How the Federal 24-Hour Cancellation Regulation Works
Under 14 CFR § 259.5(b)(4), every airline operating flights to, from, or within the United States must allow passengers who book at least 7 days (168 hours) before scheduled departure to either cancel their reservation within 24 hours of purchase for a 100% refund to the original form of payment, OR hold a reservation at the quoted fare for 24 hours without payment.
Does the 24-Hour Rule Apply to Basic Economy Tickets?
Yes. When a ticket is covered by the US DOT 7-day advance purchase requirement, even non-refundable Basic Economy fares on United, Delta, American, JetBlue, Alaska, British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, ANA, and Japan Airlines qualify for a full refund within 24 hours of booking.
Key Exceptions & Airline-Specific Enhancements
If your departure is less than 7 days away, the federal mandate does not strictly apply—though some carriers still extend flexible grace windows until midnight the day after purchase. Always verify the exact timestamp on your e-ticket confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a cash refund or travel credit when canceling within 24 hours?
You are legally entitled to a 100% refund back to your original credit or debit card, not merely an airline voucher or eCredit, provided the flight was booked at least 7 days before departure.
Does the 24-hour rule cover foreign airlines flying to the US?
Yes. The US DOT customer service plan rule applies to all domestic and foreign air carriers selling tickets for flights that touch a US airport.