Lowfaremart Blog

Can I Cancel My Airline Ticket Without Penalty?

Yes, a traveler can cancel the booking without incurring a penalty. However, it depends on the airline's guidelines and policies. Since there are some general rules following which a passenger can be assured of acquiring a complete refund. Finding a complete refund, however, can only be taken if you qualify for the eligibility status. What qualifies you for the eligibility criteria to get a complete money return, you will learn through this page.

How Can I Cancel My Flight Without Penalty?

If you are going to cancel the flight ticket, you can get the ticket canceled. Here is the process to call off the booking, which is as follows ?

Online Reversal 

  • Go to the airline's official page.
  • Visit the Manage Trip or My Booking section ( the word may change depending on the airline). 
  • Enter the confirmation code and surname as requested. 
  • Booking details will be retrieved.
  • Select the flight you want to cancel. 
  • Click on Cancel.
  • Review the details and confirm the cancellation.

After you cancel the booking, you will receive an email notification that your flight has been successfully canceled. To seek reimbursement, you must complete the refund form completely. 

Can I Get A Full Refund If I Cancel My Flight?

The policies of the airlines may differ. A traveler can only get a full return on cancellation if they get risk-free cancellation, which is a 24-hour cancellation rule. Under the provision, if a passenger cancels the booking within 24 hours of the air ticket purchase, then he/she is eligible to get a complete return. But make sure there is a gap of at least seven days from the date of air ticket purchase to the date of departure. If you meet this criteria, you can get a full reimbursement.

How Much Will I Get Back If I Cancel My Flight Ticket?

It is necessary to know the terms regarding flight tickets to know this. Your air ticket price as a whole is a combination of these, including:-

  • The actual or base price:- This is the exact price the airline imposes for traveling from one destination to another. 
  • Processing fees/ Service fees:- The cost of issuing or delivering the flight ticket, and travel agencies receive this. 
  • Tax and fees:- This is the cost that an airline passes on to a third party like the airport. It may involve customs and security fees and the tax charged by several countries. The fees also include a luggage charge, which is not included in the actual fare for low-cost airlines.
  • Transaction fees:- The fees that happen due to the bank transfer. 
  • Fuel surcharges:- These are included in the air ticket prices since they are not conveyed to third parties. However, they are linked to the Taxes and Fees, the cost imposed per passenger for the aircraft fuel. 
  • Extra fees:- This is an additional fee, such as personal services for meals or onboard services. 

The airlines categorized fares into two categories:

  • Refundable
  • Non-refundable.

If you choose the non-returnable fare, it would be cheaper than refundable. But there are certain restrictions on non-returnable. You cannot claim a money return. You can claim for the taxes, fees, and surcharges, but you have no right over the base fare to claim. 

How Much Does It Cost To Cancel A Plane Ticket?

As you know, the plane ticket results in three

  • The base fare
  • The taxes
  • The fees. 

If you cancel the booking before the flight departs or without notifying the airline that you are going to miss the flight, you will be refunded the cost of the tax and fees only. The fare will only be reimbursed completely if an airline can resell the air ticket after you meet the cancellation terms properly. It depends upon the airline's terms and guidelines. 

In conclusion, if you are going to cancel the air ticket, make sure you follow the criteria so that you can get a complete return. Airlines facilitate the cancelation and refund benefits to the passengers as they understand it is common for them to face such instances. However, there are guidelines and policies implemented by the airlines so that a passenger can call off the booking, remain adhered to the policy, and thus seek a refund after meeting all the guidelines.