What to Do If Your Flight Gets Canceled in the US

It’s every traveler’s nightmare — you arrive at the airport, bags packed and boarding pass in hand, only to see “CANCELED” next to your flight. While the stress is real, US law offers clear rules for what happens next.

In the United States, if an airline cancels your flight for any reason and you choose not to travel, you are entitled to a full cash refund — even for non-refundable tickets. This applies whether the cancellation is due to weather, mechanical issues, or staffing problems. Airlines are not required to offer compensation for inconvenience (unlike in the EU), but they must refund your ticket promptly.

If you still want to travel, most airlines will rebook you on the next available flight at no extra cost. Some carriers may also provide hotel vouchers, meal credits, or transportation if the cancellation was within their control, though these perks are at the airline’s discretion.

Tip: Always check the US Department of Transportation’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard for your airline’s exact policies before you head to the airport.

Bottom line — in the US, “canceled” doesn’t have to mean “lost money.” Know your rights, stay calm, and keep a copy of your booking confirmation handy.