How can I cancel my flight without penalty? Tips & Tricks

Cancellation of flight tickets always seems to be a nightmare. To enjoy a seamless travel experience, knowing about certain terms for cancelling tickets can always come in handy. The fear of losing money while booking your favourite tourist places is real. It is important to read the fine print below your tickets to ensure how and when it will be most beneficial to cancel your tickets. The policies of different airlines differ from each other, and no one flight will provide simple cancellation rules. Specific airfares and the type of flying class will determine and affect your cancellation charges. So if you buy a flight ticket, how do you cancel it?

Things to remember for zero penalty cancellation of air tickets

  • Purchase zero cancellation tickets
  • Buy Flexi fare options
  • Buy separate one-way tickets if in any doubt
  • Buy tickets with travel insurance
  • Read the fine print on the air tickets

Zero cancellation tickets

Buy zero cancellation fee tickets. Airline companies offer a minimal surcharge with which you can cancel your tickets free of the extra cost. However, if you travel as per the dates of your choice, this amount is gone for good. This additional fee is like an insurance premium – gone if not utilised, but you have to keep paying the premium.

So if you buy a ticket worth INR 6300/- and the actual cost of the ticket is INR 6000/- you would still save the INR 6000/- you spent. This is only an option if you are doubtful about your vacation schedules.

Flexi fare options

A Flexi fare ticket is the one on which you get some additional benefits such as cancellation refunds, date change liberties, pay later options, etc. It’s all in the fine print, so you should read it before buying the Flexi fare tickets. If you are not bothered about the cheapest airfares, then a Flexi fare can be helpful; paying extra is worth it! As a solo traveller, this option is highly preferred. Claiming refunds on Cleartrip is simple. Just write an email to their customer support with travel details, and you’ll get the refund initiated in no time.

Buying separate tickets for forward and return

While booking tickets, you might be tempted to book your return tickets. Booking return tickets early is cheaper, but the only drawback is that you will not be able to cancel both tickets simultaneously. Booking is easier together, but the cancellation will put you at a loss. Booking a return ticket separately will allow selective cancellation, and even if you miss one flight, you can book another separately.

Travel Insurance

Buying travel insurance is one of the best possible ways to claim your ticket refund. Different policies have different criteria for cancellation charges. Cancellation due to any reason draws an additional charge. Standard travel insurances cover cancellation charges. Travel insurance coverage is up to 21 days from the initial payment date. Travel insurance covers cancellation for various reasons such as travel advice against a medical prescription, sudden emergencies, or travel to a restricted area, for example, hit by an epidemic. Cleartrip offers travel insurance on both international and domestic flights starting at just Rs. 69/-.

In cases of unplanned events

An unplanned event is unforeseen. Under such circumstances, you can claim a refund only if you provide valid proof. War, pandemics, natural calamities, and disasters can be produced with proof to claim a refund for destinations. So before booking a flight, go through the travel updates on Cleartrip for a complete idea about the place and recent updates.

Read travel guidelines before booking

What we have learned from the pandemic is that the world is unpredictable. Each international destination and even the domestic states were issued travel guidelines. So before you book tickets to any destination, ensure to read about the place and whether there are any additional guidelines issued for travel.

Not always free

Any airline may offer discounts on air tickets, provide you with free cancellations, or declare no surcharge. However, it always comes with a price. No cancellation of air tickets is free! Even if you may get a major amount as a refund, there will be some amount that a customer pays a surcharge. So even if the cancellation is free and under travel insurance, there is a nominal amount to be paid. Many airlines offer a cancellation fee starting at INR 149.

Conclusion

No one can predict when they would want to cancel their travel plans. What we know is to be prepared for the worst. If you have the slightest hint of your plans cancelling, you must opt for the safest method of claiming zero cancellation charges on your air tickets. Planning foresightedly will help immensely. Paying a few extra bucks prior will save more than losing. Even if you can bear losses of smaller fares, it is always advised to opt for travel insurance for larger airfares like bookings for international flights. Reading travel guidelines beforehand while checking your bucket list destinations and making arrangements for other dates on your calendar are some of the other ways where you can save on those extra bucks. For easy options and savings on the cancellation of tickets, use Cleartrip. With CTFlex and CTFlexMax available at Cleartrip, you can reschedule and cancel your flights hassle-free. Claim your refunds conveniently by writing to the customersupport@cleartrip.com with your Trip ID along with airline details and the refunds will be initiated in your account directly. Cleartrip is undoubtedly one of the best travel sites for booking, hassle-free cancellations of tickets and any travel discounts for your future travel plans.

FAQs

What can be valid reasons to claim a refund for cancellations on air tickets?

Pandemics, epidemics, natural calamities, disasters, and restricted war zones are a few reasons you can claim a free refund.

Am I eligible to cancel flight tickets on normal airfares?

Any person above the age of 2 years can get a ticket cancelled, and it depends on the type of air ticket purchased if you can claim a free cancellation.

How many hours prior can I cancel my air ticket?

There is no minimum duration for the cancellation of an air ticket.

Do I have to pay extra if I want to cancel my air ticket?

If you want to obtain a refundable ticket, you have to pay extra than the actual ticket price. Also, if you happen to cancel the ticket, this extra amount will be deducted from the overall ticket value.

What are the minimum cancellation charges on domestic flights?

A standard deduction of INR 1250 is charged for all domestic flights. Some flights may charge as low as INR 149.

When and how can I know whether my ticket is refundable?

While booking, read the fine print. This informs you whether the ticket is refundable, the cancellation charges, and the easy way to connect to the flight customer care.

Where is the amount refunded after the cancellation?

The amount is refunded in the account linked from where it was debited. Most travellers use credit cards, so the credit card company will refund the amount.

Within how many days can I expect a refund?

The refund can be expected within 24 hours of cancellation.

Is there a difference in the amount of non-refundable and refundable tickets?

Yes, there is a difference between refundable and nonrefundable tickets. There is an extra margin to be paid while booking refundable tickets.

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