How to Return an Airline Ticket

Even non-refundable tickets have some value should your travel plans change. (Photo: Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images )

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Items you will need

Original ticket, itinerary or receipt

Step 1

Check the fare class on your ticket, which you should be able to find on your itinerary or receipt and generally is indicated by a single letter. If you're flying economy class, Y and B classes are full-fare economy classes, meaning your ticket is refundable. Other letters indicate discount economy classes, which are non-refundable.

Step 2

Check your airline's refund policy on its website or by calling its reservations center if your ticket is refundable. In most cases, if you paid by credit card, you will be able to return your ticket via the website, but you might need to do it over the phone or at the ticket office, depending on the circumstances. You also will be able to exchange your ticket for an equitable flight without a fee in most cases. Monitor your credit card account to be sure the refund is posted within a few weeks.

Step 3

Read your airline's policy on ticket exchanges. In most cases, you won't be able get a direct refund, but you might be able to procure a voucher for use in future flights. Policies vary by airline, but most major airlines let you return your ticket in exchange for another ticket. You almost always will have to pay an exchange fee as well as the difference in ticket cost if your new ticket is more expensive than your first ticket. You will not be refunded if the ticket is less expensive, however. If you don't have immediate travel plans, most airlines let the fare, minus fees, be applied to travel within a year. Depending on the airline, you might be able to use the voucher only to the same destination as the original ticket. Exchange restrictions are much tighter on international flights than domestic flights.

Check your airline's website or ask an airline representative about refund/exchange policies related to emergency situations. If you have to change travel plans for reasons such as an illness or family death, the airline might have more lax rules on exchanges, provided you can provide documentation to prove the emergency. Travel insurance, such as that offered by certain credit cards and travel agencies, can ensure you get a full refund should you need to change a ticket for this reason.

Cancel your original ticket as far in advance of your travel date as possible. Many airlines have restrictions as to how soon before a flight, often 24 hours, your are able to return a ticket for refund or voucher. If you simply don't show up on the day of your flight, your ticket probably will lose all value.