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This is general information, not legal advice. Rules were checked as of October 2026, and whether you are owed anything depends on your specific flight.

Last updated: October 31, 2026

If your Thanksgiving flight is delayed or canceled, rebook first, then save every receipt and screenshot. US airlines owe you a refund, not cash, if they cancel or significantly change your flight and you choose not to fly, and flights to or from Europe may qualify for EU261 compensation.

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Thanksgiving week is a busy time to fly, and with full flights and early winter weather, a delay or cancellation can leave you with few open seats to rebook onto. This guide covers what to do in the moment, what US airlines owe you, when European rules can mean cash compensation, and how to claim.

Before you leave for the airport

• Download the airline app and turn on notifications. Delay and gate changes often show up in the app before the departure board.
• Fly early in the day if you can. If something goes wrong, an early flight leaves more chances to rebook the same day.
• Travel carry-on only if possible. If you get rebooked onto another flight, your checked bag may not follow you right away.
• Pack a small delay kit. A charged power bank, a refillable water bottle, snacks and any medication you need in your personal item make a long wait easier.Check today's price on Amazon
• Check your airline's customer service plan. Large US airlines publish what they cover, such as meals and hotels, when a delay is their fault.

If your flight is delayed or canceled

1. Rebook first. Check the app right away, get in the desk line and call the airline at the same time. Whoever answers first can help. On a holiday week, seats go fast.
2. Ask for the reason. Whether the cause was weather, crew or a mechanical issue affects what you may be owed. Screenshot the delay notices in the app.
3. Keep every receipt. Meals, hotels and taxis caused by the disruption may be reimbursable, depending on the airline and the cause.
4. Think before accepting a voucher. On US flights, accepting a voucher or travel credit instead of a refund can affect your right to get your money back.

What US airlines owe you

The US does not require airlines to pay cash compensation for delays. The DOT withdrew a proposal that would have required it in November 2025. What the US does have is a strong refund rule.

You are entitled to a refund of your ticket, including taxes and fees, if:

• The airline cancels your flight for any reason and you choose not to travel or accept the alternative offered.
• The airline significantly changes or delays your flight and you choose not to travel. Significant means departing 3 or more hours earlier or arriving 3 or more hours later on a domestic trip (6 hours internationally), a different airport, more connections, or a downgrade.

The airline must issue the refund automatically, within 7 business days for credit card purchases and within 20 calendar days for other payment methods, back to your original form of payment unless you agree to something else.

You can also get your checked bag fee refunded if your bag is significantly delayed and you file a mishandled baggage report. Meals and hotels are not required by US law, but many large airlines cover them in their customer service plans when the cause is within their control, such as maintenance or crew issues. Weather delays usually are not covered.

When you may be owed cash: EU261

If you are flying to or from Europe for the holiday, the EU's EU261 rules may apply. They cover:

• Flights departing an EU airport, on any airline.
• Flights arriving in the EU, but only on an airline based in the EU.

On a covered flight, you may be owed 250, 400 or 600 euros per passenger, depending on distance, if you reach your final destination 3 or more hours late, your flight is canceled with less than 14 days' notice, or you are denied boarding because of overbooking. Airlines do not have to pay when the cause was extraordinary, such as severe weather or air traffic control restrictions, but they still have to provide meals and, if needed, a hotel while you wait.

Flight delayed or canceled? Check if you're owed up to $650

You can claim directly with the airline for free. If you would rather not handle the paperwork, you can enter your flight in the AirHelp claim check to see if it may qualify, including past flights still within the claim deadline. AirHelp charges a fee only if your claim succeeds, and not every flight qualifies.

Check your flight free with AirHelp

How to claim

• For a US refund: decline the rebooking or voucher, then request the refund in the airline's app or website. If the airline does not pay, you can file a complaint with the DOT.
• For EU261 compensation: use the airline's online claim form with your booking reference, boarding passes, flight number, date and the length of the delay, or use a claims service.
• For expenses: submit your receipts to the airline, and check whether the credit card you used for the ticket includes trip delay coverage.

Quick recap

• Rebook first, then document the delay, the reason and your receipts.
• On US flights, you are owed a refund, not cash compensation, if the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you choose not to travel.
• On covered European flights, a 3-hour arrival delay can mean 250 to 600 euros.

This is general information, not legal advice. For the full rules, read What to Do When Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled. Packing for the trip? Get the free Carry-On Packing Checklist.