The cancellation policy for plane tickets can vary depending on the airline, the type of ticket purchased, and the country in which the ticket was booked. However, there are some general rules and practices that apply across most major airlines and regions:

1. 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation (U.S. Regulation)

Under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, airlines operating in the U.S. are required to allow passengers to cancel or change their reservation within 24 hours of booking without a penalty, if the flight is booked at least 7 days before departure. This applies to both refundable and non-refundable fares, provided the ticket was purchased directly through the airline or an approved platform.

2. Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets

Refundable tickets are more expensive but offer full flexibility. You can cancel these at any time before the flight and receive a full refund to your original form of payment.

Non-refundable tickets usually cost less but come with strict rules. Cancelling one typically results in a credit or voucher (not a cash refund), minus a cancellation fee, unless the airline waives it due to special circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies or schedule changes).

3. Airline-Specific Policies

Each airline has its own cancellation policy. Many legacy carriers (e.g., Delta, United, American Airlines) now offer no cancellation fees on standard economy and higher fares, but basic economy fares often remain non-changeable and non-refundable after 24 hours.

4. Low-Cost Carriers

Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair, and Wizz Air generally offer cheaper tickets, but their cancellation policies are stricter. Most low-cost carriers charge high fees for changes or cancellations, and basic tickets may be entirely non-refundable.

5. Cancellations by the Airline

If an airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund, even for non-refundable tickets. This includes the cost of the ticket and any optional extras you may have paid for (like seat selection or baggage).

6. Credit and Vouchers

If you cancel a non-refundable ticket outside the 24-hour window, you’ll often receive a travel credit or eVoucher. These typically must be used within 12–24 months, depending on the airline.

7. Third-Party Bookings

If you booked through a third-party travel agency or website (like Expedia, Kayak, or Google Flights), your cancellation must be processed through them. The refund timeline and eligibility may vary based on their policies in addition to the airline’s.

8. Special Circumstances

Some airlines may offer flexible policies for:

Medical emergencies (with documentation)

Military duty

Bereavement

COVID-19 related issues (in some cases still)

9. How to Cancel

Most cancellations can be made online via the airline’s website or app. You'll usually need your confirmation number and passenger name. Some airlines allow cancellation via customer service chat, phone, or even social media.

Summary

In general, the best way to ensure flexibility is to:

Book refundable fares if you anticipate changes.

Cancel within 24 hours of booking if you're unsure.

Read the fine print before purchasing, especially with low-cost carriers.

Keep track of airline credits and expiration dates if you accept a voucher instead of a refund.

Understanding the cancellation policy before booking a plane ticket can save you from unexpected fees and give you peace of mind if your plans change.