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Flight Cancellation Refund Letter: Cash Refund Rules
Under DOT rules, if your flight is cancelled or significantly changed (more than 3 hours domestic or 6 hours international) and you don't accept the alternative, you get a cash refund, not just a voucher.
1. What do you need?
2. The details
3. Your rights
- ✔Under DOT rules, if your flight is cancelled or significantly changed (more than 3 hours domestic or 6 hours international) and you don't accept the alternative, you get a cash refund, not just a voucher.
- ✔Refunds are due within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 days for other payments.
✉️ 4. Your letter
Send by email or the company's online form, plus certified mail for disputes. Keep copies.
🧭 What to do next
- Request the refund on the airline's website or send the letter. Don't accept a voucher if you want cash.
- Not refunded on time? File a complaint with the DOT.
Official help:
General information and templates, not legal advice. Rules can vary by state and card agreement. 🔒 Everything stays on your device.
✈️ Your rights at a glance
- • Under DOT rules, if your flight is cancelled or significantly changed (more than 3 hours domestic or 6 hours international) and you don't accept the alternative, you get a cash refund, not just a voucher.
- • Refunds are due within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 days for other payments.
Questions people ask
How long do I have to dispute a credit card charge?+
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, send a written dispute within 60 days of the statement that first showed the error. Many card issuers accept disputes later through their own policies, so it's worth asking even if you're late.
Is debit card fraud protection the same as credit card?+
No. With debit cards your protection depends on how fast you report: within 2 business days your loss is capped at $50, within 60 days of the statement at $500. Report immediately.
Does the airline have to give me cash instead of a voucher?+
If your flight was cancelled or significantly changed and you didn't accept the alternative, DOT rules say you're entitled to a refund to your original payment method.