American Airlines Cancelled My Flight and Wouldn't Refund Me. Until I Filed a DOT Complaint.

I booked a flight from New York to London with American Airlines for $680. The flight was delayed by six hours, then cancelled entirely. They put me on a flight the next day, but I had already missed a connecting train and a hotel night I could not get refunded. When I asked American for compensation, they offered a $100 voucher. I said no.

Under US law, airlines are only required to refund you if they cancel your flight and you choose not to rebook. But here is the thing: American tried to tell me that because they rebooked me automatically, I was not entitled to a refund. That is misleading. You have the right to decline the rebooking and demand your money back.

I called American Airlines customer service. The first agent was useless. I asked for the cancellation policy and she kept repeating "we rebooked you." I demanded a supervisor. The supervisor confirmed that I could decline the rebooking and get a full refund. I asked for compensation for the missed hotel night too. She said no to that.

I then filed a complaint with the Department of Transportation (DOT). I filled out their aviation consumer protection form online. Two weeks later, American called me and offered a full refund of $680 plus a $200 travel voucher. I took it.

Key lesson: US airlines are required by law to refund you if your flight is cancelled and you do not fly. Do not accept vouchers if you want cash. And if they give you a hard time, file a DOT complaint. It works.