The airline offered a voucher. Should you take the refund instead?
Free check: what the airline owes you
Two minutes, built from the DOT rules. Then, if you want, one flat $14.99 for the letters. You keep 100% of any refund.
Check if you're owed a refund (free)Airlines often lead with a travel credit. If the airline cancelled or significantly changed your flight, the DOT rule lets you turn that down and take the money. Accepting the credit is your choice, and it usually ends the right to a refund.
When you can insist on cash
- The airline cancelled the flight, or changed it by 3 hours or more for a domestic flight, or 6 hours or more for an international flight (or another significant change).
- You didn't fly, and you haven't accepted the credit, voucher or another flight.
- The refund goes to your original payment method, within 7 business days if you paid by credit card, or within 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
When a voucher might make sense
If no refund is due (for example a short delay, or you cancelled a non-refundable ticket yourself), a credit may be the only thing on offer. Check its expiry date and conditions in writing.
How to say no
- Reply to the airline in writing: say you don't accept the credit and request a refund to your original payment method under 14 CFR 260.6.
- Don't click links that convert your booking to a credit.
- Keep screenshots of the offer and your reply.
Money-back guarantee. If the airline denies your claim within 60 days, we refund your $14.99. See terms
Questions
- Can the airline make me take a voucher?
- Not if a refund is due under the DOT rule. You can decline the credit and ask for your money back.
- I already accepted the voucher. Can I still get a refund?
- Usually not, because accepting the credit is treated as accepting an alternative. It's still worth asking the airline in writing, especially if you weren't told about the refund option.
- Do vouchers expire?
- Often, yes. Check the expiry date and conditions before accepting one.
Sources: 14 CFR Part 260: Refunds for Airline Fare and Ancillary Service Fees (eCFR) · DOT final rule 'Refunds and Other Consumer Protections', 89 FR (26 Apr 2024) · DOT: Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard. Checked 16 October 2026.
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