The 24 Hour Rule for Booking Flights

Book The Flight Deal First, Ask Questions Later

So, you get an email notification from Jet Set Club with an unbelievable deal to a dream destination and you know that we recommend booking a deal as quickly as possible because deals can disappear with no notice. You shoot a quick text to your favorite travel buddy, check your calendar, and it looks like you can make this exciting vacation work. But there’s an underlying worry about booking a flight so quickly without having more details figured out. Don’t despair. The 24 hour rule is there to save you!

So, what exactly is the 24-hour flight cancellation rule? In short, it’s a policy that allows passengers to cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking it and receive a full refund. This policy is required by the U.S. Department of Transportation for all flights departing from or arriving in the United States.

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The 24-hour cancellation policy is great for several reasons. Firstly, it gives passengers the opportunity to double-check their itinerary and make sure that they have booked the correct flights, dates, and times. It’s not uncommon to make mistakes when booking flights, especially when traveling to multiple destinations. With the 24-hour rule in place, you can correct any errors without being penalized.

Secondly, the policy provides peace of mind for travelers who are uncertain about their plans. For example, if you’re waiting to hear back about a job interview or a family emergency, you may not be sure if you can commit to your travel plans. You can check hotel prices and excursion availability. With the 24-hour rule, you can book your flights and still have time to make changes if necessary.

Finally, the 24-hour cancellation rule can save you money. If you find a better deal or a more convenient flight after booking your initial itinerary, you can cancel your original flight and rebook without incurring any penalties or fees. This can be especially helpful if you’re booking far in advance and want to keep an eye out for price drops or schedule changes.

We always recommend you book your flight directly with the airlines and not use an online travel agency (OTA) like Expedia or Kayak. OTA’s are not required to follow the 24 hour rule, and their policies vary widely. If you do decide to book outside of the actual airline operating the flight, be sure you check their cancellation policy.

So, go ahead and book that flight deal! Take your 24 hours to convince your friends to join you, double check your calendar, make hotel reservations, and do whatever else you need to do to make this vacation work! And be sure to let us know when you book one of our deals. We love hearing from you.

Travel isn’t just about places—it’s about people, experiences, and making memories. Hi! We are Shayne and Shelly Peterson. As empty nesters, we’ve found new ways to connect with the world (and each other) through travel. Follow our journey at JetSetPetersons.comand let’s explore together! 

At Jet Set Petersons, we occasionally collaborate with brands, companies, and tourism boards to bring you content that aligns with our love for travel. Some of the posts on this website may include sponsored content, affiliate links, or gifted experiences.

We only partner with brands that we genuinely love and believe will bring value to our readers. While we may receive compensation in the form of payment, free stays, or complimentary products, all opinions expressed are our own. Honesty and transparency are at the core of what we do, and we would never recommend anything we wouldn’t personally use or enjoy.