Home › Guides › Airline refunds › Airline Voucher Refund: Can You Still Get Money Back?
The airline gave me a voucher. Can I still get my money back?
An airline must not treat you as having accepted travel credits, vouchers or other compensation instead of a refund unless you affirmatively agree. When a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed and you decline the alternative flight or other compensation offered, the airline that sold the ticket must provide a full and prompt refund.
Key facts
- An airline must not treat you as having accepted travel credits, vouchers or other compensation instead of a refund unless you affirmatively agree.
- If you choose a voucher or credit instead of a refund, it must stay valid and redeemable for at least five years.
- When a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed and you decline the alternative flight or other compensation offered, the airline that sold the ticket must provide a full and prompt refund of the airfare, including taxes and ancillary fees.
- A prompt refund means within 7 business days for a credit card purchase, and within 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card or other forms of payment.
- An automatic refund means the airline issues the refund without waiting for the passenger to ask, because the right to a refund is undisputed when the service was not provided.
What the rule actually says
An airline must not treat a passenger as having accepted travel credits, vouchers or other compensation instead of a refund unless the passenger affirmatively agrees to it. That means a voucher sent automatically, or offered as the only option, does not erase your right to a refund.
When a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed and the passenger declines the alternative flight or other compensation offered, the airline that sold the ticket must provide a full and prompt refund of the airfare, including taxes and ancillary fees.
A prompt refund means within 7 business days for a credit card purchase, and within 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card or other forms of payment.
Steps to take, in order
- Contact the airline that sold the ticket. State clearly that you decline the voucher and are requesting a refund.
- Keep a written record. Note the date, time, who you spoke to, and what was said. Save any emails or chat transcripts.
- Wait the required time. A prompt refund means within 7 business days for a credit card purchase, or within 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card or other forms of payment.
- If the refund does not arrive, follow up in writing. Reference the rule and your earlier request. Keep copies of everything.
What to gather before you start
Before you contact the airline, collect the basics so your request is clear and easy to process:
- Your booking reference or ticket number.
- Proof of payment, such as a credit card statement or receipt.
- The cancellation or significant delay notice from the airline.
- Any voucher, credit or compensation offer you received, including the terms.
- Notes of any previous calls or chats, with dates and names.
Having these ready helps you state plainly that you decline the voucher and are requesting a refund. You do not need to pay anyone to get an airline refund. When the airline owes it, the rules require the airline to issue it automatically, without you asking.
What goes wrong and how to avoid it
One common problem is accepting a partial offer. When a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed and the passenger declines the alternative flight or other compensation offered, the airline that sold the ticket must provide a full and prompt refund of the airfare, including taxes and ancillary fees. Do not feel pressured to accept less.
Another issue is losing track of time. A prompt refund means within 7 business days for a credit card purchase, and within 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card or other forms of payment. If that window passes, follow up in writing and keep a record.
Also remember that an airline must not treat a passenger as having accepted travel credits, vouchers or other compensation instead of a refund unless the passenger affirmatively agrees to it. If you did not affirmatively agree, you can still request a refund.
When it is worth paying someone
You do not need to pay anyone to get an airline refund. When the airline owes it, the rules require the airline to issue it automatically, without you asking.
If you chose a voucher or credit instead of a refund, it must stay valid and redeemable for at least five years. That is a long time, but it is still not money back. If you want your money, you can decline the voucher and request a refund.
Paying someone is generally not necessary. You can make the request yourself using the steps above. If you are unsure, you can still contact the airline directly and state your request in writing.
Frequently asked questions
What if the airline automatically issued a voucher without asking me?
An airline must not treat a passenger as having accepted travel credits, vouchers or other compensation instead of a refund unless the passenger affirmatively agrees to it. If you did not agree, you can decline it and request a refund. Contact the airline that sold the ticket and state that you decline the voucher and want a refund.
How long should a refund take once I decline the voucher?
A prompt refund means within 7 business days for a credit card purchase, and within 20 calendar days for cash, check, debit card or other forms of payment. If that time passes, follow up in writing with the airline and keep a record of your request.
Can I use the voucher and still get a refund later?
An airline must not treat a passenger as having accepted travel credits, vouchers or other compensation instead of a refund unless the passenger affirmatively agrees to it. If you did not affirmatively agree, you can decline the voucher and request a refund. Contact the airline that sold the ticket and state your request in writing.
What if I booked through a travel agent or third party?
When a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed and the passenger declines the alternative flight or other compensation offered, the airline that sold the ticket must provide a full and prompt refund of the airfare, including taxes and ancillary fees. Keep records of all communications and state your request clearly in writing.
Related guides
- Airline refunds: every guide
- My flight was cancelled. How long does the airline have to refund me?
- Nobody was ever appointed executor. Can I still claim my relative's unclaimed money in Virginia?
- My relative died and left unclaimed property in Virginia. How do I claim it?