Regardless whether you cancel your flight months in advance, or you miss it due to some unforeseen issue on the way to the airport, you have a right to the same refund of taxes and fees from the airline. This is because in either case, you have not used the flight and are therefore not liable to pay these costs.

In 2026, getting a refund for an unused ticket depends heavily on the fare class and the timing of the request. Under new global consumer protection trends—including major 2026 updates from aviation authorities—most "non-refundable" tickets only offer a refund if you cancel within a "look-in" window (typically 24–48 hours after booking). Beyond that, basic economy tickets generally offer no refund, though many airlines now provide "travel credits" minus a change fee. If the airline cancels the flight or makes a significant schedule change (usually 3+ hours), you are legally entitled to a full cash refund to your original payment method, regardless of the ticket type. Furthermore, new 2026 regulations in certain regions now mandate full refunds for medical emergencies or military orders, provided valid documentation is uploaded. Always check if your unused ticket is "refundable to original form of payment" or merely "eligible for credit" before letting it expire.