Has this ever happened to you, when you’ve booked a plane ticket and the next day you find out that you cannot go due to a genuine reason?
It isn’t very pleasant. And I’m sure that you would want to get a refund on your unused ticket. So, can you get a refund on an unused airline ticket? If yes, then how?
You’ll get answers to these questions and more in the article below. So, let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways
- You can get a refund on your unused airline ticket, but it depends on the airline’s policy and the type of ticket you purchased. Refundable tickets offer the most flexibility in case of cancellation, but they may come with additional fees.
- If you experience a significant delay in your flight, you can choose to discontinue your journey and request a refund. The airline is legally obliged to refund your ticket, but it’s important to check the policy for specific details.
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many airlines have changed their policies regarding refunds and cancellations. Some airlines offer extended ticket validity, allowing you to delay your travel plans until you’re ready to fly. Others may offer refunds, but taxes and service fees may not be included.
Can You Get A Refund If You Voluntarily Cancel A Flight?
Yes, you can get a refund if you voluntarily cancel a flight. However, this is true only for refundable tickets. So, you must book a refundable ticket if there’s a chance you may have to cancel your flight.
Some tickets are refundable, meaning if you choose not to fly you can get your money back except for an administration fee charged by many airlines. An airline service charge is required to complete a refund on other tickets.
Some airlines may not charge you any processing fee if you cancel your flight 24 hours before the departure.
Every airline applies different policies on their refundable ticket, so you must read the policy before purchasing it.
Can You Get A Refund If You Cancelled A Flight Because It Was Delayed?
Yes, you can get a refund if you cancel your flight due to a significant delay (the length of the time is not specified) and you choose to discontinue your journey.
However, some airlines may suggest continuing traveling with the compensation they offer, but they will refund you if you ask for it and nothing else.
Can You Get a Refund if You Cancelled Your Flight Due to COVID-19?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many airlines have changed their policies regarding refunds and cancelled flights. Some even have created new ones so that the passengers’ journey is not much affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the airlines extended the validity of their flight tickets, making them valid for up to 36 months. Therefore, if you tested positive for COVID-19, you can delay your plans until you test negative. After which, you can call the airline and let them know the dates you will be ready to fly on.
Yes, you can get a refund if you cancel your flight due to COVID-19, according to several airlines’ policies available on their websites. However, any taxes and service fees are not included in the refund.
Other airlines suggest that you rebook your flight when you’re ready to travel. However, the dates on which you continue traveling must be within the ticket validity.
Conclusion
If you voluntarily cancel a flight, getting a refund depends upon the airlines’ policies. Every other airline has a different approach.
You can get a refund without any complications if you booked a refundable ticket, but you may not get the service fee and taxes back. Moreover, if you decide not to travel because of a significant delay in your flight, the airline is legally obliged to refund your ticket.
You can also get a refund from some airlines if you cancel your flight due to COVID-19. However, their changes and new policies make it easy for you to travel if you have been affected by the COVID-19.
If you’ve recently had a flight cancelled and need help figuring out your options, visit this page to find the best companies dealing with flight cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I get a refund if I voluntarily cancel my flight?
Yes, you can get a refund if you voluntarily cancel your flight, but it depends on the airline’s policy and the type of ticket you purchased. Refundable tickets offer the most flexibility in case of cancellation.
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Can I get a refund if I cancel my flight due to a significant delay?
Yes, you can get a refund if you discontinue your journey due to a significant delay in your flight. The airline is legally obliged to refund your ticket, but it’s important to check the policy for specific details.
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Can I get a refund if I cancel my flight due to COVID-19?
Yes, some airlines offer refunds if you cancel your flight due to COVID-19, but it depends on the airline’s policy. Some airlines may offer extended ticket validity, allowing you to delay your travel plans until you’re ready to fly.
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What is a refundable ticket?
A refundable ticket is an airline ticket that allows you to cancel your flight and get a refund minus any applicable fees, taxes, or service charges.
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What is a non-refundable ticket?
A non-refundable ticket is a type of airline ticket that does not allow you to get a refund if you cancel your flight. However, some airlines may offer options to change your travel dates or use the value of your ticket for future travel.
