Cerchio Travel
Airline Refund Guide
Travel plans change — and airlines change flights more often than travelers realize.
This guide explains when you are legally entitled to a refund, how to request one,
and how to get refunds for seat upgrades, canceled flights, and significant schedule changes.
Your Refund Rights (U.S. DOT Rules)
- Full refund if the airline cancels your flight
- Refund if the airline makes a significant schedule change
- Refund for any paid service you did not receive (seat upgrades, bags, Wi‑Fi, etc.)
- Refund if you are involuntarily downgraded
Refunds for Seat Upgrades
You are entitled to a refund if you paid for a premium seat and:
- You were moved to a lower‑value seat
- The aircraft changed and your seat no longer exists
- You were involuntarily downgraded
Airline Refund Instructions
Allegiant Air
Refunds available for cancellations, significant schedule changes, and unused paid services.
American Airlines
Refunds available for cancellations, delays, and unused seat upgrades.
You’ll need to submit a separate request for each ticket number associated with your trip. Extras like seats and bags have unique ticket numbers.
If you’ve already submitted a refund request, you can check refund status
British Airways
Refunds available for cancellations, schedule changes, and downgrades.
Delta Air Lines
Refunds available for cancellations, significant delays, and seat upgrades not received.
Frontier Airlines
Refunds available for schedule changes and unused paid services.
Southwest Airlines
Refunds available for refundable fares, cancellations, and significant schedule changes.
United Airlines
Refunds available for cancellations, delays, and unused seat upgrades.
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS)
Refunds available under EU261 and DOT rules for U.S. flights.
Other Major Carriers
Sample Refund Request Language
“I am requesting a refund under U.S. DOT rules for a significant schedule change, canceled flight,
or seat upgrade not received. Please refund the full ticket amount and all associated ancillary fees
to the original form of payment.”