Cancelled in the FAA ground stop: what you are owed

On Nov 13, 2026 a nationwide FAA ground stop of roughly four hours, reported to stem from a telecommunications problem at air traffic control facilities, stopped departures across the country and led to thousands of cancellations and delays. If your flight was one of them, here is what the rules say.

What you are owed

• A cash refund of the unused ticket, to the original form of payment, if you decline the rebooking or voucher.
• Paid extras back: seat selection, bags, Wi-Fi and similar fees for services you did not receive.
• Speed: within 7 business days for a card payment, within 20 calendar days for other payments.

What you are probably not owed

No US federal rule requires airlines to pay for meals or hotels. Airlines promise them voluntarily, and mostly for disruptions they control. A ground stop ordered by air traffic control is not one of those, so expect "no", then ask politely anyway. See hotels and meals and your card's trip-delay benefit, which often does help.

The US also has no fixed cash payment for a delay itself. That is an EU rule, not a US one.

What to do, in order

1. Do not accept a voucher or travel credit until you have asked for the refund. Accepting can give up the cash.
2. Check your card statement. Many airlines refunded cancellations automatically this week.
3. Ask in writing through the airline's refund form or email. Say you decline the alternative and want a refund to the original payment. Keep a copy.
4. Note the date. The deadline is 7 business days for cards.
5. Escalate if it is late: file a complaint with the DOT, and dispute the card charge within 60 days of the statement that showed it.

If your flight was delayed, not cancelled

A refund applies when a delay is significant: 3 hours or more domestic, 6 hours or more international, and you decline to travel. If you flew anyway, you cannot also take the refund. See delays and refunds.

If your tickets were bought through a travel agent or site

The airline or the ticket agent that sold the fare is responsible for the refund. If you booked through an online travel agency, start with them and keep their messages.