While we are still waiting for a meaningful airline passenger Bill of Rights, if you happen to be flying within or from Europe, you have more and better rights.
It’s something called European Community Rule 261. If an airline cancels your flight, it must offer lodging and a full refund. EC 261 has actually been around for nearly 20 years and it even requires compensation for long delays.
And here’s the best part. The airline must pay you in cash, wire transfer or check within seven days.
If the airline wants to give you a voucher, that can only happen if you give it a signed authorization.