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What the Airline Owes You
Canceled flight, long delay, lost bag — pick your situation and see what the rules actually give you. Verified against DOT rules, EU261/UK261, and the Montreal Convention, August 2026.
Four rules airlines hope you don't know
Refunds are automatic now. Under DOT rules, if your US flight is canceled or "significantly changed" (3+ hours domestic, 6+ international) and you don't take the alternative, the airline must refund you automatically — cash, not vouchers, within 7 business days on a card.
EU/UK compensation is cash on top of a refund — €250–€600 / £220–£520 depending on distance, for delays of 3+ hours arriving, unless it was truly extraordinary (weather, ATC).
Bag fees must be refunded if your bag is late 12+ hours domestically (15–30 hours internationally).
Airlines answer DOT complaints because DOT counts them — the free complaint form at transportation.gov works.