how long before a flight is cancelled
Expedia, for example, states that passengers may have the option to cancel for a refund but doesn't guarantee it. But if you're booking flights at the recommended 54 days before your trip, you're most likely in luck. The first flights you book don't have to be the ones you take. ...just take a price break instead. CORRECTION: A previous version of this post stated that airlines must either hold your flight for 24 hours after booking OR allow you to cancel for a full refund. In fact, they must do both.