home country to determine applicability.

How long does it take to get a refund?

Under DOT rules, airlines must refund within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for cash or check. EU261 refunds should also process within 7 days. If the airline misses these deadlines, that is itself a violation.

Can I claim if I booked through a travel agent?

Yes. The refund obligation is on the operating airline. Your travel agent may be able to facilitate the request, but you can also contact the airline directly. Document your requests to both.

What if I already flew part of the journey?

If you completed one leg and the return or connecting leg was cancelled, you are entitled to a refund for the unused portion. For EU261, if the disruption prevented you from reaching your final destination, you may be entitled to the full ticket price refund.

Does this work for Spirit or Frontier Airlines?

Yes. DOT refund rules apply to all US carriers including Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, and other ultra-low-cost carriers. No US airline is exempt from the federal refund obligation.

What if the airline offers to rebook me instead of paying a refund?

Rebooking is one option, but it is not a substitute for a cash refund unless you choose it. If you prefer cash, decline the rebooking and explicitly request a refund in writing.

What is the difference between a refund and compensation?

A refund returns the money you paid for the ticket. Compensation (under EU261 or UK261) is additional money the airline owes you for the disruption itself, separate from the ticket cost. Under US DOT rules, refunds are required but additional fixed compensation is not mandated by federal regulation.

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Refund How-ToMay 20, 2026•3 min read

How to Get Money Back From Your Airline (Quick Answer)

Loren Castillo

Founder, TravelStacks

To get money back from an airline, you need to know which law covers your flight: US DOT rules or EU261. Here is the fastest path from request to payment, with exact steps for each situation.

Which Law Covers Your Flight

To get money back from an airline, you need to know which law covers your flight: US DOT rules apply to domestic flights and cover full cash refunds for cancellations and significant delays, while EU261 applies to flights departing Europe and covers compensation up to 600 euros.

US DOT rules cover all flights marketed by US airlines and all flights to or from the US sold by any carrier. EU261 covers flights departing from EU airports regardless of carrier, and flights arriving in the EU on EU-based carriers. UK261 covers flights departing UK airports. Some transatlantic itineraries involve both frameworks at different legs.

The 3-Step Claim Process

1
Identify which regulation applies: US DOT for US flight disruptions, EU261 for EU departures or EU carriers on transatlantic routes, UK261 for UK departures.
2
Submit your claim directly to the airline in writing, citing the specific regulation and your flight details with dates, flight numbers, and the amount paid.
3
If refused or ignored after 7 business days, escalate via DOT complaint for US flights, national enforcement body for EU flights, or credit card chargeback for any flight.

What If the Airline Ignores You

If the airline does not respond within 7 business days or responds with a voucher offer instead of cash, escalation is your next step. The three most effective escalation tools are a DOT complaint (for US flights), a formal demand letter, and a credit card chargeback.

The fastest path to getting paid is a direct written request that cites the specific regulation. Airlines process requests that reference DOT or EU261 faster than generic complaints because they know the legal exposure.

Your Rights in One Sentence

Under US DOT rules, airlines must pay cash refunds for cancellations and significant delays. Under EU261, airlines must pay cash refunds plus fixed compensation of up to 600 euros for eligible disruptions.

Read the Full Guide

For the complete guide covering every regulation, every escalation path, and every type of disruption, see the flight compensation pillar. For details on which regulation covers which routes, see the domestic vs. international disruption guide. To start a claim now, visit /claim. For general refund process steps, see the how to get a refund guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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