Can I cancel a flight for free within 24 hours of booking?

The short answer

Under 14 CFR 259.5(b)(4), airlines must let you hold a reservation at the quoted fare without payment, or cancel it without penalty, for at least 24 hours after booking, if you booked one week or more before departure. The text we read does not cover missing a flight or cancelling after the 24 hours.

What the regulation says

Section 259.5(b)(4) lists as a required customer service allowing reservations to be held at the quoted fare without payment, or cancelled without penalty, for at least twenty-four hours after the reservation is made, if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight's departure.

Conditions

• The reservation must be made one week or more before departure.
• The 24 hours run from when the reservation is made.
• The airline must let you either hold the fare without paying, or cancel without penalty.

Missing a flight or cancelling later

The regulation text we read does not say what happens if you miss your flight or cancel a non-refundable ticket after the 24 hours. That depends on the fare rules and the airline's contract of carriage, which we did not read. By contrast, the refund rule in Part 260 applies where the airline cancels or significantly changes a flight.

Outside the US

This is a US rule. UK and EU travellers booking with other airlines should check the airline's terms and the relevant national rules, which were not read for this page.

Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.

Sources: eCFR: 14 CFR 259.5, Customer service. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.

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