What is a refundable airline ticket?
A refundable ticket is an airfare you can cancel for your money back. This cheat sheet covers how to think about one, what the flexibility costs and what to check before you book. The detail is further down.
How to think about it
- It costs more up front. Refundable tickets are typically more expensive than standard fares. Nonrefundable tickets are cheaper but may carry other restrictions.
- Labels vary. Most major U.S. airlines sell them as "refundable," "flex" or "flexible." Some fares labeled "flex" only allow fee-free changes, not refunds.
- Nonrefundable usually means a credit. If you cancel a nonrefundable ticket, most airlines give a travel credit or eCredit instead of cash back.
- Some refunds are owed regardless. If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you turn down the alternative, a U.S. rule requires a refund, even on a nonrefundable ticket.
The math
The cost of the flexibility is the refundable fare minus the nonrefundable fare for the same trip.
A refundable New York to Chicago ticket at $450 against a nonrefundable fare at $250 is $450 - $250.
$200
Illustrative example from Engine's refundable flights guide. Fares vary by airline, route and date.
What to check
- The fare rules. Airline terms vary by itinerary and fare, so review the fare rules and included services shown during booking.
- Where the money goes. Some tickets refund to the original payment method. Others return a travel credit, often with an expiration date.
- The cancellation deadline. Refunds may only apply before scheduled departure. Southwest, for example, requires cancellation at least 10 minutes before departure.
- Who issued the ticket. For Southwest tickets issued by a travel agent through a GDS, changes and refunds must go through the original booking source to keep the original form of payment.
Refundable vs. nonrefundable ticket
| Refundable ticket | Nonrefundable ticket | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront price | Typically higher | Typically lower |
| If you cancel | Money back under the fare rules, to the original payment or as a credit | Usually a travel credit, not a refund to the original payment |
| Within 24 hours of booking | If booked a week or more ahead, the airline must allow a free cancellation or a free 24-hour hold | If booked a week or more ahead, the airline must allow a free cancellation or a free 24-hour hold |
| Airline cancels or significantly changes the flight | Refund if you decline the alternative | Refund if you decline the alternative |
How it works on Engine
During flight booking on Engine, fare details show the carry-on and checked baggage included, and travelers and bookers should review the fare rules shown. After booking, cancellation and change requests start from Trips. Whether money is returned depends on the provider rules, fare terms and any applicable coverage.
Questions
Can I get a refund on a nonrefundable ticket?
Sometimes. If you book a week or more before departure, U.S. rules require the airline to either let you cancel for a full refund within 24 hours or let you hold the fare for 24 hours without paying. You are also owed a refund if the airline cancels or significantly changes the flight and you don't accept the alternative.
What counts as a significant change to a flight?
Under U.S. refund rules, it includes a departure moved three or more hours earlier, or an arrival three or more hours later, on domestic itineraries. For international itineraries the threshold is six hours.
How fast do airlines have to issue a refund?
Within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card or other forms of payment, counted from the refund request.
Is a refundable ticket the same as the 24-hour rule?
No. Under the 24-hour rule, the airline chooses whether to let you hold a reservation at the quoted fare or cancel it without penalty for 24 hours, if you booked a week or more ahead. A refundable fare can be canceled for a refund later, under the airline's rules.
Sources
- Engine, Change of plans? 5 airlines that offer refundable flights, accessed November 2, 2026.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 14 CFR Part 259: Enhanced Protections for Airline Passengers (§ 259.5 Customer Service Plan), accessed November 2, 2026.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 14 CFR Part 260: Refunds for Airline Fare and Ancillary Service Fees, accessed November 2, 2026.
- Southwest Airlines, Contract of Carriage (58th Revised, 09/24/2026), accessed November 2, 2026.
- Engine, Business Flight Booking With Engine, accessed November 2, 2026.
- Engine, Managing Business Trips With Engine, accessed November 2, 2026.