Flight tickets are costly and sometimes when there is a need for cancellation we often wonder whether we will get back our money or not. Maybe there is an emergency and you are not able to make this trip! That can be disheartening but at least you can get back the money you invested in tickets. Sometimes the authority may delay or cancel the flights and sometimes you are unable to board for certain reasons. So yes, it is possible to get back your money for the tickets but how you can, is something which is not mentioned by the airlines initially.
When an airline is canceling or delays that particular flight they will try to rebook you since who wishes to part ways with money? Here you will need a certain level of expertise and tech smartness to get your money back. Every company has a different rule and so you have to make sure that you are aware of the same before you go ahead and speak to the executives.
1. If flights are canceled, are you compensated for the tickets?
This is to be noted that if the flights are canceled due to some issue on behalf of the airlines then you are entitled to a refund of the complete fare in case you opt out of the scope to board another one! This is even applicable if the ticket fares were marked non-refundable initially. This decision was made by the Federal Law of the Department of Transportation to protect consumer rights.
Baggage fees, the cost of boarding, and if you paid for carrying your pets all come under additional charges which will also be refunded to the customers. However, if you had bookings in a hotel, cruise, etc and you had to lose that money then the flight authority is not responsible for paying for them however you can make a request and see.
It is natural to be worried and confused if this is your first time encountering such an issue. To your relief, AirHelp has launched the flight cancellations dashboard page where you can question anything and everything to solve your doubts.
Policies of refund for international flights
International Flight policies are not protected by the DOT however you do fall under the rules of the nation you are traveling to! So refer to their norms and you might get a refund. Most countries provide a refund for the entire flight fare if the flight was canceled due to airline issues.
According to EU law, you will be provided with a refund or allowed to board another flight as compensation for your personal flight being canceled. Even extra accommodation and compensation are also provided to the passengers in this case. The law passed in 2005 states that if the flight has been canceled within fourteen days of the boarding date or delayed more than three hours then the passenger gets back the full fare he invested. The amount of refund varies between $270-$650 and the distance between the destinations.
However if the cancellation is due to natural calamities or weather conditions like storms, etc the airlines are not bound to refund you the money since it is beyond their control. Refunds are only applicable for situations like mechanical issues, pilot problems, and so on.
Is there a scope to get a refund all the time a flight is canceled?
You can get a refund if you do not wish to rebook but the process can be challenging especially if you have booked through a third party or a discount website. So the airlines can deny any responsibility for a refund as for now the third party is responsible to process your refund. And as you know they can have separate policies regarding the refund system!
What is the way of refund application?
You can get a refund as we said! All you need to do is head to the complaint box right away and contact the airline's authority for a refund on their official website. It is also possible for you to send a mail but an application through their official website gets a response faster. You can ask them to send the money to the bank account which you used for paying the fare as you do not need a voucher!
Calling is the best option since you can convey your worries and they can address your concerns right away! You need to speak to the executive and they will further process your refund for the canceled tickets.
What are the circumstances under which you can get a refund for your flight tickets-
Under the following circumstances, you can get a refund or compensation for the money you invested in tickets that got canceled.
- If there is a delay of more than five hours and you no longer wish to board the flight then you can certainly ask for a refund.
- In case the flight is canceled less than fourteen before the trip and the options you are being provided with do not serve the purpose of your trip.
- If under any circumstances you have been denied boarding and you do not prefer to go ahead with the alternative flights then a refund is initiated.
What is the system for getting a refund of flight ticket prices after cancellation?
As simple as it sounds, you will be shifted to another flight in case the one you were boarding has been canceled. If none of them suits your travel schedule and plans then you will be provided with a complete refund.
What is the compensation if flights are delayed-
If you find that your flight is being delayed by five hours and more than that then you can ask for a refund. Despite the refund, there is also compensation that you can ask for under the following conditions-
- Delay for three hours and more of your flight, you can ask for a refund.
- Cancellation of fewer than fourteen days the departure will also yield you a refund.
- If you have confirmed flight reservations but have been denied entry at the time of boarding.
- The reason for the disturbance and cancellation was within the control of the airline's authority.
Rules and regulations to know -
1. Cancellation and refund of the fares-
- In case of cancellation of a flight less than fourteen days of travel, the airline company is bound to arrange for an alternative flight or partially or completely refund the price of the fare.
- They also have to arrange another flight to your final destination as early as possible.
- Get you a new ticket to your destination at your earliest.
If you opt for a refund after the cancellation then the processing is done within 7 days. It will be sent to your account through net banking, money transfer, cheque, or any other convenient method. They can also return the money in cash and make you sign a couple of documents which you should do only after giving a thorough read.
2. Is it possible to get a partial refund?
If you are halfway on your journey and during the second half of your trip, the flight is canceled due to unforeseen reasons then you can opt for a partial refund and to be accommodated in an alternate flight. If no flights are available which can take you to your original destination then you certainly have the right to ask for a complete refund of your fare. Under such a situation, they are also entitled to send you back to the place from where you started in case they can't find a flight that can take you to your destination from the midpoint where you are stranded.
3. What are some of the additional compensation?
If you are lucky, then the airlines will provide you with a refund, an alternate flight for travel as well as compensation for the situation. However, you have to check whether your flight tickets qualify under the category of cancellation first. For example, if the distance is about 1500 km then for a delay of two to four hours you will get compensation within $125-250 whereas if you never boarded it then it is a sure shot of $250. On the other hand, for distances over 3500 km, you will receive $300 for the delay and $600 for never boarding at all.
Times when you will not get compensation-
One thing you must note is that all flights do not qualify for compensation so you have to be clear about the terms and conditions and read them before you get your tickets. Under circumstances that are not under the control of the airlines, the passengers will not be refunded their ticket fare on cancellation.
- Strikes by air traffic control
- Security issues
- Political troubles
- Natural calamities like storms, etc.
But there is no harm in requesting airlines a refund and seeing if you get some money back on the occasion of a cancellation.
Conclusion- now that you are aware of the terms and policies of refund after cancellation of flights, you will have no trouble applying for the same.
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