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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.
The two 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.