According to the U.S Department of Transportation (DOT), consumers are entitled to a full refund if the airline cancels their flight and they no longer want to travel. This means that if your flight is canceled by the airline, you have the right to receive a full refund of the ticket price, including any taxes or fees, if you decide not to travel.

It is important to note that this policy applies to flights that are canceled by the airline, not flights that are disrupted due to circumstances outside of the airline's control, such as weather or air traffic control issues. In these cases, the airline is not required to provide a refund, but may offer other options, such as rebooking or credits for future travel.
If your flight has been canceled and you are entitled to a refund, the first step is to contact the airline directly. Many airlines have dedicated customer service teams that can assist you with cancellations and refunds. It is also a good idea to have your ticket confirmation and any other relevant information handy when contacting the airline.
In addition to the situation where an airline is required to provide a full refund if they cancel a flight and the passenger no longer wants to travel, there are other situations where a customer may be entitled to a full refund.
One such situation is if a passenger is unwillingly downgraded to a lower class of fare. For example, if you have booked a first class ticket but are given a seat in economy class, you may be entitled to a full refund.
Another situation where a passenger may be entitled to a full refund is if there is a significant change or delay to their flight. This may include a change to the departure or arrival time, a change to the route, or a change to the type of aircraft. In these cases, the airline may be required to provide a full refund if the passenger no longer wants to travel.
It is important to note that these situations apply to flights that are canceled or significantly changed or delayed by the airline, not flights that are disrupted due to circumstances outside of the airline's control, such as weather or air traffic control issues. In these cases, the airline is not required to provide a refund, but may offer other options, such as rebooking or credits for future travel.
If you are unable to resolve the issue with the airline directly, you may consider reaching out to a consumer protection agency or a lawyer for assistance. However, it is important to note that the options available to you may depend on the specific circumstances of your case and the policies of the airline.
Overall, the U.S Department of Transportation's policy on canceled flights and refunds provides consumers with important protections and ensures that they are not left out of pocket if their flight is canceled by the airline. By understanding your rights and being proactive in seeking a resolution, you can minimize any inconvenience or financial impact caused by a flight cancellation.