Why we used the DOT’s 24-hour flight cancellation benefit

This past weekend, we encountered a stressful situation. A family member who lives in another city was in a horrible accident. The local hospital could not treat his injuries, so he was transferred to a Level I trauma center via ambulance a few hours away. We found out this information in the evening, and my husband wanted to be with his family. Instead of driving at night, he decided to book a flight that left first thing in the morning.

He booked a flight on Southwest using cash (not points). We tried to get some sleep.

Then very early in the morning, we got a call with some great news. The family member’s injuries were not as serious as the local hospital believed. After a night of many scans and tests, the Level I trauma hospital determined that he could be released to go back home. What a relief!

So, my husband decided to cancel his flight. I knew that this was no big deal because he would get a flight credit on Southwest that doesn’t have an expiration date. We would have no problem using that credit eventually.

But, as he cancelled the flight, he was surprised to see that he would be getting a full refund back to his credit card instead of a flight credit. I forgot about the 24-hour rule!

The DOT’s 24-hour Rule

Airlines with flights that fly into or out of the USA are required to give a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking the ticket AND the flight is at least 7 days away. Or, airlines can offer a 24-hour hold on a flight with no cancellation penalty. Only flights booked directly through the airlines are required to follow this rule. You can see the rule explained more at the bottom of this DOT page.

In practice, most airlines are more generous with the 24-hour rule in that the flight doesn’t have to be 7 days away. Southwest Airlines is one of the airlines that will refund any flight booked within 24 hours, even if the flight leaves the next day or in a few hours. According to Thrifty Traveler, these are the policies of other airlines for cancellations on last-minute bookings:

• Alaska: Must be booked at least 24 hours prior to departure.
• American: Must be booked at least two days prior to departure.
• Delta: The 24-hour rule applies to all bookings.
• JetBlue: Must be booked at least a week prior to departure.
• Southwest: The 24-hour rule applies to all bookings.
• United: Must be booked at least a week prior to departure.

So, Southwest and Delta have the most lenient policies and will give you a refund no matter how many hours prior to departure you booked.

When should you use this 24-hour refund benefit?

Well, it certain came in handy for a family emergency that was a changing situation.

But, this rule could also come in handy if you see a great fare sale that you know won’t last long. You can always book the flight and then spend a day seeing if your schedule will line up or if you can find reasonable lodging at your destination.

Have you ever canceled a flight within 24 hours for a full refund?