Cash refund or voucher: how not to give up your money

After a cancellation, airlines often lead with a voucher, a rebooking or "travel credit". Those are offers, not requirements.

Why this matters

Credit can expire, can be restricted, and is only worth something if you fly that airline again. Cash is cash. If a voucher suits you, fine. Just choose it knowingly.

How to decline

1. Do not click "accept" on rebooking offers or voucher emails.
2. Say it in writing: "I decline the alternative and request a full refund to my original form of payment."
3. If they say the fare is non-refundable, point out that the rule applies when the airline cancels or significantly changes the flight, whatever the fare type.
4. If they say the cause was weather or air traffic control, the answer is the same: a cancellation refund does not depend on the cause.

If you already accepted

Tell them right away that the replacement does not work for you and ask for the cash refund. It may or may not be honored, so act quickly, keep the messages, and read the delay guide.

How long it should take

Within 7 business days for card payments and 20 calendar days for other forms of payment. Airlines are supposed to refund automatically once you reject the alternative, and the clock runs from the date you first request it. Asking in writing leaves a dated record.

Paid extras count

Seat selection, bag fees and similar services you paid for but did not receive are refundable too.