If you book a flight and then change your mind, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) gives you a short safety net. Understanding exactly what it covers can save you money.
What the rule says
For flights to, from or within the United States, airlines must either let you hold a reservation at the quoted fare for 24 hours without paying, or let you cancel within 24 hours of booking without a penalty. Most US airlines choose the second option. The rule applies when the booking is made at least seven days before departure.
What to check
- Your booking date and time: the 24 hours start when the ticket is purchased, not when you receive the e-mail.
- The departure date: bookings made less than seven days before travel are not covered.
- Who you booked with: if you booked through a travel agency, ask the agency to cancel for you as soon as possible so the airline's 24-hour window is not missed.
- Agency service fees: the DOT rule covers the airline ticket. Any agency fee is governed by the agency's own policy, which must be disclosed before you pay.
Booked with Flight Masters?
Call us straight away if you want to cancel a new booking. We will tell you whether the 24-hour rule applies and what refund to expect, based on the airline's rules and our fee disclosure.
Source: US Department of Transportation, rules on airline ticket refunds and the 24-hour reservation requirement (14 CFR 259.5). Check https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer for the latest guidance.