Originally Posted by
orbitmic
Actually that’s certainly not automatic. While they will agree to do so in some cases (especially if your cancelled flight imposes different dates), if, for instance, there would be alternative flights on the same day but you’d prefer to use the cancellation to move even 1-2 days before or after and the hotel costs are significantly higher, they will ask you to pay for the difference.
My cancelled flight had same-day alternatives, but not attractive ones. I selected new dates, prepared to swallow a (not insignificant) up-fee for hotels. The agent suggested I stick within the time limits which would permit a change at no additional cost. Those limit could have been days, rather than weeks: I really don't remember. The value of the new flight dates and timings eclipsed the new accommodation costs, so i stuck to my initial change.