Airline Ticket Cancellation Policy

Cancellation policies differ by airline (Photo: airplane image by Clarence Alford from Fotolia.com )

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When for whatever reason a trip needs to be canceled, you will need to navigate the airline s cancellation policy in order to receive a refund. The ideal situation is one in which you can receive a full refund from the airline. Even if that isn t possible, you can still try to get a partial refund or ticket voucher to use at a future date. Understanding how cancellation policies work can help you plan ahead and be prepared when your plans do change.

Third-Party Discounters

If you buy through a third-party discounting service, such as Expedia or Travelocity, be aware that many tickets sold will have a no-refund policy. Airlines are offering deep discounts to these bulk sellers, and part of the reason they re able to do this is because they offer far fewer protections. Most discounting services will offer you the option to search only for tickets which have a flexible cancellation policy, or will allow you to add a cancellation policy for an additional fee. If you believe there s a chance you may need to cancel your ticket, this can save you a great deal of money in the long run.

Time of Cancellation

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an alternative to getting a refund from the airline, and may be useful if the airline has a strict cancellation policy but you believe your trip may have to be cancelled. Travel insurance will generally pay any difference between the purchase price of your ticket and the amount an airline is willing to refund you, so long as you meet certain criteria. Traveler s insurance generally applies if you, a family member, or a traveling partner is sick or dies; if you are summoned for jury duty during your trip window; if your host at your travel destination falls ill or dies; if a natural disaster or terrorist attack strikes your home town; or if weather or a strike impedes your trip.

Changing Dates

Although many airlines will not offer full refunds for a cancellation, they may allow you to change the dates of your trip, or to receive a travel voucher good for a future trip with the same airline generally within six months to a year of your initial trip dates. Changing dates may be free if you purchased a full-fare ticket and call more than two weeks in advance. Calling with less than two weeks notice will generally incur fees, including a service charge and any difference between the two fares.

Extenuating Circumstances