I am trying to get some clarity about refunds for airline tickets.

I have read that there is a law that any airline that flies into the US has to offer the customer a refund if the ticket is for a flight more than 7 days away and is canceled within 24 hours. But it also seems according to many sites that this only applies to flights going to or coming from the US, and since I'm traveling outside the US right now I don't know if it applies.

However, I have also seen it said that you have to be careful because some fares are not refundable (how is this possible given the above law?) and that some airlines charge exorbitant fees for issuing the refund (which also doesn't sound like it accords with the 24 hour law).

I have also read that US online travel bookers like Expedia and Travelocity will offer refunds on any ticket canceled within 24 hours. So does that mean any ticket booked through these sites on any airlines so long as canceled in that time frame will receive a full refund? Because I see some people saying even on expedia not all tickets are refundable. But in the "fare review" window of the tickets, I do not see any information relating to refunds shared.

Is there a way to know for sure if the ticket your purchase will be fully refundable if canceled with 24 hours?

Also, is it true that even if you cancel in 24 hours, it can take up to three months for your money to refunded? Or does that only apply to refunds requested after that time period?

Thanks for helping clarify these issues for me!