Have you ever dreamed about turning your love of travel into a rewarding career? Or maybe you’ve wondered how flight attendants make their jobs look effortless while juggling safety requirements and customer service. Behind that calm confidence — and those awesome travel perks — is a training process that is far more rigorous and competitive than most travelers would imagine. To get the full picture, we went straight to the source: official U.S. airline training guides and firsthand accounts from U.S. flight attendants who’ve gone through the process. Here’s what flight attendant training is really like, from the moment you apply until the day you earn your certification.

Requirements To Become a Flight Attendant

The requirements to apply to be a flight attendant vary, but most major U.S. airlines have a few nonnegotiables for candidates, including age- and education-based requirements. For instance, all applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and must possess a passport before applying. Fluency in English is required at U.S. airlines, and bilingual qualifications are often an asset. Effective communication skills in high-stress situations are also a must.

There are physical requirements, too, as flight attendants spend much of their time on their feet performing safety procedures and assisting passengers. United Airlines, for example, requires the ability to “stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, stretch, reach, and lift heavy objects,” as well as to push and pull a beverage cart weighing up to 250 pounds. Similarly, American Airlines specifies that “height and weight must allow for safe aircraft operation.” This includes the ability to sit in a jump seat and fasten the harness, and to navigate the cabin aisle and operate emergency exits.

The final major requirement is age. All airlines have age minimums for application, but these also vary. At United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, it’s 21 years, but at American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, it’s 20 years.

Initial Interview

Though airlines have different hiring processes, in general, passing one or more interviews and obtaining a conditional job offer are required before the training process begins. Megan, an Orlando-based flight attendant we interviewed, shared that she was invited to a phone interview after applying online. 

The following month, she attended an in-person interview, after which she received a conditional job offer. “I say ‘conditional’ because I still had to pass flight attendant training,” she explained. For Megan, the entire process, from application through passing training, took about seven months. Other flight attendants we interviewed echoed similar experiences, with two or three rounds of interviews before they secured a training spot.

Rachael, a Pittsburgh-based flight attendant, explained that the interviews consist of practical questions and tests: “You have to pass a variety of tests that gauge your experience, personality, and how you handle stressful situations.” 

Training Overview

Typically, flight attendant training begins a few weeks after the candidate receives a conditional job offer at the final interview. Kaitlyn, a Philadelphia-based flight attendant, explained that the company flies the candidate to a designated training facility, where they are paid for their time and given hotel accommodations. 

Megan, the Orlando-based flight attendant, shared that, while every airline does training a little differently, it generally ranges from three to eight weeks. She recalled an array of topics from her training: “flight regulations, evacuation drills, case scenarios, firefighting, CPR, trafficking, intoxicated passengers, security threats, and so much more!”

Delta Air Lines, for one, conducts its training at its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, in six-week sessions for new hires and shorter requalification sessions for current crew members. Casandra, a certified flight instructor and former Delta Air Lines flight attendant, detailed her experience in Delta’s training program in a series of online videos. Typical training hours are Monday through Friday for six hours a day, plus study time for exams and evening homework. Flight attendant candidates must put everything else on hold during training because it is a full-time job. 

Hands-On Experience

From the very beginning, flight attendants are trained to be prepared for the unexpected. The training process features classroom-style lectures, group work, and hands-on training in simulators and life-size model airplanes. For instance, during her first week, Casandra recalled sitting in on a mock emergency in which the cabin lost air pressure, while her instructors initiated emergency protocols. 

In each training module, flight attendants prepare for serious, albeit rare, events, such as medical emergencies, evacuations, and cabin depressurization. From smoky cabins to unconscious passengers, flight attendants learn to handle any situation with a calm, professional approach.

A notable component of flight attendant training is water-emergency-exit training, conducted in a swimming pool in the center. These simulations teach the crew how to use life vests, identify exits, escape the aircraft, and assist passengers in swimming to safety rafts, all while staying calm in a sinking plane. This builds muscle memory to help future flight attendants remain calm in high-stress situations.

Final Exam and Certification

Following training, candidates must complete an initial operating exam to showcase their new knowledge, which usually involves a combination of written assessments and practical, hands-on evaluations. The exam comprises all aspects of being a flight attendant, including safety, security, emergency procedures, equipment operation, general aviation knowledge, and customer service. 

Although requirements vary by airline, after passing the exam, the final step to becoming airline-ready is to receive a Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is issued after all requirements are met. New flight attendants then report to their initial base assignment, which is typically a major hub for the airline they work for. Then, their journey in the skies officially begins. 

Have you ever wondered which U.S. cities have the highest cost of living? Perhaps you’re considering a big move, or maybe you’re curious about a city you plan to visit. Even if you won’t be worrying about rent or property taxes when you visit, as a traveler, local cost of living is still an important consideration for dining out, getting around, and choosing things to do. To find America’s most expensive cities, we turned to Numbeo, a cost-of-living database, which analyzed over 60 major North American cities. These are the 10 U.S. cities with the highest cost of living, as of 2025.

10. Miami, Florida

Cost of living index: 74.9

Renowned for its palm-tree-lined beaches, luxury real estate, and vibrant nightlife, Miami is the most expensive major city in the Southeast. The cost of buying or renting a home in Miami is 55% above the Florida average, with a median home listing price of $625,000. Prices soar to more than $100 million in some neighborhoods, such as Fisher Island, once a winter escape of the Vanderbilt family. And the city’s dining scene, though expensive, is touted as one of the best in the country — there are 15 Michelin-starred restaurants in the greater Miami area. 

8. San Diego, California (tie)

Cost of living index: 76.3

This Southern California city makes up for its high cost of living with plenty of sun and surf. Ranked eighth in the nation for cost of living, San Diego was also recently named one of the country’s most expensive cities to retire to, with higher taxes, housing, and transportation among the biggest costs to consider. The most expensive neighborhood in San Diego is Hidden Valley, a community on the northern side of Mount Soledad in La Jolla, where the median home price is more than $4 million. But there is some relief: Health care and food costs in San Diego are slightly lower than the state average. 

8. Los Angeles, California (tie)

Cost of living index: 76.3

Los Angeles is tied with its neighbor to the south as the eighth-most expensive city in the nation. As an international entertainment hub, the City of Angels attracts millions of visitors each year, but living in sunny SoCal full-time is expensive. Housing costs are 18% higher in Los Angeles than the state average in California — an already costly state. L.A.’s most expensive neighborhood in 2025 was the Hill Section of Manhattan Beach, with a median sale price of $9.4 million. The neighborhood is known for its scenic beach pier, brunch cafes, boutiques, and sprawling views of the Pacific Ocean.

7. Washington, D.C.

Cost of living index: 82.5

Housing is a major contributor to high costs in the nation’s capital — not only is rent among the costliest in the nation, but so are purchase prices. The median home price in D.C. is $595,000, well over the national median of $424,200. However, there are ways to save in this pricey city. For instance, there’s plenty of free entertainment at the Smithsonian museums, home to exhibits on art, culture, history, aeronautics, and animals. The robust public transport system also helps reduce costs. 

6. Boston, Massachusetts

Cost of living index: 82.7

Boston is the most expensive city in New England. Beantown draws in visitors and new residents with its blend of rich colonial history and industries such as higher education, health care, financial services, and technology. However, the perks of excellent health care, charming neighborhoods, and big-city entertainment come at a cost. A recent report also ranked Boston as the most expensive city in the U.S. to raise a child, with an annual cost of nearly $40,000. 

5. San Jose, California

Cost of living index: 83.7

California’s Bay Area consistently ranks among the most expensive regions in the country. San Jose, situated on the southern shores of the San Francisco Bay, is the second-most expensive city in the area. Here, the median home price is a whopping $1.2 million — more than twice the national average. One of the most expensive estates in San Jose, the Hayes Mansion, was recently converted into a Hilton luxury hotel, with 20 acres of property to explore.

4. Seattle, Washington

Cost of living index: 86.0

The median home price in Seattle recently jumped to $709,000, thanks to the city’s burgeoning tech industry, which has led to a limited supply of housing. However, while Seattleites endure high costs, there is plenty to love about the Emerald City, from historic markets like Pike Place to waterside attractions on the Puget Sound. 

3. San Francisco, California

Cost of living index: 90.7

In San Francisco, housing is 29% more expensive than the state average, making it one of the costliest markets in the country. The median home price in San Francisco is $1.2 million, tying it with its Bay Area neighbor, San Jose. In 2022, one of the famous Painted Ladies — a row of colorful Victorian and Edwardian homes — sold for $3.55 million. More recently, the house from the sitcom Full House sold in April 2025 for $6 million. 

2. Honolulu, Hawaii

Cost of living index: 94.4

Honolulu is the second-most expensive city in the U.S., in part due to sky-high grocery prices. In fact, among the 400-plus global cities Numbeo analyzed in 2025, Honolulu’s groceries ranked as the most expensive in the world, mainly due to shipping costs and limited locally sourced food options. However, the median house price in Honolulu for the end of 2025 was $610,000, about half the cost of the median price in San Francisco. Visitors should also expect to pay extra for their beach vacation: A recent study found that Honolulu charges the highest tourist tax in the world, at 10.25%. 

1. New York, New York

Cost of living index: 100.0

Home to more than 8 million residents, America’s most populous city is also its most expensive. The average rent in Manhattan is $5,632, well above the national average of $1,743. Restaurants in New York are also the most expensive of any major city in the country, but quality and quantity reign supreme in New York. As an international cuisine destination, the city boasts 72 Michelin-starred restaurants, dozens of James Beard Award-winning chefs, and unbeatable culinary diversity.

Depending on how often you fly, and where most of your air travel is to and from, you may not have put much thought into airline routes. As with most else in the world of aviation, however, it’s both more complex and more fascinating than you might imagine. With increasingly frequent headlines about major carriers adding new routes, like the first nonstop service between Newark and Greenland or Alaska Airlines’ first-ever European flight, a question naturally arises: Just how do airlines decide which routes to fly, anyway? Let’s dive into the details.

Supply and Demand

As you might imagine, airline route planning mostly comes down to money and efficiency. The reason so many airlines offer flights from Los Angeles to New York City, for example, is simple: Lots of people fly between the two most populous cities in the country, so there’s a smaller chance of empty planes that don’t generate any profit. If you need to get from Boise to Albany, meanwhile, you’re going to have fewer options — and none of them will be direct.

Let’s say an airline hypothetically decides that the latter two cities are on the cusp of becoming the next big thing, and that it’s time for a nonstop flight covering the roughly 2,500 miles between them. Beyond simply choosing to add a route, a number of other logistical concerns have to be addressed: How often should the flight operate? Daily, weekly, only on the weekends, or somewhere in between? What size aircraft should be used? (It’s better to fill a 100-seat plane than to leave a 300-seat plane half-empty.) What kind of traveler is most likely to fly between these two destinations, and which other airlines, if any, will be competing for their business?

You’re probably getting a sense of why so many potential routes never get off the ground. Even if a route is eventually launched, it could be suspended within months if it doesn’t generate enough revenue to make it worthwhile for the airline.

Hubs, Spokes, and Points

Any new passenger traffic needs to fit within a carrier’s existing framework. Experienced air travelers will be familiar with the concept of hubs, which are airports where a given airline concentrates a significant amount of its traffic as part of the hub-and-spoke model. 

This allows airlines to serve smaller cities that wouldn’t otherwise have much demand by feeding into larger hubs, where those passengers can connect to hundreds of other destinations. Denver and Houston are United hubs, for example, while Atlanta and Seattle serve as hubs for Delta, and Phoenix and Miami are hubs for American Airlines. (If you tend not to enjoy your time at LAX, it may be because it’s a hub for all three of those major airlines.)

But that isn’t the only model airlines use. There’s also the point-to-point approach, which is exactly what it sounds like: flying from one major city to another without a layover in between. This model is efficient for destinations that receive a lot of direct traffic, like Los Angeles to Tokyo or New York to London. 

Other Considerations

None of these decisions is made at random. Airlines have entire teams devoted to planning new routes, many of them dedicated solely to international ones, and these teams don’t just work with other departments within the airline. Some cities’ tourism boards will lobby airlines directly in order to persuade them to begin flying direct service, sometimes going so far as to provide airlines subsidies or to spend their own money marketing the new route to boost travel.

If you’ve ever wondered why there’s seasonal service directly from Charleston, South Carolina, to London, for instance, it’s because the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau took an active role in making it happen, in an effort to establish Charleston as an attractive destination for European travelers. So, the next time you look up at the departures board at the airport and see a surprising or unusual route, you’ll know just how much planning went into it. 

Resort fees can be a major headache, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget. By the time you finally reach the checkout page when booking a hotel, these extra fees can bring the total price much higher than first advertised. If you’re hoping not to bust your budget with resort fees or to avoid them altogether on your next trip, discover the major hotel chains that charge the highest — and lowest — resort fees, according to data provided by the personal finance blog NerdWallet.

What Are Resort Fees?

Whether they’re called “resort fees,” “destination fees,” or “facility fees,” these additional charges are added to your bill to cover extra amenities a hotel may offer. They are calculated on a per-night basis and tacked onto the room’s base rate. According to NerdWallet’s analysis of more than 400 different hotels, the average resort fee in 2024 was $35. While this denoted a decrease from the prior year’s average of $38.82, it still meant that guests were paying an additional 8.1% per night to stay at any of the hotels that charge such fees.

When the first resort fees were introduced in 1997, they weren’t associated with price gouging quite like they are today. Back then, they were a way for world-class resorts to cover the cost of luxury perks that their clientele was likely to use — activities like snorkeling expeditions, bike rentals, the use of the tennis courts, and so on. But over time, hotel brands began charging these fees for basic amenities that many travelers would argue should already be included in the base rate — for example, Wi-Fi or gym access.

Perhaps what’s most frustrating about resort fees is that you’re almost always obligated to pay them, whether you use the perks or not. You may never rent a bicycle or use the gym, but you’ll still end up paying an additional $35 per night. This is why so many hotel guests seek out hotels that don’t levy a resort fee.

How Hotel Chains Compare

When searching for hotels, it’s helpful to get an idea of how the major brands stack up when it comes to resort fees. According to NerdWallet’s analysis of major hotel brands, Hilton resorts levy the highest resort fees: 4.6%, or an average of $40 per night on top of the base rate. After Hilton is IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), whose resort fees averaged 3% of the base rate, followed by Hyatt (2.7%) and Marriott (1.9%). The best was Wyndham, which charged an average of 0.7% of the room rate, six times less than Hilton’s 4.6%.

NerdWallet primarily analyzed large brands, which means it wasn’t all-encompassing. For example, there are dozens of independent Las Vegas-based hotels that impose substantial resort fees, too. NerdWallet notes how, in December 2024, the Luxor Hotel & Casino offered rooms for $25 a night with a $45 mandatory resort fee. In general, the fees in Vegas have jumped 11% from 2024 to 2025, so don’t be surprised if you end up paying an extra $50 to $55 per night at top-tier hotels such as the Aria or Bellagio.

How To Avoid Resort Fees

The simplest way to avoid resort fees, of course, is to book a hotel that doesn’t charge them. Luckily, there are chains that forgo charging resort fees altogether. Some, such as Best Western and Choice Hotels, offer limited amenities in return. Others — such as Drury, Disney, and Ovolo — offer a high-end experience without any junk fees. 

If those hotels aren’t an option, there are a few other strategies you can employ. First, if you belong to a hotel chain’s loyalty program, consider booking with your points. Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt, for example, waive these fees completely on reward bookings. That’s not the case for all programs, though, so be sure to comb the checkout page carefully.

There’s also a chance you may be able to have the resort fee waived upon arrival. Speak to a hotel employee and (kindly) explain how you won’t be using any of their amenities. In some cases, the employee may be authorized to waive the fees. However, this is far more often the exception than the norm. If all else fails, it’s always worth your while to do a little research on what the resort fee covers and take advantage of those amenities — and hopefully feel a bit more that you’re getting your money’s worth. 

Overtourism is a very real issue, especially in Europe’s biggest tourist hot spots. The influx of visitors can put a strain on local infrastructure, and the heavy congestion is often a detriment to locals who just want to go about their lives. To help curb the issue, some cities have imposed restrictions such as tourist taxes or limits on rental properties. But one popular destination is taking these measures to a new level by banning outdoor dining in tourist-centric areas.

A Growing Issue in Florence

Only 380,000 residents call Florence, Italy, their full-time home — a tiny group compared with the 16 million-plus tourists who visit each year (more than 40,000 visitors each day).

One of the most popular areas of Florence is the UNESCO-protected city center, where the large crowds make it difficult to navigate the neighborhood’s narrow streets. Walkways are further limited due to the many tables, chairs, and semipermanent dining structures set up by eateries hoping to attract customers with alfresco dining options.

In an effort to address these concerns, Florentine officials plan to ban outdoor dining structures in the city center and regulate setups elsewhere. These measures are set to take effect in the early part of 2026, once the city council approves, and the changes will affect restaurants located along 50 streets in the main historic area, as well as at 73 additional locations around Florence.

Interestingly, the reaction to these new regulations has been almost universally negative — though not for the reasons you may expect. Some residents claim the ban doesn’t go far enough, saying stricter guidelines are essential to make streets more navigable. However, restaurateurs, as you might guess, are concerned about how this change will affect their bottom line, as fewer outdoor tables will mean fewer customers. But despite this pushback, the plan is still expected to take effect in early 2026.

Which Locations Are Affected?

The ban will cover popular sites (and the areas surrounding them) such as Piazzale degli Uffizi, a courtyard situated between two long galleries of the Uffizi Gallery art museum; the Palazzo Vecchio (town hall); and Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge that has many well-trafficked restaurants nearby.

There are another 73 streets subject to a partial ban. According to the Florence Daily News, outdoor dining setups will be permitted but highly regulated, in order to cut back on large, semipermanent, enclosed spaces. Many restaurants will be limited to only a few tables, chairs, and small umbrellas, while others will be granted some leniency to install partial enclosures with transparent side panels during the colder months.

As of the time of publication, there’s still work to be done to determine the exact specifications for the city’s four “noble squares” — Piazza della Signoria, Piazza Santa Maria Novella, Piazza Pitti, and the Piazza della Repubblica. The city hopes to limit outdoor dining in these squares to maintain the central open space. In the case of Piazza della Repubblica, for example, all dining installations will be forced to adhere to a strict symmetry. Further guidelines are set to be implemented within 30 days of city council approval.

Additional Restrictions

In addition to cutting back on congestion, a goal of these new measures is to protect the historic aesthetic of Florence. This means removing eyesores that would otherwise obstruct the artistic and architectural features of the city center.

All restaurants will be prohibited from using plastic materials, including any sheets or tarps that would have previously served as temporary roofing or protection against the wind. Additionally, all advertising, bright lights, or branded signage will be banned. Lastly, restaurants and cafes are being advised to decorate their outdoor spaces with seasonal plants and flowers that are locally grown and sustainable, as to make these exteriors more attractive using Italian foliage.

When you board an aircraft, your mind is likely focused just on finding your seat and settling in. If you’re greeted by a flight attendant, you may just think they’re offering a friendly welcome aboard and nothing more. But in fact, this fleeting interaction is more important than you might think.

Flight Attendants Are Assessing Your Mood and Physical State

A simple greeting and a smile from the cabin crew isn’t all it may seem. Flight attendants use those few seconds to determine if a passenger is in a fragile state emotionally, is a high-maintenance or nervous flyer, or is displaying any important indicators, such as the sunflower lanyard worn by those with hidden disabilities. 

They’ll also be looking for clues that any passenger may be intoxicated and could become uncooperative — flight attendants want to be confident that passengers are going to comply with instructions. Identifying potentially unruly passengers helps cabin crew ensure that everyone has a safe and smooth journey. 

They’re Determining Who May Need Assistance During the Flight

Flight attendants also need to know who may need physical assistance during the flight and crucially, in the event of an emergency. Safety is their top priority, so they’ll be looking out for anyone who might appreciate a helping hand, such as an adult traveling solo with young children or an elderly passenger who may take longer to deplane in an emergency. 

Knowing this in advance helps the crew be more prepared and enables them to make a mental note of anyone that they may need to check on a little more frequently while in the air. Similarly, flight attendants are also clocking able-bodied passengers (ABPs) who have the capacity to look after others or assist with heavy doors in an emergency, and can be called upon by cabin crew if required. 

It’s an Opportunity To Look for Anything Suspicious or Unusual

Even though airports carefully screen passengers and their luggage before they make it to the gate, the ultimate responsibility for passengers while in the air remains with the pilot and, by extension, their crew. So, it makes sense that those greeting passengers as they board will take the opportunity to assess whether anything appears out of the ordinary. Airline staff might also check boarding pass as another security measure to make sure no one sets foot on the plane who isn’t supposed to be there.

Additionally, anyone attempting to board with excessively large carry-ons or too many bags will be flagged at this stage, especially because it can slow down the boarding process. On wide-body aircraft, flight attendants often check boarding passes to tell passengers which aisle is best to use to reach their seat.

The Greeting Sets the Tone for the Flight

Passengers have their first interaction with the cabin crew as they board the plane, and it’s in everyone’s interest to get off to a good start. This is the first instance in which flight attendants can set the tone — some airlines are more formal than others, but friendliness and mutual respect should be universal. A congenial greeting helps foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere onboard where everyone can be comfortable. 

Ever clicked “buy” on an airline ticket and instantly regretted it? Maybe you accidentally picked the wrong date or airport, maybe you spotted a better fare with another airline, or perhaps you simply reconsidered the trip altogether. That’s where the 24-hour rule comes into play. This helpful government policy affords you the flexibility of a full refund on the price you pay for an airline ticket within 24 hours, with certain conditions. Here’s everything you need to know. 

A Guide to the 24-Hour Cancellation Rule

The U.S. Department of Transportation stipulates that:

• Airlines are required to allow customers to cancel their reservation for any reason, without penalty, for a 24-hour period after the ticket is purchased. 
• Airlines must provide a full refund to the original form of payment, instead of only a voucher or travel credit. 
• Alternatively, airlines can offer a free hold, prior to purchase, to allow customers to secure the price of the ticket for 24 hours. (However, airlines don’t have to offer both a free hold and a refund without penalty.)  
• This policy applies on flights to, from, or within the United States, whether the airline is based in the U.S. or internationally. 
• Importantly, the rule applies only for tickets that are purchased at least seven days or more in advance of the scheduled departure date.

It doesn’t matter which type of ticket you buy, so yes, it even works for basic economy. However, airlines aren’t required to provide free ticket changes within 24 hours — only refunds. So if you see the price has gone down after you purchase, but there’s a change fee associated with your ticket, it’s probably a better bet to just cancel your original ticket (if it’s been less than 24 hours) and buy a new one. 

When the 24-Hour Rule Does Not Apply

The most obvious exception to the 24-hour rule is for flights outside the U.S., so take extra caution when booking intra-Europe flights for your big Europe trip. That said, while the EU doesn’t formally require airlines to offer free 24-hour cancellations like the U.S. does, you’ll find that, in practice, many European airlines offer the policy as a courtesy anyway. The same is true for other airlines, like Air Canada. 

Additionally, it’s worth repeating that the 24-hour policy doesn’t apply to last-minute purchases. If you’re booking a ticket for travel within the next seven days, make sure your plans are set, because in most cases you won’t be able to cancel for a full refund without penalty. 

In practice, though, it depends on the airline, so always check your individual airline’s policy. For example, American Airlines lets you cancel for a full refund if you’ve booked two or more days before departure; with Alaska Airlines, it has to be at least one day before travel.  

The rule is also different for tickets booked through a travel agency or online travel agency (OTA) instead of directly with the airline. Technically, the DOT’s rule does not stipulate that third parties must provide the same flexibility; the rule applies only to airlines themselves. However, you’ll find that many OTAs, such as Expedia, still offer free cancellations for any reason within 24 hours; just be sure to check those policies before you book. 

What To Do After 24 Hours

The 24-hour rule can be a useful tool for travelers to score a deal. With dynamic, frequently fluctuating pricing of airline tickets, you can snap up a great fare and think if they really want to commit after the fact. But what if it’s been more than 24 hours since you purchased the ticket? 

Unfortunately, most tickets airlines sell, especially the lowest fares, are nonrefundable. The good news is that, during the pandemic, many U.S. airlines permanently eliminated change fees (except on basic-economy tickets). That means if you need to change your ticket, you can do so without penalty; you’ll just need to pay a fare difference. If you can no longer travel and aren’t sure when you’ll be able to reschedule, you’ll be able to cancel the ticket for a future travel credit, without any fee. 

Additionally, under new DOT regulations enacted in late 2024, U.S. airlines are required to offer a full refund for any significant flight disruptions. In this case, “significant” means three hours or more for a domestic flight or six hours or more for an international flight. If the airline changes it for any reason, at any point up until departure, you are entitled to a full refund, should you not accept their alternative arrangements. This applies to day-of-departure disruptions such as weather or crew availability, but you can also get a refund any time before then if, for example, the airline changes its schedule and moves you to a flight three or more hours later (for domestic travel). 

Featured image credit: Yuliia Kaveshnikova/ iStock via Getty Images Plus