Under the "Passenger First" regulations of 2026, airlines are legally obligated to provide a full cash refund if they cancel your flight or if there is a "significant delay" (defined as 3+ hours for domestic and 6+ hours for international flights). Authorities like the U.S. DOT and India's DGCA have mandated that carriers cannot force travelers into "credit shells" or vouchers for airline-initiated cancellations. If you book a ticket, you also have a 24-hour "look-in" window to cancel for a 100% refund, provided the flight is at least 7 days away. For passenger-initiated cancellations outside this window, whether you get money back depends on your fare class; "Refundable" tickets get a full return, while "Non-Refundable" or "Basic Economy" tickets typically only return the statutory taxes and fees, though some airlines now offer a future flight credit for the base fare.
For a complete experience in 2026, most travel experts recommend spending 5 to 7 days on the Amalfi Coast. This duration allows you to stay in one or two "base" towns (like Positano or Amalfi) and explore the region without the stress of constant transit. A 5-day itinerary usually includes a dedicated day for Positano's beaches and boutiques, a day trip to the island of Capri via ferry, a day for the historic town of Amalfi and the hill-top gardens of Ravello, and a day to hike the Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei). If you have 7 days, you can add a day for the lesser-known gems like Praiano or Vietri sul Mare (famous for ceramics) and perhaps a day trip to the ancient ruins of Pompeii. While a 3-day "taster" is possible, the winding roads and heavy seasonal traffic mean that a shorter stay often feels rushed, leaving you with more time in a car or bus than enjoying the Mediterranean views and world-class "limoncello" culture.