Travel plans frequently change, and you could be entitled to a refund for your reserved plane ticket or other related benefits such as baggage or seat charges. This website contains useful information for determining whether you are eligible for a refund for air fares or services related to scheduled flights.
Is It Possible For Me To Get A Refund?
Travellers are entitled to a refund of the ticket and/or associated charges under the following circumstances.
Cancelled Flight – If the airline cancels the flight for some reason and the customer does not want to fly, the passenger is entitled to a refund.
Timetable Change/Major Delay-A traveler is entitled to a refund if the carrier makes a drastic scheduling change and/or significantly delays the trip and the customer chooses not to board.
Change in Level of Service-A passenger is entitled to a refund if he or she has involuntarily changed to a lower class of service. For example, if a traveler orders a first-class ticket and is downgraded to economy class due to an aircraft swap, the difference in fares is the passenger's fault.
Extra Service Fees-A traveler is entitled to a refund of fees paid for an optional service (for example, baggage charges, seat changes, or in-flight Wi-Fi) if the passenger was unable to use the optional service due to a flight interruption, error, schedule change, or a situation in which the passenger was mistakenly denied boarding.
Baggage Fees- If a passenger is paid a baggage fee and his or her luggage is considered lost by the carrier, the passenger is entitled to a refund.
Airlines can use a variety of procedures to determine if a bag is technically missing. Many airlines will report a bag lost between five and fourteen days after the flight, but this varies by airline. If an airline fails to accept a lost bag after it has been missing for an unreasonable period of time, the DOT will take action against the airline.
Completely Refundable Fare - Passengers who buy fully refundable fares are eligible for a refund if they do not use the bought ticket to complete their journey.
But under very limited situations, travelers are not entitled to refunds in the following cases:
Non-Refundable Fares- Passengers who purchase non-refundable tickets are not entitled to a refund until the carrier commits to making a refund or the airline cancels a flight or makes a significant change to the schedule.
Passengers who purchase non- refundable tickets but are unable to board due to personal reasons such as sickness or late arrival at the airport are not entitled to a refund.
Unsatisfactory Service- A passenger who is eager to travel but has a negative experience with an airline or a flight is not entitled to a refund.
Please keep in mind that while airlines are not required to issue refunds for non-refundable tickets, they are free to do so or issue a credit or travel voucher for future use by the airline. Airlines must still keep their promises and, in some situations, will be able to provide travelers with accommodations or other facilities that they are not supposed to have. Call the carrier directly to request more accommodation or amenities.
Cancellation of a Ticket Booking or Purchase within 24 Hours of Making a Reservation
Airline tickets purchased at least seven days before the flight's scheduled departure date and time must be either:
Airlines are unable to offer both a hold and a refund. Until purchasing a ticket, research the airline's position. However, if the airline makes a free reservation, the passenger must be allowed to cancel the reservation without penalty within 24 hours. If an airline requires payment for a reservation, it must allow the passenger to cancel the payment and the reservation within 24 hours in order to receive a complete refund.
Although airlines are required to maintain a reservation for 24 hours or provide a refund to travellers upon request within 24 hours of making a reservation, airlines are not permitted to make changes to the ticket at no cost.
How fast can the airline, travel agent, or online travel agency issue refunds?
When a traveller is owed a refund, the airline, travel agency, or internet travel provider must process the refund within seven business days if charged by credit card, and within 20 business days if paid by cash or check.