(UNITED STATES) Major U.S. airlines moved to ease the strain on travelers after shutdown-related FAA flight reductions triggered widespread schedule cuts and rolling delays, announcing temporary measures that broaden refund eligibility and waive many fees. The updated policies, in effect during the disruption period, apply to American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, and other carriers, and cover both domestic and international itineraries.
Travelers dealing with cancellations, lengthy delays, or forced reroutes are being told they can receive a cash refund or switch flights without paying change fees, even on nonrefundable tickets.
Refunds and fee waivers: what’s being offered
- Airlines say passengers are entitled to a full refund if a flight is canceled.
- Many carriers are also offering refunds to travelers who decide not to fly because of the disruption, even if their particular flight is still scheduled.
- For passengers who booked the lowest fares (including basic economy), change and cancellation fees are being waived.
- In many cases, fare differences for a rebooked trip are being waived for travel booked to take place before November 21, 2025.
What counts as a significant schedule change
Airlines have defined a major schedule change for the disruption period as any of the following:
- Delay of 3 hours or more on U.S. routes
- Delay of 6 hours or more on international routes
- Change in departure or arrival airport
- Addition of connections
- Downgrade to a lower class of service
If any of these occur and the traveler declines the new itinerary, a refund is available.
Notifications about cancellations, rebooking choices, and refund rights must reach customers through their chosen method—email, text, or app alert.
Rebooking flexibility and limits
- Most airlines are allowing travelers to switch to a different flight on the same carrier or a partner at no extra charge during the disruption.
- Fare differences are waived for rebooked trips scheduled before November 21, 2025. After that date, waived change fees remain, but fare differences may apply.
- Practically, travelers can often move to an earlier or later departure on the same route for free now and keep the option to change again without a penalty (though a higher fare could increase the price after the cutoff).
Timing for refunds (federal rules)
- Within 7 business days for credit card payments.
- Within 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
This timeline starts once the airline confirms a passenger’s eligibility and the traveler declines the alternative flight offered.
The U.S. Department of Transportation states that when an airline cancels a flight or significantly changes it and the passenger chooses not to travel, the customer is owed money back rather than a credit or voucher. Refunds mean cash back to the original form of payment, not a travel coupon.
You can review the government’s guidance here: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/refunds
What airlines generally do not have to cover
Carriers typically are not required to pay for:
- Meals
- Ground transportation
- Hotels
when a delay or cancellation is outside their control. Airlines have characterized the FAA-related reductions as such, which often leaves travelers to decide between accepting a rebooking without lodging or requesting a refund and making their own arrangements.
However, consumer rules do require carriers to provide timely updates about changes and to process refunds within the specified timelines when a qualifying event occurs.
Special considerations: immigrants, international students, visa holders
For immigrant families, international students, and work visa holders, a missed connection can have critical consequences:
- Jeopardized embassy appointments
- Tight entry timelines
- Missed first days at new jobs
Analysis by VisaVerge.com notes that the broader airline flexibility gives these travelers more room to secure a refund and rebook quickly if a key leg is delayed beyond the 6-hour international threshold or canceled outright.
In many cases, moving to a partner airline on the same day may be the best option to preserve consular visits or status-related travel plans.
Practical tips for passengers
- Monitor airline apps and email for real-time updates.
- Check the airline’s travel waiver page before calling support—waiver codes tied to the shutdown may unlock online changes without waiting.
- Respond to rebooking prompts promptly to avoid being stranded.
- If an agent offers a voucher instead of a cash refund, insist on money back when the flight is canceled or significantly changed.
Airlines say agents can issue refunds on request when the traveler qualifies and declines alternatives, but phone lines may be busy.
Industry and regulator perspectives
- Carriers and regulators emphasize these measures are temporary and tied to FAA-directed reductions.
- Airlines have told investors that short-term refund and rebooking costs are preferable to long-term damage from stranding passengers.
- Carriers caution that customers should not expect compensation for hotel nights or meals tied to FAA-related interruptions.
Consumer advocates say the clarity around refund rights is as important as the monetary relief. The Department of Transportation’s long-standing position—cash refunds, not credits—remains central to that clarity.
Key takeaways
- Travelers generally have two choices when schedules fall apart: accept the new itinerary or request a refund and make other arrangements.
- The widened window for free rebooking eases stress for families and those with time-sensitive obligations.
- Core guidance from carriers while FAA-directed reductions remain in place:
- Keep contact details current.
- Respond quickly to rebooking prompts.
- Decide early whether to travel or take a refund.
- Refund processing: 7 business days for card payments, 20 calendar days for other methods.
More information on refund eligibility, timing, and how to escalate complaints is available from the Department of Transportation at: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/refunds
This Article in a Nutshell
After FAA-directed schedule cuts caused cancellations and rolling delays, major U.S. airlines expanded refund and rebooking policies. Passengers affected by cancellations or significant changes — defined as 3+ hour U.S. delays, 6+ hour international delays, airport changes, added connections, or downgrades — can choose full cash refunds or free rebooking. Change fees are waived and fare differences are covered for travel before November 21, 2025. Refunds must be returned within seven business days for credit cards and 20 days for other payments. Travelers with time-sensitive obligations should monitor alerts and act quickly.
