New rules mean hassle-free refunds on canceled, significantly delayed flights

ATLANTA - A new Department of Transportation rule on refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights is getting a real test as hundreds of flights faced both this week. In mid-January at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, 1,400 flights were canceled and hundreds delayed.

Airlines now must automatically refund money for a canceled flight. If your flight has a significant delay, and you can't re-book, the same rule applies.

If you pay by credit card, the refund should take no longer than seven business days, twenty calendar days if other forms of payment are used.

What you can do:

• The U.S. Department of Transportation detailed in its 2024 rule that if a domestic flight is delayed by more than three hours, and alternative travel plans are not accepted, a refund, not a voucher, will be available.
• If an international flight is canceled or delayed by more than six hours, the same rule applies.
• Any add-on fees like seat assignment, on-board WiFi, or extra luggage will also be refunded. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation details the rule on its web page. 

There is more information on fee-free family seating and service member accommodations on the DOT dashboard.