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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/trav-significant-change-refund

DOT lists a domestic itinerary departing how much earlier as a significant change?

3 or more hours earlier.

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  1. 30 minutes
  2. 3 or more hours ✔
  3. 12 hours

Why: A flight that leaves 3 or more hours early on a domestic itinerary is a significant change. If you decline the new flight, you are entitled to a refund.

Huh, didn't know that: For international itineraries, it is 6 or more hours early.

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My flight moved up three hours. I moved my jokes down.
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References

Answer: 3 or more hours. A flight that leaves 3 or more hours early on a domestic itinerary is a significant change. If you decline the new flight, you are entitled to a refund.

  1. DOT: Refunds www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds
    The consumer is scheduled to depart from the origination airport 3 hours or more for domestic itineraries
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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