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Hotel Cancellation Policies Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Everything You Need To Know

Katie Seemann

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Keri Stooksbury

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The ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed daily life and put a halt to many travel plans. If you have a hotel stay that’s been affected by COVID-19, you may be wondering what your options are as far as modifying or changing your reservation.

We detail the cancellation policies of major hotel chains and online travel agencies so that you can easily get the information you need. The current situation is ever-evolving, so these policies are subject to change.

For each hotel chain, we’ve also included the recommended way to cancel or change your reservation if there is one. If there isn’t a specific cancellation method listed, your best bet would be to email or call the hotel chain directly.

For information about airlines and cruise lines check out cruise cancellation policies due to COVID-19 and airline cancellation policies due to COVID-19 .

Hotel Cancellation Policies Due to COVID-19

Currently, there are no special COVID-19 cancellation policies for stays in Europe and North America. The policy that was stated at the time of booking will apply.

For hotels outside of Europe and North America, guests with reservations for a stay on or before June 30, 2022, may change their reservations without a fee (subject to availability and applicable rates and conditions).

To cancel a hotel reservation, contact the hotel directly.

For more information about Accor’s response to COVID-19, click here .

Best Western does not currently have any enhanced cancellation policies due to COVID-19. Refer to your hotel’s specific policy for more information.

For more information about Best Western’s response to COVID-19, click here .

Choice Hotels does not currently have any enhanced cancellation policies due to COVID-19. Refer to your hotel’s specific policy for more information. You can modify a cancellable rate online .

For more information about Choice Hotel’s response to COVID-19, click here .

All Hilton hotels now offer free changes and cancellations to any reservation , with most locations honoring this policy until up to 24 hours before your stay.

If you booked on the Hilton website or via the Hilton app, you can change or cancel your reservation by contacting the Hilton Guest Assistance team. Phone numbers for each country can be found here .

For more information about Hilton’s response to COVID-19, click here .

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to check your hotel’s elite status policy changes due to COVID-19 .

Any reservations booked on or after July 1, 2020, are subject to the cancellation policy disclosed at the time of booking.

To cancel your reservation booked through Hyatt, use the website or mobile app.

For more information about Hyatt’s response to COVID-19, click here .

All reservations at IHG hotels can be changed without penalty and most can be canceled without a fee.

You can change or cancel your reservation that was booked directly with IHG online or by phone .

For more information about IHG’s response to COVID-19, click here .

Currently, there are no special cancellation policies due to COVID-19 — the hotel’s individual cancellation policy at the time of booking will apply.

For more information about Marriott’s response to COVID-19, click here .

The cancellation policy at the time of booking applies to your reservation with the exception of the following:

• For stays in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and Asia Pacific through December 31, 2022 , changes and cancellations can be made without a fee up to 24 hours before the arrival date.
• For stays in the Americas, individual hotel cancellation policies in place at the time of booking will apply.

For Radisson’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here for Radisson Hotels Americas and Radisson Hotels .

The hotel’s individual cancellation policy stated at the time of booking will apply.

For Wyndham’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here .

Hot Tip: The policies above apply for direct bookings with the hotel chain or property. If you booked your reservation through a third party, like a travel agent or online travel agency website, you’ll need to contact your booking provider to change your reservation.

Online Travel Agency Cancellation Policies Due to COVID-19

If you booked your hotel through an online travel agency, you may be held to different cancellation policies than those offered by the hotel itself.

Free cancellation will be available on some reservations online in the My Bookings section.

If your travel is more than 2 weeks away , Agoda recommends waiting to cancel or modify your reservation, as your reservation’s free cancellation eligibility can change.

For Agoda’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here .

Bookings made through AmexTravel.com  are subject to each hotel’s individual cancellation policy.

For AmexTravel.com’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here .

No updated cancellation policy has been published. Booking.com advises you to contact the individual hotel or visit its online help center if you need to change or cancel a reservation.

The procedures to change or cancel your travel booked with Capital One Travel may vary based on if you booked before or after August 26, 2021. You can find the cancellation policies in your confirmation email or call 844-422-6922 for more information.

For Capital One Travel’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here .

If you booked a hotel room through the Chase Travel portal , your reservation is subject to the hotel’s individual policy regarding changes and cancellations.

For Chase Travel’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here .

Citi’s travel portal is powered by cxLoyalty and most hotel bookings are refundable until 72 hours before check-in.

Log in to your  Citi ThankYou Rewards account and check the My Trips section to make changes online.

For cxLoyalty’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here .

Expedia does not have an enhanced cancellation policy due to COVID-19. Each individual hotel’s policy will apply.

For Expedia’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here .

There is no GetaRoom COVID-19 cancellation policy published.

Hot Tip: Does travel insurance cover coronavirus-related claims? Check out our guide to travel insurance and COVID-19 for assistance.

Hopper does not have an extended cancellation policy due to COVID-19. If you would like to cancel your hotel reservation, please use the Contact Support  option on your trip in the app and then select the Cancel Booking  option. You may be asked to fill out a cancellation form that Hopper will send to you in a message.

If you booked a hotel on Hotels.com , the individual hotel location’s policy will apply. If you need to change or cancel a reservation, you can do so online in your account or via the chat feature.

For Hotel.com’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here .

Any reservations made after March 14, 2020, will not have an updated cancellation policy. However, cancellations will be permitted in the following situations with documentation:

• The guest has contracted COVID-19 or is suspected of being infected.
• The guest is complying with disease control restrictions implemented by government or health authorities.
• The guest needs to perform medical or disease control duties related to COVID-19.
• Flight or ground transportation cancellations by the airline or provider.

You can cancel or change your HotelTonight reservation online or by calling 877-522-3344.

Hotwire ‘s cancellation policies and refunds follow the individual hotel’s policy. Hot Rate hotels are non-refundable.

For Hotwire’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here .

Orbitz is not offering any special cancellation or change policy in response to COVID-19.

Priceline ‘s cancellation policies and refunds follow the individual hotel’s policy. If your travel is more than 72 hours away, you can cancel your reservation online in the My Trips section of the website.

Travelocity ‘s cancellation policies and refunds follow the individual hotel’s policy. To change cancel a refundable rate, visit the customer service portal .

For Travelocity’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here .

Hot Tip: For more information about these websites, check out our guide to the best websites to book hotels at the lowest prices .

Airbnb reservations made after March 14, 2020, are subject to the host’s cancellation policy, however, some circumstances related to COVID-19 are covered under the Extenuating Circumstances Policy . This policy’s coverage for if a member of your party gets sick with COVID-19 ends on May 31, 2022.

In addition, the new Airbnb Guest COVID Support Program will cover guests who can’t travel due to government mandates like border closures or extended quarantine requirements that weren’t in place at the time of booking. This new program applies to reservations with a check-in date on or after December 1, 2021. Under this policy, qualified guests who can’t obtain refunds through their Airbnb Host will receive a travel coupon worth 50% of the unrefunded portion of their reservation.

Airbnb will also be introducing a new guest insurance plan in the Spring of 2022.

For Airbnb’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here .

Having to cancel or change a vacation because of something that is out of your control is never fun. Thankfully, many hotels are offering flexible policies that allow you to modify your hotel reservation without penalty.

While the world is still dealing with the ongoing pandemic, just remember it won’t last forever. We will all, once again, be able to travel freely anywhere our heart desires (and anywhere our points can take us)!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i cancel my hotel reservation.

If you booked directly with the hotel, you’ll want to contact it directly to cancel or modify your reservation. If you booked with a third party, you’ll need to contact the booking provider. Regardless, most hotels and online travel agencies are requesting that you fill out their online form or contact them via email in lieu of calling unless your reservation is within 72 hours.

Are there travel insurance options for hotels?

You may be wondering about purchasing travel insurance for any upcoming trips. Check out some of our great guides to help you out.

• Credit Card Insurance
• Introduction to Travel Insurance
• Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance
• Does Travel Insurance Cover the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Are online travel agencies offering free changes and cancellations on hotel rooms?

Most online travel agencies will default to the individual hotel’s cancellation and change policy, so you’ll want to check that first. If you do need to change or cancel your reservation, you’ll have to do so through the agency you booked with.

Are masks required at U.S. hotels?

Mask policies can vary by region and brand, so you’ll need to check with your individual hotel for its policy.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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How to Avoid Last-Minute Hotel Cancellation Fees

C anceling your hotel reservations at the last minute just got a lot cheaper, thanks to a clever scheduling trick. TikTok user @therealmelaninking posted a viral video laying out how travelers can skirt a hotel cancellation fee for late changes, saving you money and peace of mind if the occasion ever arises.

"Hotels do not want you to know this secret," the video starts off. The TikTok user shares a role-play scenario where he pretends to call a hotel to cancel his reservation, only to be told that he'd get hit with a $300 cancelation fee since it's less than 24 hours before the designated check-in time.

Hotel cancellation policies differ from property to property. Most will offer guests the chance to cancel for free up to 48 hours before their arrival, with some allowing for as little as one day before depending on the policy. After those time frames, hotels will charge a fee for canceling, anything from a small penalty or as much as the equivalent of one night's stay, according to Little Hotelier, a property management software company.

"A booking cancellation policy serves two main functions," the site adds. "It holds guests accountable and ensures that they only book a hotel room when they actually intend to stay…  It helps to reduce the number of no-shows, ensuring that a hotel doesn't lose too much revenue from avoidable vacancies."

READ THIS NEXT:  5 Secrets From Former Hilton Employees .

Life happens though, and travel plans can change at the last minute for a variety of reasons. A $300 charge can be a big financial hit, especially if a guest isn't able to take advantage of the hotel for their original purpose.

Luckily, this content creator shared a little-known hack to avoid these fees—it simply requires the guest to move their reservation to a later date.

"Can I change my arrival date to next week instead?" the role-play continues.

"No problem, I'll change it right now," the "fake" hotel concierge obliges.

The pretend guest calls back "a few moments later" to cancel the revised booking. The concierge replies that it's "no problem" and is able to easily refund the booking.

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The reservation switch trick can even be used for canceling last-minute dining reservations and sometimes flights as well , according to reporting from Frommer's. "Once that new booking has been established outside the penalty time window, go back and cancel," the travel website advises. 

The website also advises that these kinds of cancellation loopholes don't apply to every circumstance. Guests who book non-refundable rooms may still get dinged, so make sure to read the cancellation policy and any possible rebooking policies before making your reservation.

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Hotel Cancelation Policy: How Late, Fee, Refund, & More

• Hotel Cancelation Policy: How Late,…

Since the beginning of the pandemic, guests have been skeptical about booking either ahead of time or at all due to the unpredictable nature of the outbreak. Because of this, hotels were forced to implement flexible cancelation policies to eliminate this risk factor and encourage guests to make room reservations.

You can cancel a hotel booking at any time. However, a refund will only be given, depending on the cancelation policy.

Table of Contents

Can you cancel a hotel reservation?

You can cancel a hotel reservation but whether you can get a part or all your money back is depend on the hotel’s cancelation policy. Typically you may receive a partial refund if you cancel within 48h-24h before check-in time and a full refund if you cancel before that but again, always read the policy.

What are cancelation policies?

A cancelation policy is a contractual agreement on the reasons and circumstances under which a guest is entitled to cancel a reservation and the penalties for not complying with this agreement.

These policies protect you when unexpected life events interfere with your plans and protect hotels by holding their customers responsible for their bookings.

Cancelation policies are posted on your booking website. Typically, a guest must agree to a contract clause accepting the terms of the cancelation policy before booking. However, not all OTAs offer this feature, so it is important to read the cancelation policy before booking.

More About Cancelation Policies

What is a “cancelation fee” for a hotel booking.

A cancelation fee is an agreement between a hotel and a guest to hold the guest responsible for their reservation. If the guest does not keep their part of the agreement, the hotel is entitled to penalize the guest with a fee.

Cancelation fees protect hotels from loss of revenue due to no-show guests.

Why do I have to set up my credit card to reserve a room with a flexible cancelation policy?

Setting up a payment type, such as credit/debit, guarantees the hotel that the reservation is valid and that you are committed to the booking.

Is a deposit the same as a cancelation fee?

A deposit and a cancelation fee are different, and it is important that you know how hotel deposits work. A cancelation fee is part of a cancelation policy and is incurred prior to check-in. A deposit is a fee charged by the hotel as insurance for the room you are staying in and is incurred after check-in.

What is a customized policy?

A customized cancelation policy is the most common cancelation policy used by hotels to determine the time frame for a full or partial refund.

Some of these cancelations require an advance payment prior to check-in or a credit card to fulfill a reservation.

What is a fully flexible policy?

A fully flexible cancelation policy means that guests only pay when they stay at the hotel, and they can cancel at a time before check-in time and receive a full refund.

Is a cancellation fee a penalty?

Yes, a cancelation fee is a type of penalty for the guest for breaking the terms of the booking agreement.

Can a cancelation fee be higher than the booking fee?

No, a hotel cannot charge cancelation fees higher than what the booking was worth.

Why do hotels offer free cancelations?

Hotels offer free cancelation options to their guests to entice them to book risk-free and maintain their commitment until check-in.

However, free cancelations do not mean you can cancel at any time.

Hotels set deadlines for their guests to cancel a booking free of charge.

Cancelation Refunds

Is a free cancellation the same as a full refund.

Yes, a free cancellation implies a full refund.

What is a full refund for early cancelation?

A full refund means that the accommodation will refund you if you inform them that your booking must be canceled within a specific time.

What is a partial refund for late cancelation?

A partial refund is when the accommodation will refund you half or the agreed amount paid for the booking if you inform the accommodation within a specific time that your booking must be canceled.

How long does the hotel deposit take to return to my card?

The deposit should be reflected within 1 to 7 days of checking out. If the deposit release does not show, call the hotel to question the transaction and then contact your bank to investigate the delay.

When can I see my hotel cancelation refund on my credit card?

On average, it takes up to 7 days for a refund to reflect on your account and 2 billing cycles on a bank statement. If the refund does not show, call the hotel to confirm the refund transaction and then contact your bank to investigate the delay.

Cancelation time frames

What is a safe timeframe to cancel and get a full refund.

7 days before your check-in is a good time to cancel and receive a full refund. However, each hotel has different cancelation policies that you should be sure to check before making a reservation.

What is a safe time frame to cancel a hotel room and still get a refund?

24 to 48 hours is a safe period to cancel a hotel room and still get a refund. However, most cancelation policies might only partially refund you, unless you booked with a flexible online travel agency or directly with the hotel.

One way to increase your refund chance is to book with the top hotel booking sites and use their filter to search for accommodations with flexible cancelation policies. Naturally, do this only if you anticipate having to cancel your trip at the last moment because flexible cancelation policies will increase the room’s rate.

Hotels offer free cancelation to their guests to entice them to book risk-free and maintain their commitment until the check-in date.

How much is the usual cancelation fee?

If you cancel within the agreed time frame, you will receive a full refund of the amount you paid for the accommodation.

If you cancel within 24 to 48 hours, it is considered a late cancelation, and you may be entitled to a partial refund or a percentage of the booking price. Note that all hotels have different cancelation policies.

You lose all cancelation rights if you do not cancel within 24 to 48 hours before your check-in date. For example, you can’t call on the check-in day and say you want to cancel.

How close to the check-in date can you cancel?

Cancelations can be made 48 to 24 hours before check-in . The problem is the cancelation fees. Fully refundable cancelation fees usually occur a few days before the check-in date.

Partially refundable cancelation fees typically occur 24 to 48 hours before check-in. If you miss the 24 to 48-hour window, call the hotel ahead of time to reschedule your stay or request a partial refund if you have a reasonable excuse.

How long after booking a hotel can you cancel?

Cancelation policies generally apply 24 to 48 hours before arrival or days before. Each accommodation facility has its own cancelation policy.

An early cancelation is where you can cancel about 7 days before your reservation and receive a full refund. Late cancelations are between 24 and 48 hours, but you will have to pay a fee.

Where you can find the cancelation policy information

How do i find my cancellation policy before booking.

The cancelation policy is disclosed along with all the information about the booking. If you want to be thorough, check not only the cancelation policy but ask the hotel these 20 questions . It’ll take a bit of time but will increase your chance to experience a comfortable stay.

How do I find my cancellation policy after booking?

If you booked directly through the main website, search for your booking and find the cancelation policy after your booking information.

If you booked through an OTA, look at the Policies and Cancelations tab on the website or browse the Frequently Asked Questions section. Here’s an example of how to cancel if you book from Booking.com

If the OTA through which you made a booking does not have enough information, contact a customer service representative.

Voucher or Refund, What is better?

When am i entitled to a full refund or voucher.

• If you cancel before the end of the free cancelation period.
• If the hotel has reserved the wrong room.
• If the hotel has been quarantined.
• If the hotel is located in an area that has been quarantined.
• If the hotel is located in an emergency area.
• If the hotel is undergoing repairs and maintenance, that is disturbing for guests.
• If the hotel’s country of destination is subject to a travel ban.
• If the hotel you have booked has been double booked.
• If the hotel “walks” you to another facility.
• If the hotel’s accommodations are not up to standard, such as bed bugs , dirty sheets, water leaks, dirty bathrooms, etc.

Canceling hotel reservations made with points

What if i book using points and i have to cancel before the free cancelation period.

If you made a reservation with hotel points, the cancelation policy should closely follow standard cash and credit card rates.

This means that the same cancelation fees and policies apply to your booking. Your points are reinstated if you cancel before the free cancelation period.

What happens If I use my points to make a reservation and I have to cancel after the free cancelation period?

If you cancel after the free cancelation period, according to the hotel’s cancelation policy, a pre-agreed amount equivalent to the cash value will be deducted, and the remaining amount will be reinstated.

About travel insurance and cancelation fees

Is travel insurance that covers hotel cancellation worth it.

Insurance at a hotel with flexible cancelation policies is not necessary because the cancelation policies allow you to cancel before check-in without incurring cancelation fees.

Insurance at a hotel with strict cancelation policies is practical because the insurance company can reimburse you for the hotel’s cancelation fees in case of a change of plans.

Does travel insurance cover cancellation?

Insurance covers cancelations as part of basic travel insurance policies. Therefore, it is included in most travel insurance policies. Insurance policies reimburse you if you cancel your trip due to unexpected circumstances.

Travel insurance covers various travel- risks that arise before, after, or during a trip, such as cancellations, loss of baggage, flight delays and cancelations, bad weather, medical emergencies, and trip interruption. Depending on the type of travel insurance there are add-ons to the insurance policies called CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason). With this add-on, you can cancel your trip anytime and for any reason.

Travel insurance does not cover everything, such as pre-existing medical conditions or medical expenses for extreme sports or activities.

What are hotel rates, and how do they affect cancelation policies?

There are many hotel rates like standard rate, best available rate, non-refundable rate, last-minute rate, exclusive member rate, length of stay, family rate, package deal, and corporate rate. Each rate has its own cancellation policy.

For example, the family and corporate rates might have more strict non-refundable cancelation policies than the best available rate. The exclusive member rate might have more flexible cancelation policies for their loyal members. The standard rate has more generic cancelation policies than all the other rates.

What to do if you miss the free cancelation period

Can i sell my hotel reservation to someone else if i can’t cancel my booking.

You can sell your reservation. First, find someone who wants to buy your reservation and agree to the terms for transferring the ticket. Then contact the hotel to change the name of the reservation to the new owner. The only downside to this arrangement is that people who buy resold reservations usually look for a bargain, so the chances of a full return are slim.

What can I do if the hotel won’t give me a full refund because I missed the free cancelation period?

You have two options to get your money’s worth; sell your ticket or move the dates.

Sell your reservation to someone else. You will need to agree on a price with the buyer and then contact the hotel to transfer the reservation to the with the new name.

If you cannot meet the dates of your original booking and the free cancelation deadline is long past, call the hotel to reschedule for another time.

Can a hotel cancel my booking if I have the wrong name on the reservation?

High-end hotels require ID at check-in, and your name must be included in the reservation or the payment. However, most hotels will let you check in with an alias as long as your payment information matches your ID.

Do I get a refund If I leave early?

Some hotels have “early departure fees” where they charge their guests a certain fee if they have to leave their reservation earlier than booked. However, this is not common, and in most cases, an early departure is considered a late cancelation for which the hotel does not provide a refund.

Which is better, to cancel the booking or move the dates, if you need to cancel a booking 24 to 48 hours before the check-in?

If you cancel a reservation within 24 to 48 hours, you will only receive a partial refund.

If you call to reschedule the check-in date and call a few days later to cancel the check-in, you will receive a full refund.

How many times can I move my booking?

Normally, booking dates can be postponed only once. Read the cancelation policy for your booking, as hotel cancelation policies vary.

Can I postpone and then cancel a hotel reservation?

Yes. Call the hotel within 24 to 48 hours to postpone the booking for a few weeks or months, then call a few days later to cancel the booking and receive a full refund.

Remember that you may have to pay a price difference if you postpone the booking. But do not worry, you will not pay for it because you will call to cancel the booking within the free cancelation period.

Hotels used to have strict cancelation policies, but over time, they have become more flexible in their practices. Nowadays, it is easier to find a hotel with flexible cancelation policies, as people are not willing to take the risk of losing their money in case of emergencies.

Before making a reservation, make sure that you book a hotel whose cancelation policy fits your needs and lifestyle.

Do you know that cancelation works both ways? Yes, a hotel can also cancel your booking. If this ever happens to you, here’s what you can do if a hotel cancels your reservation .

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• Are OTAs Cheaper for Hotel Booking? – Using OTA Smartly

Author:  Arietza Contreras

Arietza C. Camargo was born in Mexico, lived in Houston, TX, and currently resides in Split, Croatia. Arie has a degree in Occupational Safety and Hygiene but discovered her love for writing soon after working in that field. She founded her current blog (Arietza.com) and began a career as a content writer. Today, she is a lifestyle and travel blogger and content writer.

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Hotel Cancellation Policies: Everything You Need To Know

Are you planning a trip and wondering about hotel cancellation policies? It’s important to understand the terms and conditions of your hotel booking before making a reservation. Hotel cancellation policies can vary widely depending on the hotel, the room type, and the booking platform you use.

Drawing on over 13 years of experience as a hotel owner, I’ve encountered countless situations involving cancellations, from the straightforward to the complex. This experience has equipped me with insights into the best practices for handling cancellations, which I’m eager to share with you.

Whether you’re planning a fun vacation or a trip for work, knowing about cancellation policies can help you save time, money, and avoid stress. This makes your trip better and more fun. Let’s learn about the important parts of hotel cancellation policies so you can book your stays without worrying.

Understanding Hotel Cancellation Policies

When booking a hotel, it’s important to understand the hotel’s cancellation policy. This can help you avoid any unexpected charges or fees if you need to cancel your reservation. In this section, we’ll go over the reasons for cancellation and the types of cancellation policies you may encounter.

Reasons for Cancellation

There are many reasons why you may need to cancel your hotel reservation. Some common reasons include changes in travel plans, illness, or unexpected events. It’s important to check the hotel’s cancellation policy to see if they allow cancellations before you hit the “book now” button and what the deadline is for cancelling without penalty.

Types of Cancellation Policies

Hotels may have different types of cancellation policies, so it’s important to read the policy carefully before booking. Here are some common types of cancellation policies:

• Flexible: This type of policy allows you to cancel your reservation up until a certain time before your stay without penalty. The deadline for cancellation may vary depending on the hotel.
• Moderate: This policy usually requires you to cancel your reservation a few days before your stay to avoid a penalty.
• Strict: This policy may require you to cancel your reservation up to a week or more before your stay to avoid a penalty. Some strict policies may not allow cancellations at all.
• Non-refundable: This type of policy means that you will not receive a refund if you cancel your reservation.

It’s important to note that some hotels may have different cancellation policies for different types of rooms or rates. For example, a non-refundable rate may be cheaper than a flexible rate, but it may come with more restrictions.

How to Cancel a Hotel Reservation

Cancellation process.

Cancelling a hotel reservation is a straightforward process, but it is important to be aware of the hotel’s cancellation policy before making the reservation. Most hotels allow cancellations up to a certain time before check-in, and some hotels may require a deposit or payment upfront that is non-refundable. It is important to read the cancellation policy carefully before making the reservation to avoid any surprises.

To cancel a hotel reservation, you can usually do so online or by calling the hotel directly. If you made the reservation through a third-party booking site, such as Booking.com , you may need to cancel through that site instead of directly with the hotel. Be sure to have your reservation details handy when you call, such as your confirmation number and the dates of your stay.

Timing of Cancellation

The timing of your cancellation can affect whether or not you receive a refund. Most hotels have a cancellation deadline, which is typically 24-48 hours before check-in. If you cancel before this deadline, you may be eligible for a full refund. If you cancel after the deadline, you may still be charged for the first night or a percentage of your total stay. Some hotels may have more strict policies, such as requiring a week’s notice for cancellations.

It is important to note that if you booked a non-refundable room, you will not be eligible for a refund regardless of when you cancel. Non-refundable rooms are typically cheaper than refundable ones, but they come with the risk of losing your money if you need to cancel.

Potential Costs and Fees

When it comes to hotel cancellations, there are a few potential costs and fees that you should be aware of. These can vary depending on the hotel and the specific terms of your booking. Here are some common fees you may encounter:

Cancellation Fees

Many hotels have a cancellation fee if you cancel your reservation after a certain date. This fee can vary depending on the hotel and the length of your stay. Some hotels may charge a flat fee, while others may charge a percentage of the total cost of your stay.

It’s important to read the cancellation policy carefully before booking your hotel to understand what fees you may be charged if you need to cancel your reservation. Keep in mind that some hotels may have different cancellation policies for different types of rooms or rates.

No-Show Charges

If you don’t show up for your reservation and don’t cancel ahead of time, you may be charged a no-show fee. This fee can be equivalent to one night’s stay or the entire cost of your reservation, depending on the hotel’s policy.

To avoid a no-show fee, be sure to cancel your reservation ahead of time if you can’t make it. Even if you’re not sure if you’ll be able to make it, it’s better to cancel ahead of time than risk being charged a fee.

Refunds and Credits

If you need to cancel a hotel reservation , it’s important to know the hotel’s cancellation policy and whether you’re eligible for a refund or credit. Here’s what you need to know about refunds and credits for hotel cancellations.

Eligibility for Refunds

Many hotels offer free cancellation up to a certain time before check-in, while others have non-refundable rates. If you cancel within the hotel’s cancellation window, you may be eligible for a full or partial refund. However, if you cancel outside of the cancellation window or have booked a non-refundable rate, you may not be eligible for a refund.

It’s important to read the hotel’s cancellation policy carefully before booking to understand your eligibility for refunds and credits. Some hotels may offer credits instead of refunds, which can be used towards a future stay at the hotel.

Processing Timeframes

The processing time for refunds and credits can vary depending on the hotel and payment method. Some hotels may process refunds immediately, while others may take several business days. If you paid with a credit card, it may take additional time for the refund to appear on your statement.

If you’re eligible for a credit, the hotel may provide you with a voucher or code to use towards a future stay. Make sure to check the expiration date and any restrictions on the credit before using it.

Travel Insurance and Cancellations

If you’re planning a trip , it’s essential to consider the possibility of cancellation. Even if you have a flexible schedule, unexpected events such as illness, natural disasters, or work obligations can force you to cancel or reschedule your trip. In such cases, travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection.

Benefits of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can cover a wide range of expenses, including medical emergencies, trip interruption, and lost or stolen baggage. However, one of the most crucial benefits of travel insurance is cancellation coverage. Most policies offer reimbursement for non-refundable prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip before departure. This can include airfare, hotel reservations, and tour packages.

Insurance Coverage for Cancellations

The amount of coverage for cancellations varies depending on the policy and the reason for cancellation. Some policies only cover cancellations due to specific reasons, such as illness, injury, or death of a family member. Other policies offer more comprehensive coverage, including cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage.

CFAR coverage allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and receive a partial refund. However, CFAR coverage typically costs more than standard travel insurance policies. Still, it can be worth it if you want more flexibility and peace of mind.

When purchasing travel insurance, it’s essential to read the policy carefully and understand the coverage limitations and exclusions. For example, travel insurance will not cover losses arising from self-harm, foreseeable events, acts of war, taking part in activities considered dangerous (e.g., skydiving, bungee jumping). Additionally, some policies have specific requirements for cancellation, such as needing to cancel a specific number of days in advance.

Hotel Cancellation Policies by Region

When it comes to hotel cancellation policies, the rules can vary greatly depending on the region you’re in. Here are some general guidelines to help you understand what to expect in different parts of the world.

In Europe, hotel cancellation policies tend to be more lenient than in other regions. Many hotels allow you to cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival time without incurring any fees. However, some hotels may require you to cancel your reservation up to 48 or 72 hours in advance to avoid a penalty. Be sure to read the cancellation policy carefully when booking your hotel to avoid any surprises.

North America

In North America, hotel cancellation policies can be more strict than in Europe. Many hotels require you to cancel your reservation at least 48 hours in advance to avoid a penalty. Some hotels may even require you to cancel your reservation up to a week in advance. However, some hotels offer more flexible cancellation policies, so be sure to check the specific policy when booking your hotel.

In Asia, hotel cancellation policies can vary widely depending on the country and hotel. Some hotels may allow you to cancel your reservation up to 24 hours in advance without penalty, while others may require you to cancel your reservation up to a week in advance. Some hotels may even require you to pay a penalty equal to one night’s stay if you cancel your reservation at any time. It’s important to carefully read the cancellation policy when booking your hotel in Asia to avoid any surprises.

Negotiating Cancellations

If you need to cancel your hotel reservation, you can try contacting the hotel directly to negotiate the cancellation policy. Some hotels may be willing to waive the cancellation fee or offer a refund if you have a valid reason for cancelling your reservation. You can explain your situation and see if the hotel is willing to work with you. Be polite and friendly when you speak with the hotel staff, and explain your situation clearly.

If you booked using a website like  Booking.com , (ie. a third party), then you may need to go direct to the third party to have the booking cancelled. This is one reason I prefer to book direct, as I find hotel owners are much more flexible about changes and cancellations if they don’t have to deal with  Booking.com themselves.

Prevention and Best Practices

When it comes to hotel bookings, it’s essential to understand the cancellation policies before making a reservation. This way, you can avoid any surprises or unexpected fees if you need to cancel your reservation. Here are some best practices to help you prevent any confusion or issues with hotel cancellation policies.

Reading Policies Before Booking

Before booking a hotel, take some time to read and understand the cancellation policy. Most hotels have a standard policy that applies to all reservations, but some may have different policies for different room types or rates. It’s important to know the details of the policy, such as the deadline for cancellation, whether there is a penalty fee, and how much the fee is. If you’re unsure about the policy, reach out to the hotel’s customer service team for clarification.

Communicating with Customer Service

If you have any questions or concerns about a hotel’s cancellation policy, don’t hesitate to reach out to their customer service team. They can provide you with more information about the policy, and they may be able to offer you alternatives if you need to cancel your reservation.

When communicating with customer service, be sure to provide them with your reservation details, including your confirmation number and the dates of your stay. This will help them locate your reservation quickly and provide you with accurate information.

Wrapping Up: Hotel Cancellation Policies

Knowing the rules around hotel cancellation policies can really help make planning your trips easier and less worrisome. It’s good to know you can change plans without losing money or getting stressed.

But there’s so much more to learn about staying in hotels! I have lots of tips and advice on my blog that can help you with other hotel stuff, like booking your room or checking in. Keep reading my blog to learn more about hotels and make every trip you take really fun and easy! You’re on your way to becoming a travel expert!

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Yes  —  Renting a car  is a necessity in most of Australia! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, and even if you’re staying in a major city, you’ll want to rent a car. If you are visiting Margaret River, it will be even more important that you hire a car, you’ll need it to be able to get around and see all the great attractions and wineries!

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My go-to for Australian hotels is  Booking.com . Pretty much all registered accommodation use Booking.com (but not necessarily any of the other major booking platforms), and even most of the holiday homes and caravan parks use Booking.com too!

If you’re planning a trip to Australia where you will stay at multiple locations, it’s super handy to have all your accommodation listed in one place, and accommodation owners like Booking.com because it’s easy to contact the guests using the messaging platform if the guest has an international phone number.

I sincerely hope you enjoy your visit to Margaret River!

Donna Hawkins is the owner of Accommodation Margaret River. She has extensive experience in the travel and accommodation industry, with over two-thirds of her life spent working in hotels and motels across the state of Western Australia. A Margaret River local, she helps over 20,000 people per month plan their adventures to Margaret River and Western Australia as well as answer any questions on hotels and accommodation.

About Barry Choi

Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who frequently makes media appearances. His blog Money We Have is one of Canada’s most trusted sources when it comes to money and travel. You can find him on Twitter: @barrychoi

You didn’t mention the cancellation policy of Hotels.com, but we have found them to be unresponsive to requests for refunds. A hotel booked near Heathrow airport was declined, even though the hotel offered to refund the full payment. Hotels.com will not even reply to our request.

I have had a bad experience with obtaining a refund from Booking.com. The hotel in Croatia would not respond to either our direct requests for refund, nor to Booking. In the end we were not reimbursed at all. Won’t use Booking.com again, they were very unhelpful

Agree, I’ve been a loyal booking.com customer for years. I have been denied a valid price match after 3 days of sending documentation screenshots etc. I will be cancelling all future res with booking.com and every opportunity to give feedback on not standing behind their policy. They have lost a loyal customer and someone who has daily opportunities to give travel advice to numerous folks. Stay away from booking .com. Never again. Hard to believe.

The rembrandtplein hotel in Amsterdam has a very harsh policy. Two months. I am unable to travel now due to injury and they will not refund nor change the dates for me. I was supposed to be running the Amsterdam marathon. Sheer greed.

I have water leak on my bedroom ceiling to the floor caused by heavy rain. I have submitted photos and requested a letter from the roofing company to confirm the leak, which I will submit when i get it. Unfortunately, the hotel denied the rebooking. Has anyone experienced this?

We booked two rooms with an independent hotel in Pismo Beach, CA that we have stayed at loyally for over 20 years. The charge the first night as a deposit. Their usual cancellation rate is $20 if cancelled within 5 days of arrival. However, these two rooms were booked in May for an end of July arrival. Work made our plans change and we called the hotel 8 days before arrival. They told us the cancellation needed to be 30 days before arrival!! Is this even legal? Who knows what is going to happen 30 days in advance. Very disappointed in this policy and won’t stay there again if a refund is not issued.

The cancellation policy that was in place when you made the reservation would apply. If you have proof of this and the hotel won’t do anything, you could try a chargeback with your credit card provider.

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How to Set Up an Effective Hotel Cancellation Policy

In the fast-paced world of travel, one constant remains: change in guests’ plans. From unforeseen circumstances to a better deal down the street, cancellations are an inevitable part of the industry.

On one hand, you want to protect your revenue and maintain predictability but also offer flexibility to attract guests and build goodwill on the other. So where do you strike the balance?

The answer lies in a strong, effective and flexible cancellation policy. But is crafting one as easy as it sounds?

The answer is both yes and no.

Wait till I explain all the whys, whats and hows. 

So, let’s dig in right away.

Table of contents

• What is a hotel cancellation policy?
• What are the different types of cancellation policy?
• How important is a cancellation policy?
• How to create an effective hotel cancellation policy?
• Where to highlight these policies?
• How to manage your cancellation policies?

What is a Hotel Cancellation Policy?

In simple terms, a cancellation policy is a statement given by a service supplier that explains the terms and conditions for cancelled services. It involves all the clauses as well as conditions of the penalties, actions, and refunds. 

Moving on, let us see:

What Are the Different Types of Cancellation Policy?

The cancellation policy depends on a wide range of factors, such as booking lead time, type of booking, and length of stay. 

Majorly, there are two major types of cancellation policies that hotels prefer:

1. The “cancel by certain date” policy

This type of cancellation policy gives your guests the option to cancel hotel reservations free of charge up until a certain date. Once this date passes, you can either charge:

• A standard cancellation fee
• Full payment for the reservation

2. The “one-night penalty” policy

This type of hotel booking requires the full payment of the reservation at the time of booking and is non-refundable. In this case, the hotel charges a cancellation fee equivalent to one night’s stay at the hotel. 

A majority of hotels adopt either of these cancellation policies. Other than this, most of the online travel agents (OTAs) have their own set of cancellation policies. Have a look at Airbnb’s different cancellation policies. 

If a booking is received from an OTA, then the cancellation policy of that particular channel is applicable. 

Similarly, if a booking is received from your website or is a walk-in, then your hotel’s cancellation policy is applicable. 

Since every hotel or accommodation provider has a cancellation policy, does this thought ever come across your mind – Why is it even important to have a cancellation policy?

Well, let me tell you:

How Important is a Cancellation Policy?

Cancellations are inevitable in our industry. Ours is a very competitive industry, and it’s the cancellation policy that will help your business to survive. 

Here are the reasons why your property NEEDs a cancellation policy. 

1. Provides Accountability  

It is an assured way to protect yourself from lost business and revenue. 

As discussed earlier, a standard cancellation policy should have a fee or penalty and enough time built into the cancellation notice so you can re-book the spot.

It will hold your customers accountable if they do need to cancel their reservation. 

When a policy is shared with the customer, then they are well aware of what can happen in case they decide to cancel.

2. Guarantees Commitment  

When your guests agree to a cancellation policy, then it shows a commitment to the booking on the part of the customer. 

If your guest books his stay and knows that there is a cancellation fee, then he may not cancel the reservation. 

3. Shows Professionalism

Many hotels have this mindset, that having a cancellation policy will get off their guests. 

However, that’s not the case. It’s OPPOSITE!

Your guests feel that having clear policies and details about booking depicts professionalism as a business.

Owing to these reasons, cancellation policy is a must!

Now that you know its importance, let me guide you on,

How to Create an Effective Hotel Cancellation Policy?

You need to have the right cancellation policy in place. Planning the best cancellation policy takes a lot of groundwork. 

I’ve broken down that into these simple steps:

Step 1: Understand your customer’s booking pattern

First thing first, you have to gather and analyze your data. 

Unless you know who your major targeted audience is and how they prefer to book: you won’t be able to estimate the reason behind their cancellation.

So first, you have to segment data by the booking sources and type of guests. 

Once that is done, you can begin to identify consumer trends for each segment.

The reason is, that OTAs offer a practical platform to compare options and shop around.

When your guests find a hotel they like within their price range, they tend to book it right away and cancel later if they find a better (or sometimes cheaper) option.

On the flip side, there are fewer chances that your direct customers will cancel their reservations later. 

Besides, not all of your guests will dedicate that much time and effort towards their search, but some do.

Step 2: Derive the occurrence and time

From your hotel’s data, find out the particular day or season when you have received maximum cancellations. 

For instance, generally on Tuesdays, you must be receiving the highest cancellation because of any reason. 

Similarly, if you can identify that a certain OTA has higher cancellation rates than others, you can rethink your OTA connections. 

When you know that X percentage of those reservations will be cancelled at the last minute, you can increase overbooking or raise your rates based on the booking window.

Step 3: Consider group bookings

When a 25-room group calls to cancel their reservations, you have three options:

• Either you panic 
• Or expect a miracle to happen
• Or have a specific cancellation policy for the group bookings. 

The last option sounds sensible to me.

To save yourself from such a scenario, you can have a solid legal contract with all the required policies and clauses. 

Whether your customer is looking to book only ten rooms (typical industry minimum for a group) or book your entire inventory, the basic principle SHOULD remain the same.

It has to be profitable even when replacement is involved and you have to be protected against cancellations.

In the case of group bookings, the group members either check in together as a group or they might arrive individually. 

For those individual-arrival groups, you can specify in the contract the minimum room-night number they have to guarantee. 

You should also consider your group contract should protect you against overbooking by the group. 

If they originally wanted ten rooms and you offered them a special discounted rate based on a ten-room piece of business, they shouldn’t end up booking twenty rooms at that special rate.

Step 4:  Accounting for special days and events

Every city has special events happening throughout the year that create a peak in regular demand cycles. 

Be it religious and national holidays, conferences, festivals, entertainment and arts events, or enormous sports events such as the Super Bowl or the Jonas Brothers’ Music concert. 

If such an event is approaching, then I recommend you have less flexibility with cancellations and overbooking. 

During events, festivals and long weekends, some hotels get away with no-cancellation policies 

One good example of such a special event is the 4th of July (American Independence Day- National holiday). 

If the 4th of July falls on a Wednesday, then there are fewer chances of any hike in bookings. 

On the contrary, if it falls on Friday or Thursday, it will increase demand for hotels. 

So, these are different factors that you have to consider while creating cancellation policies for your hotel.

Once you have created the right set of hotel cancellation policies, 75% of your work is done. 

Now you have to make your guests aware of your policy, and for that, you have to,

Where to Highlight These Policies?

Just similar to how your guests check the reviews first and then book a hotel with you similarly they are likely to check the cancellation policies before booking the stay with your hotel.

So, you must highlight your cancellation policies on different channels from where you are getting bookings.

And believe me, it is very simple: 

• Share it on the social media handles
• Highlight it on your website clearly
• Mention them on OTAs and everywhere your hotel is listed

How to Manage Your Cancellation Policies? 

No other industry is as dynamic as ours. 

Now and then, there can be several things, incidents, and trends; which hotels have to keep a tab on. 

So, you should be ready to entertain all the cancellation/amendment requests. In case, your guests have paid any advance, try to refund the amount or give them credit in return. 

You have to UPDATE your cancellation policies. 

So, the point is creating a cancellation policy is not a one-time job. You have to revamp them constantly based on such unprecedented situations, during the time of festivals, events or long weekends, and in general as well.

Not to mention, when we talk about all reservations, cancellations, and everything in between, comprehensive hotel software is a must. And if you want to get a perfect solution for your hotel, here’s a guide for you.

So, this was all about cancellation policies. 

By far, you have realized that the cancellation policy is quintessential. 

I hope that this blog helps you create and manage your cancellation policy in the best way. 

In case you want to have more information on cancellation policies, do let us know in the comment section.

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How Hotel and Airbnb Cancellation Policies Are Changing Amid Coronavirus

By Betsy Blumenthal and Erin Florio

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The coronavirus , or COVID-19, has had major repercussions for the travel industry. Cruise lines are exercising flexibility for customers, prescreening passengers before they board, and revving up their already stringent cleaning measures. Airlines, too, are continuing to monitor the situation, shifting their cancellation and change policies in response to new information and State Department updates.

The hotel industry is also taking the virus and the threat it may pose to guests and staff seriously. With flights being rebooked and travel plans being bumped, hotels are doing what they can to minimize the impact on guests whose travel plans continue to change. But depending on where you've booked, the hotel cancellation policy may not always be as flexible, since cancellation coverage often depends on whether you booked directly with the hotel or through a third-party agency. It is important to note that this situation is fluid and shifting circumstances continue to affect the policies in place.

What to know if you booked directly with a hotel

Hotels around the world, both big-brand and boutique, are showing flexibility in response to the virus. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is waiving cancellation fees at all hotels and resorts worldwide until April 30, provided they're canceled within 24 hours of arrival. The full cancellation policy can be found on the company's website . It's also continuing to review the latest information from health experts and government authorities, and is passing along the most up-to-date and relevant information to its properties. “Across our global portfolio, we have implemented heightened precautions in food handling, sanitization, disinfection, and cleaning measures,” says a Four Seasons spokesperson. The hotels are placing hand sanitizer dispensers in restaurants and common areas, and reducing hours for certain facilities, including pools and spas. “Each individual property has also implemented specific precautions based on the guidance of local health authorities as well as the specific situation in their region and country,” the spokesperson added. Four Seasons is also providing masks and thermometers to guests upon request.

Hilton has enacted a similar response, issuing modification and cancellation waivers to reflect the travel climate, and trying to instill guest confidence in booking again. Under the new policy, all fees will be waived for travelers on existing bookings up until June 30 2020, including on reservations deemed Advance Purchase, where conditions generally do not allow cancellations or modifications without a penalty. For new bookings made between now and June 30, travelers have the freedom to cancel or modify with no penalties. Travelers need to alert the hotel up to 24 hours before their reservation dates. Like Four Seasons, the brand is stressing its grasp on disseminating the newest information with its staff, crafting “Hilton-specific procedures” and talking points that staff can use during interactions with guests. “We are closely monitoring updates from the World Health Organization, and responding based on the best advice of medical professionals and public health authorities,” says a Hilton spokesperson. “If additional social isolation, enhanced cleaning, or other operational actions are required, we put those into action.”

Marriott , the world's largest hotel company, has shifted from a case-specific refund policy with regards to COVID-19 to a standardized practice world-wide. All pre-existing bookings on or before April 30 2020 can be cancelled or modified with no penalties (locked in room rates may be subject to change due to availability on new dates requested). The same applies to new bookings made between now and April 30. At Hyatt , existing reservations, including Advance Purchase, on stays on or before June 30 can be canceled or changed up to 24 hours before travel at no cost, while new bookings made from now through June 30 can be modified or cancelled at no charge. Like many parts of the industry, hotel policies continue to change to reflect current climate and the most up-to-date information on the global impact of the coronavirus.

What to know if your trip is booked with a third party

Virtuoso, a luxury global agency network with more than 20,000 advisors, and over 1,800 hotel, cruise line, and tour operator partnerships, is proactively taking measures. “As travel advisors, our current role is to listen to travelers’ concerns and provide the most up-to-date options so they can make informed decisions at a minimal cost,” says agency executive Mary Kleen. Virtuoso advisors are suggesting that clients take a “wait-and-see” approach where possible, because of the rapidly changing nature of the situation. As of now, travelers can now wait up to 48 hours before departure to make up their minds about their trip details.

Advisors are also strongly urging clients to purchase insurance, and in particular, cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) policies for any trips they’re booking now. Even if you've already booked your travel and are beyond the 21-day window after making your deposit to purchase CFAR insurance, you can still add travel insurance, and in particular, the kind that will cover medical expenses should it become necessary. Please note that standard travel insurance may not be the most helpful in navigating coronavirus restrictions.

Expedia is also proactively approaching the continually changing circumstances. “We are working closely with our partners to make sure travelers have as much flexibility as possible,” says global PR director Nisreene Atassi. “Expedia is working hard to enhance our user experience so that refundable hotels are more prominent when searching. Just look for our 'Free Cancellation' messaging throughout to help identify the flexible hotel offerings.” The company also recommends purchasing a Vacation Waiver (if you book a package through Expedia), which covers all change or cancel penalties for any reason, on a single occasion, so that you have options if circumstances change. As of now, travelers who booked for trips on or prior to April 30 have the option of a refund, while the company says that those booked for May 1 and after may be eligible for refunds depending on how the situation continues to evolve, but have not yet crafted a policy.

What to know about Airbnb and VRBO policies

Short-term rental companies have also softened cancellation policies in light of the shifting travel market, though it remains important to do your homework before booking if you might need to cancel. Airbnb has a six-tier cancellation policy already built into its operation, which is generally set by the host. However, the company has an Extenuating Circumstances policy , which will protect travelers from cancellation penalties due to unforeseen circumstances. This has recently been adjusted to cover all cancellations worldwide related to the coronavirus pandemic on bookings made on or prior to March 14, for travel up until May 31. Regular policies apply for stays from June 1. VRBO has rolled out a COVID-19-specific plan. Though refunds are not guaranteed, the company has set up a three-point system to make it easier on travelers who may need to cancel. These include flexible credits, where home owners are encouraged to offer full credits to travelers who may wish to cancel or postpone travels, suggested refunds from owners to house guests, and a VRBO-issued refund of the Traveler Service Fee. This policy is only valid for bookings made before March 13 on stays on or before May 31. From May 1 through May 31, the policy is only valid in areas where government mandates forbid short-term home rentals as they combat the virus.

How hotels are rethinking rewards programs

Many major hotel groups are finessing the conditions of their loyalty programs to make sure members don't lose points or access in light of travel restrictions due to coronavirus. Marriott announced its Bonvoy program, which allows guests to redeem free nights at over 7000 hotels around the world, has pressed pause on any points that were set to expire from now through the end of summer, until August 31. Certain Bonvoy programs, including Suite Night Awards which can be redeemed once members reach platinum status, will be extended a year, through December 31 2021. Status earned in 2019 will be valid through February 2022 and points will not expire until at least February 2021. Hyatt's World of Hyatt credit card partnership with Chase is currently suspending their forfeiture of points where cardholders lose their points after 24 months of inactivity, until December 31. All unused free nights at hotel room and suites with deadlines between March and December 31, 2020, will be extended until December 2021. The hotel group will also delay the launch of its off-peak point redemption program which was supposed to launch later this month, until 2021. And Hilton has announced that members of Hilton Honors have bumped status expirations by a year.

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This story was last published on March 17, 2020. It has been updated with new information.

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Airlines are ordered to give full refunds instead of vouchers and to stop hiding fees

Travelers and their luggage in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

Travelers and their luggage in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023.

WASHINGTON — In an effort to crack down on airlines that charge passengers steep fees to check bags and change flights, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced new regulations aimed at expanding consumer protections .

One of the final rules announced Wednesday requires airlines to show the full price of travel before passengers pay for their tickets. The other will force airlines to provide prompt cash refunds when flights are canceled or significantly changed.

"Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them - without having to ask," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement announcing the new rules.

Taking on junk fees is popular. But can it win Biden more voters?

Surprise junk fees have become a large and growing source of revenue for airlines in recent years, according to the DOT.

"Today's announcements will require airlines to both provide passengers better information about costs before ticket purchase, and promptly provide cash refunds to passengers when they are owed — not only saving passengers time and money, but also preventing headaches," Buttigieg said.

The airline industry is unlikely to welcome the new rules. At a hearing on the proposed fee rule in March 2023, an industry lobbying group representing American, Delta and United said it would be too difficult for airlines to disclose their charges more clearly.

"The amount of unwanted and unneeded information forced upon passengers" by the new policy would only cause "confusion and frustration," warned Doug Mullen, the deputy general counsel at Airlines for America . "Very few, if any, need or want this information, and especially when they are initially trying to understand schedule and fare options."

But the DOT insists its new rule will give consumers the information they need to better understand the true costs of air travel.

Transportation Department cracks down on airline 'junk fees'

"I believe this is to the benefit of the sector as a whole," Buttigieg said in an interview with NPR's Morning Edition , because passengers will have "more confidence in the aviation sector."

The new rules require airlines to disclose all baggage, change, and cancellation fees, and to share that information with third-party booking sites and travel agents.

The regulation also prohibits bait-and-switch tactics, the DOT says, that disguise the true cost of flights by advertising a low base fare that does not include all mandatory fees.

"This is really about making sure that we create a better experience for passengers, and a stronger aviation sector in the United States," Buttigieg said in the NPR interview.

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Airline, Hotel and Rental Car Cancellation Refunds and Vouchers: How They Work

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Table of Contents

Getting travel refunds at a glance

Air travel cancellations, hotel cancellations, car rental cancellations, vacation rental cancellations, canceling a flight, hotel or rental car: now what.

If your airline cancels or makes major changes to your flight — no matter the reason — you are eligible for a full refund under Department of Transportation regulations . So why do so many passengers end up with a voucher instead?

Airlines often try to skirt regulations by giving passengers the option to accept a modified itinerary, even if the changes are major. But for casual travelers who've found themselves entrenched in the confusing world of refunds and who are expecting to receive cash for cancellations, many travelers might be surprised to receive vouchers instead.

Whether it's airlines, hotels or rental cars, here's what you need to know about travel refunds and when you're entitled to one, as well as how to receive and use vouchers if you otherwise can't get a cash refund:

Although specific refund and voucher policies vary from situation to situation and airline to airline, some consistencies (and federal regulations) allow for a few broad generalizations. Here's the quick glance at what you're entitled to, based on type of travel:

Air travel canceled by the customer more than 24 hours after booking will usually be compensated in the form of flight vouchers, which must be used within a certain period of time. Customers who book a more expensive "refundable" fare may be able to get a cash refund.

Air travel canceled by the airline is eligible for a full cash refund, though the airlines will often try to avoid this.

Hotel cancellations are often fully refundable if made more than 24 hours before check-in (except for prepaid/nonrefundable rates), but this varies by booking.

Car rental cancellations are almost always fully refundable, except for prepaid reservations.

Vacation rental (Airbnb, Vrbo) cancellations vary by property.

Now we'll break that down a bit deeper:

Air travel cancellation policies vary based on two factors: when the cancellation is made and who is doing the canceling.

Cancellations made within 24 hours

All flights starting in the U.S. that are canceled within 24 hours of booking are eligible for a full cash refund under Department of Transportation regulations . It doesn’t matter if you book directly through the airline or through a third party booking service: You are eligible for a refund to your original form of payment if your flight originates in the U.S. and you cancel it within 24 hours.

However, some airlines make the process of receiving these refunds cumbersome or confusing, sometimes suggesting you accept alternatives to the cash refund. If you are having trouble finding a way to get your cash back online, call the airline or travel booking service directly.

Cancellations made after 24 hours made by the traveler

If you want to cancel a flight more than 24 hours after booking, it is subject to the cancellation policy of that particular airline and fare:

Refundable fares are generally eligible for a full cash refund.

Some tickets, including many basic economy fares, simply cannot be canceled.

Some tickets can be canceled for a voucher refund, minus a cancellation fee.

Others can be canceled for free, but are available to travelers in the future as flight vouchers.

Now that most U.S. airlines have removed cancellation fees , the most common situation is the last one. You will be able to get a full refund for your nonrefundable flight, but not a cash refund. Instead, you’ll get a voucher or credit for future flights booked within a certain time frame. This isn't ideal, but it’s better than nothing. Just remember to use your voucher before it expires.

Cancellation made by the airline

If the airline cancels or makes major changes to your flight, for any reason, you are eligible for a full refund under Department of Transportation regulations . The definition of "major changes" isn't totally clear, but in general, any schedule change of more than 24 hours should be eligible for a full refund.

However, airlines will often try to skirt this regulation by giving passengers the option to accept a modified itinerary, even if the changes are major. Here’s an email from Singapore Airlines, with our highlight in red:

Because “accept” looks like a default option and the alternative is less prominent, a passenger may not be fully aware of their rights. Don’t fall for it: Always request a refund if the proposed changes aren't ideal.

Also note that sometimes airlines owe you money for delays or cancellations (or at least other forms of compensation, such as meal and hotel vouchers).

And if your flight was canceled at the last-minute by the airline, you'll have to move fast to minimize disruption for the rest of your travels. Make these moves fast if your flight was canceled . And while this won't help you now, bookmark this for next time: NerdWallet's guide to how to book a flight that's less likely to get canceled .

Hotel cancellation policies are generally more straightforward than airline policies, though there are no federally enforced cancellation rules. Hotel bookings generally fall into two categories:

Fully refundable rates, which can generally be canceled within 24 hours of check-in for a full refund.

Prepaid, nonrefundable rates.

Most hotel brands offer flexible rates as the default, which are generally more expensive but either are refundable or don't require upfront payment, period. Often though, travelers prefer prepaid rates purely because they tend to be cheaper. Before booking, consider how likely it is that your travel plans might change. Saving a couple bucks on the prepaid rate might not be worth it in the end if you had to cancel and now can't get your money back.

You should be able to see the terms of the cancellation policy for your booking during checkout. Read and understand them before committing.

One more reason why hotels tend to be more generous than airlines. Unlike airfare, the value of canceled flexible hotel bookings usually isn't offered in the form of credits or vouchers, but as a direct refund of the deposit amount to your credit card .

This one’s easy: Unless you specifically book a prepaid rate for a car rental reservation, you should be able to change, cancel or modify it without incurring a fee. The rules for cancellations on prepaid rates vary among companies and reservations, but they are often more flexible than nonrefundable airfare — and even more flexible than hotel bookings.

Vacation rental brands like Airbnb and Vrbo take a slightly different approach: They offer a range of cancellation policies, from extremely flexible to nonrefundable, and let the hosts (property owners) choose from these policies.

So when booking, look for the specific policy on each property. Here’s an example of Airbnb’s flexible policy:

Refunds from cancellations should come directly to your card — no credits or vouchers are involved.

» Learn more: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance explained

Canceling travel is never a fun experience, but it can be made all the more challenging when confronted with a host of different rules and conditions for each type of booking. Thankfully, most hotel cancellation policies are fairly straightforward: You can either cancel your booking or you can’t, and you’ll get a cash refund if you do.

However, airline cancellations are a world unto themselves and require a bit more patience and understanding. In general, you won’t get a cash refund unless you cancel within 24 hours of booking, cancel a refundable fare or have the booking canceled by the airline.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

This type of vacation rental cancellation is on the rise. Are you next?

A few days before flying to Bali, Indonesia, I received an unexpected email from Airbnb: My host had sold my vacation home.

"We’re reaching out with the unfortunate news that your reservation was canceled," it said. "Your refund is on its way."

But wait – I didn't want my money back. I needed a place to stay while I was in Indonesia. Airbnb assured me I had nothing to worry about. It would find a new rental and cover my extra expenses. But, as always, some restrictions applied.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

Sales cancellations are on the rise

Selling a vacation rental out from under a guest is becoming a big problem, insiders said. There are no statistics on the number of vacation rentals with active reservations that are currently for sale. But Justin Gordon, who runs the rental price comparison site HiChee , says more hosts are putting their rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo while they wait to sell their properties. He's seen the disruption it causes guests who are about to leave for vacation. 

"I felt so sorry for the guests," he said.

Did I mention the Indonesia rental? That wasn't my first cancellation. I rented a condo in Oahu, Hawaii, a few years ago through Vrbo. A week before I checked in, I got an email saying my stay had been canceled because the property was sold.

"Many homeowners are investors, buying properties low and selling high or holding them for a set number of years as a part of their financial strategy," explained Matthew Deal, managing director of Element Vacation Homes , a central Florida vacation rental company.

A cancellation can have consequences for the seller. For example, if you list your home on Vrbo, you might have to pay the platform a cancellation fee, which gets higher as your arrival day approaches. 

"In addition to financial penalties, repeat offenders may see limited search visibility on the Vrbo app and site, temporary suspension, or revocation of their Premier Host status," said spokesperson Nola Lu.

Airbnb has similar restrictions. "We expect Hosts to honor accepted reservations," said spokesperson Aaron Swor.

What are your rights when your vacation rental is sold?

If your vacation rental is sold before you arrive, you have some rights – though not as many as you'd assume.

• For rentals booked directly through the owner, your rental contract will outline your right to a refund. If you're dealing with a host who has only one rental or can't accommodate you at a different property, you'll get a full refund, but you'll have to start over and find a new vacation rental. Pro tip: Use a credit card to book. If the owner flakes out and tries to keep your money, you can always dispute the charges.
• For rentals booked through a popular vacation rental platform like Airbnb or Vrbo, the platform will offer a full refund or or accommodate you at a different rental property. If there's a price difference – and there usually is – then the platform may offer to cover the extra cost.
• If you booked through a property management company, your rights may not be spelled out in your contract, but chances are the company will have a plan "B" ready. For example, Element Vacation Rentals has a policy to promptly present multiple options to displaced guests, including comparable properties from its portfolio and those of its competitors. Ask about the policy before you make a reservation.

At least, that is what's supposed to happen if there's a cancellation. But let's talk about what actually does happen.

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What if an owner sells a vacation rental?

When an owner sells your vacation rental from under you, you'll probably feel confused and upset. And even as you're processing the loss of your rental, your host may ask you for a favor.

When the owners of Gerri Detweiler's Airbnb rental sold their place, her host asked her to cancel the rental. The reason? The host didn't want to incur a fee from Airbnb. So Detweiler, a personal finance expert from Sarasota, Florida, canceled the stay. 

"I didn't bother booking another rental with Airbnb," she said.

For both of my cancellations, I had no choice. I was only days away from checking in. 

To their credit, both Airbnb and Vrbo helped me. Vrbo found a new rental in Hawaii and covered the price difference. Airbnb offered a coupon and sent me a few options for a replacement rental in Bali. The only one available on such short notice was thousands of dollars more than my original rental, so Airbnb increased the amount of the coupon to cover the extra cost.

The difference between the platforms was in their approach to the situation. Vrbo transferred me to a special team that took care of everything quickly. With Airbnb, it felt like more of a negotiation. But in the end, I was grateful to have the protection of both vacation rental platforms.

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This could happen to you

This isn't an abstract issue. Two of this year's hottest housing markets – Orlando and Tampa, Florida – are popular with vacation renters and likely to have lots of homes that are also on the market. 

But that's not the real problem. It's that most vacation rental customers don't know their rights when they rent. They either assume they have no choice but to take the refund and that they're on their own. Or they believe the vacation rental company must find them a comparable rental and cover any price difference. 

But you're not on your own unless you rented directly through an individual – and even then, the previous owner may be able to refer you to another rental. And your vacation rental platform won't automatically find you a new place and pay for it. You may have to negotiate.

The best solution is disclosure. Vacation rental owners should tell you if their property is for sale. Then you can make an informed decision about whether you still want to rent the place – and take your chances.

Elliott's tips for avoiding a vacation rental cancellation

Getting surprised by a vacation rental sale is preventable. Here are a few strategies:

• Talk to the owner : Before you rent a vacation home, ask if the place is for sale. If it is, ask what would happen if the unit were to be sold. If it's sold, talk to the new owners," said hospitality consultant Steve Turk. "See if they'll honor your reservation."
• Read the reviews – all of them : If you're renting on a popular platform, don't just skim the reviews. Read them. Sometimes, hosts will stop caring about their rental unit if they know they're going to sell. "Check to see if recent guests have posted any negative reviews," advised Pete Evering, a business development manager at Utopia Property Management , a rental management company.
• Do your research : If you have the address of the rental, run a quick online search. If it shows up on Zillow or Realtor.com , you know you have a problem. Gordon from HiChee is considering developing technology that would notify travelers in case their booked rental shows up for sale on the internet.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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What fliers need to know about new refund rules for airlines

Starting in about six months, u.s. airlines will have to offer customers cash refunds before vouchers.

New federal rules for airlines will go into effect later this year, giving travelers a better picture of the full cost of flights before they book — and getting them an easier refund if things go awry.

After a process that lasted more than a year, the Biden administration announced the rules on passenger protections Wednesday.

“This is a big day for America’s flying public,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a news conference at Reagan National Airport.

While the trade group Airlines for America said its members “abide by — and frequently exceed — DOT regulations regarding consumer protections,” consumer advocates praised the administration’s move.

“These rules are not only critical but also common sense,” said William McGee, senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project, who spoke at Wednesday’s event.

Most new rules go into effect in the fall

At the event Wednesday, Buttigieg said that “the bulk of these protections” will go into effect in about six months. Others will start in a year.

That means refund rules that get customers automatic cash refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change flights won’t be in place during the busy summer travel season. But they should be set in time for the Thanksgiving and winter holiday season rush.

Buttigieg said that the department expects airlines to take some time to develop the processes to return cash to travelers, but added that he doesn’t want them to drag their feet.

“They don’t have to wait the number of months that it’ll technically take for this to go into effect,” Buttigieg said Wednesday. “They could and should be doing this right now.”

You should get refunds without having to ask

Instead of first offering a voucher or credit, airlines “must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops,” the Transportation Department says. The refunds need to be issued within seven business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days when bought through other methods.

However a traveler originally paid is the way the refund needs to be issued, the rule says, whether that’s by credit card or airline miles . Other types of compensation are allowed only if a passenger chooses one of those alternatives.

“No more defaulting to vouchers or credits when consumers may not even realize that they were entitled to cash,” Buttigieg said.

You can still choose to be rebooked

If travelers’ flights have been canceled or significantly changed, they can still continue with their trip. Passengers are only eligible for a refund if they have declined to accept alternative transportation.

Airlines will have to pay for delayed bags and broken WiFi

There are many ways for a trip to go awry, and the new rules cover more than just a late or canceled flight.

If a checked bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight arriving at the gate, or within 15 to 30 hours of an international flight arriving, depending on how long that flight is, passengers will be entitled to a refund of their checked-bag fee. They will need to file a mishandled baggage report.

Refunds will also be given if passengers pay for a service such as WiFi, seat selection or in-flight entertainment and the airline fails to provide.

‘Significant’ changes will be the same for all airlines

Automatic cash refunds are due to passengers if their flight experiences a “significant change.” But what does that mean? Previously, the definition could vary from airline to airline.

The new rules provide some consistency. A change is considered significant if a departure or arrival is different by more than three hours for domestic flights or six hours for international trips.

Other changes considered significant: the departure or arrival is from a different airport; there are more connections; passengers are downgraded to a lower class; or service or flights are on planes that are less accessible for a person with a disability.

No more hidden fees for bags and seat selection

The rule on extra fees — what the Biden administration refers to as “surprise junk fees in air travel” — will require airlines and online travel booking sites to disclose up front the fees for a checked bag, carry-on bag, reservation change and reservation cancellation. Those fees must be clearly noted and not shown through a hyperlink, the rule says.

Consumers must also be informed that they don’t have to pay for a seat assignment to travel and that a seat will be provided without an additional price.

“Healthy competition requires that, as a consumer, you comparison shop, which means knowing the real price of a trip before and not after you buy,” Buttigieg said. “Airlines will now be required to show you these costs up front, so you have all the information you need to decide what travel option is best for you.”

Travelers can either search without providing their personal information to see standard fees or, after entering their information, see more tailored fees that might apply given their military status, frequent-flier membership or credit card use.

“The final rule puts an end to the bait-and-switch tactics some airlines use to disguise the true cost of discounted flights,” the Transportation Department said in a news release. “Prior to the rule, some airlines were offering deceptive discounts that consumers may have believed applied to the full fare that was being advertised but only applied to a small portion of the ticket price.”

You will still have to report complaints

Buttigieg said the main way for the department to find out about a violation of the rules is when people submit complaints through the site flightrights.gov . But he said he hopes that by making refunds automatic, there will be less need for complaints — and more flexibility for employees to perform audits or spot-checks of airline compliance.

Europe-style compensation is still not in the rules

Some travelers heading to or from Europe who experience delays under certain circumstances are entitled to compensation worth more than $600. That kind of system does not exist for domestic flights in the United States, but Buttigieg said it is on the agenda.

“On compensation, we continue to develop that — and to be clear, with this rule on the books, that does not stop or slow the progress that we’re driving in terms of a compensation rule,” he said.

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

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