{"id":352724,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights\/plane-ticket-refunds-and-the-law.html"},"modified":"2024-07-01T13:01:03","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T18:01:03","slug":"plane-ticket-refunds-and-the-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights\/plane-ticket-refunds-and-the-law.html","title":{"rendered":"Plane Ticket Refunds and the Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Plane Ticket Refunds and the Law<\/h1>\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Enduring flight cancellations, delays, or changes can be frustrating \u2014 especially when the airline refuses to compensate you. Further, air carriers can be even less accommodating when you need to change or cancel a flight voluntarily.<\/p>\r\n

But there are several legal protections on refunding, changing, or canceling your airfare \u2014 even non-refundable tickets. These protections stem from federal laws<\/a> and regulations and airlines’ internal policies.<\/p>\r\n

For example, in 2013, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued an order<\/a> requiring United Airlines to pay a fine of $350,000 for failing to process consumer refund requests promptly. These laws and potential fines put significant pressure on airlines to grant your request for a plane ticket refund.<\/p>\r\n

This page will guide you through your consumer rights<\/a> for airfare refunds. You’ll also learn about the laws and regulations that inform these rights. Knowing your rights and the law can ease the stress of disrupted travel plans due to a flight issue.<\/p>\r\n

For more information on air travel rules and rights, see FindLaw’s section on Air Travel Rules<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

What Are My Rights for a Flight Refund?<\/h2>\r\n

Several laws, regulations, and policies govern plane ticket refunds and associated costs. The circumstances of your flight determine what, if any, rules apply to you. These different protections are below.<\/p>\r\n

Airline Notice Requirements<\/h3>\r\n

An airline must give you clear written notice<\/a> of any terms that:<\/p>\r\n