When you cancel a ticket, what you get back depends on three things: the fare rules on your ticket, the airline's default cancellation policy, and any statutory rights (like the U.S. 24-hour rule) that override both. Airlines rarely explain all three, and their cancellation pages usually focus only on the second.
The framework
Cancellation outcomes fit into four buckets:
- Full cash refund. The airline returns the payment to your original card, minus taxes on some tickets.
- Full travel credit. Face value of the ticket becomes a voucher valid 1-2 years.
- Partial refund with a cancellation fee. Common in Europe and on some Asian carriers.
- Forfeiture. Ticket is worth nothing; only the airport taxes may be refundable on request.
Most non-refundable tickets fall into bucket 2 or 4. Refundable and flex tickets fall into bucket 1. Airlines' cancellation pages tend to describe bucket 1 policy as if it were universal - it is not.
U.S. carriers
| Airline | Non-refundable fare | Refundable fare | Basic Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | eCredit, 1 year from original issue | Full refund to card | No cancel, no credit |
| United | eCredit, 1 year | Full refund | No cancel, no credit |
| American | Trip Credit, 1 year | Full refund | No cancel, no credit |
| Southwest | Travel Funds, 1 year (Business Select+ transferable) | N/A (all Southwest is credit) | N/A |
| JetBlue | TrueBlue credit, 1 year | Full refund | Blue Basic: forfeit |
| Alaska | eCredit, 1 year | Full refund | Saver: $25 cancel to credit |
The 24-hour rule applies to any of these: if you cancel within 24 hours of booking AND the flight is at least 7 days away, you get a full cash refund regardless of fare class.
European carriers
- Ryanair: fare not refundable, taxes/fees refundable on request (about EUR 20 admin fee).
- easyJet: fare non-refundable, taxes refundable minus GBP 8-11 admin fee.
- Wizz Air: fare non-refundable to card; can be moved to WIZZ credit.
- British Airways: non-refundable fare becomes eVoucher (1 year); refundable fare refunds fully.
- Lufthansa: Light fare non-refundable, some taxes refundable; Flex fully refundable.
- Air France / KLM: non-refundable fare offers a partial voucher or credit; refundable fare full refund.
Long-haul international
| Airline | Non-refundable outcome | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Refund minus fee to original card | USD 75-400 depending on fare/route |
| Qatar Airways | Refund minus fee or full voucher | USD 100-300 |
| Singapore Airlines | Lite: forfeit; Value: credit; Standard: partial refund | SGD 50-150 |
| ANA | Refund minus fee, JPY 5,000-30,000 | Higher fees closer to departure |
| Cathay Pacific | Value fare partial refund; higher fares full refund | HKD 800-1,500 |
| Turkish Airlines | Restricted fare non-refundable; Flex fully refundable | USD 100-400 |
Where trip insurance helps
None of the above matters if you have travel insurance that covers cancellation. Standard trip cancellation policies cover:
- Illness or injury (yours or a family member's).
- Death in the immediate family.
- Job loss or forced relocation.
- Jury duty, subpoena, court appearance.
- Natural disaster at destination.
- Severe weather preventing you from reaching the airport (subject to policy).
'Cancel for any reason' (CFAR) upgrades are available on many policies for 40-50% extra premium and generally reimburse 50-75% of the non-refundable amount. CFAR is the only insurance option for changing your mind.
See also: refund options, travel credits, voucher vs refund and travel insurance basics.
Frequently asked
If I cancel to credit and then the airline changes my flight later, can I convert to cash?+
No. Once you have accepted a credit, it is a voluntary cancellation and cannot be converted retroactively to cash.
What if my payment card has been closed?+
The airline refunds to the closed card first; the issuing bank then forwards to your new account. If the account is fully closed, ask for a check refund - most airlines will issue one after 60 days.
Are eCredits transferable?+
Usually only to the passenger named on the ticket. Southwest Business Select and Delta Choice benefits are two exceptions.
Jonas Weber
Aviation policy writer at AirHelpService
Writes about air travel operations, passenger rights and airport procedures. Reader questions and corrections welcome via our contact page.
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