The One-Time Postponement Rule
Deep breath: your vacation is safe. Almost every court system in the United States recognizes that citizens have lives, businesses, and travel plans. Consequently, most courts offer a 'no questions asked' one-time postponement.
Instead of being 'excused' (which means you never have to go), you simply defer your service to a later date, usually within the next 3 to 6 months.
How to Submit the Request
In 2026, this process is almost entirely digital. Log into your county or federal court's juror portal using the Juror ID on your summons. Look for the 'Postponement' or 'Deferral' tab. You will be asked to select a new week from a drop-down calendar that works better for your schedule.
What If I Need a Second Postponement?
This is where things get difficult. If you defer your service to November, and then suddenly book another trip for November, the court will be far less forgiving. A second postponement usually requires a formal letter to the judge and hard proof of financial loss (like attaching non-refundable flight receipts booked before the second summons was issued).