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. Travelers must receive that refund within seven business days if they paid by credit card, and within 20 days if by cash or check.

When a flight is cancelled at the last minute, the airline is legally required to provide you with a choice between a full refund (processed within 7 days) or re-accommodation on the next available flight to your destination. In 2026, if you are at the airport when the news breaks, the airline must provide "duty of care," including meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation if the new flight departs the next day. Depending on the timing of the notice—specifically if it's less than 14 days before departure—you may also be entitled to monetary compensation (ranging from $250 to $700 depending on flight distance) unless the cancellation was caused by "extraordinary circumstances" like a hurricane. If the airline offers a flight to a different airport, they must also bear the cost of your transfer to the original destination. It is vital to share accurate contact details at booking, as failure to receive a notification due to incorrect info can void your right to financial compensation.