How to Cancel a Flight Within 24 Hours of Booking—and Get a Full Refund

25.07.2023 - 18:43 / cntraveler.com / Katy Nastro

In today’s travel landscape—with unpredictable weather, days-long flight delays, and so many other factors that can affect your desire to take a trip—knowing how to get a refund for airfare is of the utmost importance.

In the years since the pandemic began, many airlines have nixed fees for changing or canceling flights, making it easier than ever for passengers to adjust itineraries for free or cancel and receive an airline voucher. But did you know there’s a way to cancel a flight and get a full refund in the original form of payment? It’s possible thanks to the 24-hour flight cancellation rule.

The Department of Transportation’s 24-hour refund regulation states that all airlines flying in the U.S., even international carriers, must issue a full refund if the reservation is canceled within a one-day window of booking. Here’s what to know about this helpful policy for when you want to cancel a flight within 24 hours.

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date

It’s a customer service standard set by the Department of Transportation that says airlines must let travelers hold a reservation at the quoted fare for 24 hours without payment, or allow a purchased reservation to be canceled within 24 hours without penalty and with a full refund to the original form of payment. All airlines operating to, from, and within the U.S. must comply with the 24-hour rule. The clock starts ticking on the 24 hours once the ticket purchase has been made.

The regulation is especially useful to fliers looking for the cheapest airfares or who want to jump on a flight deal that might soon disappear. “Taking advantage of the 24 Hour Rule is a great way to give yourself a bit more time to consider the trip altogether without losing savings,” says Katy Nastro, spokesperson and travel expert at travel site Going. For example, Nastro says that her team recently found an amazing flight deal to Paris from NYC for only $230 roundtrip. “Deals like that do not come around often, nor do they last. Instead of waiting for friends and family to give the green light on a trip, you can book the tickets to Paris, and then discuss details knowing you can cancel for a full refund within that 24 hour time frame if needed.”

Utilizing the rule is also a great way to ensure you’re getting the cheapest price of the day, according to Nastro. “Say the ticket to Paris drops even further before that 24 hours is up. You can book that new flight, cancel the old, and have just saved even more money on the ticket,” she says.

The rules also say that airlines are required to make prompt refunds, meaning they should return your money within seven business days for credit card payments and within 20 days for payments