Can you cancel a flight for health reasons?

If you would like to cancel your flight due to medical reasons, please contact the airline directly with a copy of your medical certificate requesting them to waive any applicable cancellation fees.



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Covered reasons for Trip Cancellation
  • Medical reasons (unforeseen ailment, injury or death in the family)
  • Inclement weather or natural disasters (tropical storms, hurricanes, etc.)
  • Terrorist attack (in or around where you're planning to visit)
  • Financial default (of a carrier)
  • Involuntary layoff or termination.


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The air pressure while flying increases the risk of blood clots forming, which is not ideal. Heart complications: If you've suffered a heart attack, stroke, cardiac failure or chest pain while at rest, flying should wait. The lower oxygen levels, increased air pressure, high altitude and more could affect your health.

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Most people's best case scenario will be to obtain a credit for future travel, rather than an outright refund. Keep in mind that the airline reps do have a certain amount of latitude in what they will allow a passenger to recoup, but outright refunds are usually reserved for only the most serious situations.

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Infectious Diseases
An airline can deny boarding of any passenger who looks unwell, especially if they suspect the passenger might be infectious (infect other passengers).

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Top Reasons Most People Cancel Trips
  • Natural Disaster. ...
  • Acts of Terrorism/Evacuation. ...
  • Financial Default of the Travel Company.
  • Death or Hospitalization of Host.
  • Residence Damage. ...
  • Jury Duty or Military Deployment. ...
  • Change of Employment. ...
  • Traffic Accidents.


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Trip Interruptions Travel insurance may also cover unforeseen events that force you to end your trip early under the Trip Interruption benefit. This can be due to an unexpected medical emergency, death of a family member, inclement weather, terrorist attack, or any other covered reason.

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Comprehensive travel insurance typically covers canceled flights that delay your trip for at least 3–12 hours. If your flight is delayed more than 12 hours, you may even qualify for trip cancellation coverage, depending on your plan.

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Ask your doctor (or a nurse or someone at the front desk) politely, and make it as easy for them as possible to provide a doctor's note. Provide the airline with as much information as possible about your medical condition, ask nicely, and follow up to check on the process of your cancellation fee waiver claim.

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American Airlines passengers are entitled to a delay compensation in the event of any of the following: Flight delay: If your American Airlines flight arrived at your destination more than 3 hours after ETA. Flight Cancellation: if you were not informed of cancellation or informed less than 14 days before departure.

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If you contact the airline or ticket agent to obtain a required refund and you are refused that refund, you should file a complaint against the airline or ticket agent with the Department at https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.

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