If airlines cancel a flight for any reason, passengers are legally entitled to a full refund, including for ticket price, taxes, baggage fees, extra charges and ancillary fees.

In 2026, your rights during a flight cancellation depend heavily on the jurisdiction and the cause of the delay. In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates that if an airline cancels your flight for any reason and you choose not to travel on their provided alternative, you are entitled to a full cash refund to your original payment method, not just a travel voucher. In the European Union (EC 261/2004) and the UK, rules are stricter: if the cancellation is the airline's fault (e.g., mechanical issues) and occurs within 14 days of departure, you are entitled to fixed compensation of up to €600 ($650) plus meals and hotels. If the cancellation is due to "extraordinary circumstances" like weather, the airline must still rebook you or refund you, but they are not required to pay additional cash compensation. In 2026, the most important rule is to not accept a voucher if you want your money back; once you accept a credit, you typically waive your right to a cash refund under current federal and international law.