Is a travel voucher or flight credit refundable and does it expire?

The short answer

When an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and offers a travel credit or voucher instead of a refund, DOT says the credit must be valid for at least five years and the airline must tell you that you are entitled to a refund. You are not required to accept the credit. DOT's page does not cover credits issued when you cancel a ticket yourself.

Do airline travel credits expire?

DOT's refunds page says the travel credits, vouchers or other compensation an airline offers in lieu of a refund must be valid for at least five years, and the airline must disclose any material restrictions, limitations or conditions.

That rule is written for offers made in place of a refund after a cancellation or significant change. We did not find DOT guidance on how long a credit lasts when you choose to cancel a non-refundable ticket yourself, so check the airline's own fare rules for that case.

Can I get a refund instead of a credit?

Often yes. DOT says you are entitled to a refund if the airline cancels a flight, regardless of the reason, or significantly delays or changes it, and you choose not to travel or accept a credit or voucher.

Airlines making a credit offer must also tell you about your right to a refund. If you bought directly from the airline and do not accept the changed flight, a rebooked flight, a credit or other compensation, the refund is automatic.

• Credit card purchases: refund within 7 business days
• Cash or check purchases: refund within 20 calendar days after you reject an offer (the page also says 20 business days in one place)
• The refund goes to the original form of payment

What counts as a significant change or delay?

DOT lists these situations:

• Departure 3 hours or more earlier (domestic) or 6 hours or more earlier (international) than scheduled
• Arrival 3 hours or more later (domestic) or 6 hours or more later (international)
• A different origin or destination airport
• More connection points than the original itinerary
• An involuntary downgrade to a lower class of service

When do I not get a refund?

DOT says you are not entitled to a refund if you chose to take a significantly delayed or changed flight or an alternative flight offered by the airline. Holders of non-refundable tickets who decide not to travel, or arrive late, when the flight operates as scheduled are also not entitled to a refund.

If you bought through a ticket agent that is the merchant of record, that agent is responsible for the refund of the ticket price. Check which entity appears on your card statement.

Sources: DOT: Refunds. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.

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