How refunds actually work.

Because SkyMarket Media never processes the booking, all refund and cancellation requests must be made directly with the comparison-search partner or the operator where you completed the purchase. The partner-OTA names we work with are listed on our disclosures page for FTC affiliate transparency, and each partner publishes its own refund policy on its support pages.

The federal 24-hour rule. By DOT 14 CFR 259.5, every US carrier must allow a full refund within 24 hours of booking, as long as the booking was made at least seven days before departure. This applies regardless of the fare class purchased and regardless of where you booked.

Refund patterns by operator category.

• Single-cabin point-to-point operators: no change fees on any fare; the difference between original and new fare is paid (or held as travel credit). Cancellation typically returns the fare as 12-month travel credit.
• Network operators (main cabin): most domestic main-cabin tickets dropped change fees in 2020. International is partially excluded. Refundable fare buckets exist at a 2-3x premium and cancel for full cash refund.
• Basic-economy bundles: universally non-changeable and non-refundable beyond the 24-hour federal rule. Travel waivers may apply during weather, mechanical, or schedule disruptions.
• Ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs): retain modification charges of $69-$99 per change. Cancellation typically returns travel credit (not cash) usable within 60-90 days.

The authoritative source for refund eligibility on your specific fare is the operator's published rules, available on the comparison-search partner's checkout page or on the operator's own website at the moment you book.