Everyday decision 10 of 10
Book with clarity: connections, refunds, and the total price
A booking is cheap for a reason, and the reason is usually in the details. This page covers what to check before you book, and your rights if things change.
Example 01
Found a cheap flight? Check the connection and the ticket.
The cheapest fare can come with a short connection, separate tickets, or no refund. Check all three before you book.
Right now
Tap each step as you do it.
All three done.
If plans change
- If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you don't accept what they offer instead, you're entitled to a refund, even on a nonrefundable ticket.
- If you cancel a nonrefundable ticket yourself and the flight goes as scheduled, you're not entitled to a refund. Check whether the airline offers a credit.
The pattern
Booking sites sort by price, and the cheapest option is often cheapest because of what it gives up: time to connect, a single ticket, or flexibility. An agent told to find "the cheapest" will find exactly that.
For hotels and event tickets, U.S. rules require the advertised price to include mandatory fees, like resort or service fees. Airfare falls under separate rules.
What Agency Check shows
Say "Check this first before you book the flight."
Book a round trip to Denver for $412.
- 45 minutes to make the connection in Chicago O'Hare
- The flights are on separate tickets. If the first one runs late, the second airline may not rebook you.
- Nonrefundable. If your plans change, you may not get money back.
Agency Check reviewed what you shared. You decide what happens next.
What this check looks at
- Short connections (under an hour)
- Flights on separate tickets
- Nonrefundable fares
- A total that doesn't include all the fees
- A large deposit due at booking
When it says Pause and verify: only when a booking carries pressure red lines, like a request for your card number in a message. The usual trade-offs of a cheap fare get Ready to review, with each one listed.
Coming soon to Muse and any agent chat
How to use it
Before your agent acts, say it out loud or type it. Agency Check reviews what you shared and hands back one Decision Card.
See how Agency Check works"Check this first before you book the flight."
Questions
What is the 24-hour rule for flights?
For tickets bought at least seven days before departure, U.S. airlines must either let you cancel for a full refund within 24 hours, or let you hold the fare for 24 hours without paying. The airline picks which.
Can I get a refund if the airline cancels my flight?
Yes. If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you don't accept the alternatives it offers, you're entitled to a refund, whatever the reason for the cancellation.
What does "separate tickets" mean?
Your trip is on two bookings instead of one. If the first flight is late and you miss the second, the second airline generally doesn't have to rebook you.
Do hotel prices have to include resort fees?
Yes. Under the FTC's fees rule, which took effect May 12, 2025, the advertised price for short-term lodging and live-event tickets must include mandatory fees.
Other everyday decisions
Sources
Frameworks behind this check
Research and guidance
- U.S. Department of Transportation, "Refunds" (updated November 7, 2025)transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds
- FTC, "The Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees: Frequently Asked Questions"ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-frequently-asked-questions
- FTC press release, "FTC Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees to Take Effect on May 12, 2025"ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/05/ftc-rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-take-effect-may-12-2025
Last reviewed September 27, 2026. Agency Check is an independent tool from Cyber Strategy Institute, built on its open frameworks and coming soon to Muse and any agent chat. Muse is a trademark of Meta Platforms, Inc.All ten checks on the Agency Check hub