How to Cancel a Flight Ticket - A Comprehensive Guide
22 February, 2024
Synopsis
Navigating flight cancellations involves a few key steps.
Airlines are obligated to offer alternative flights, refunds, or additional compensation in case of cancellations or delays, with provisions varying based on the circumstances of the disruption.
It is important to understand specific airline policies and consider booking refundable tickets to mitigate potential cancellation charges.
Traveling by air offers unmatched speed and convenience, but sometimes plans change, and you may need to cancel your flight. Understanding how to cancel flight tickets is crucial to avoid unnecessary costs and stress. This guide will walk you through the steps and provide you with the essential knowledge on how to cancel flight booking.
How to Cancel Flight Tickets using Passenger Name Record (PNR)
Cancelling a flight ticket might seem daunting, but it is a straightforward process. Here is what you need to know:
Visit the airline's official website and look for the 'Manage Booking' section.
Input your PNR/Booking Reference number and the passenger's last name.
Choose the 'Modify/Cancel' option, read the terms and conditions carefully, and proceed as per instructions.
How to Cancel Plane Ticket via Customer Care
You can call the airline’s or booking platform’s customer service number and talk to an agent to cancel your plane ticket.
How to Cancel Flight Booking at the Airport
You can approach the airport airline counter and request for ticket cancellation. You will need to provide the necessary details and your ticket will be cancelled.
Cancelling Flight Tickets: The Refund Aspect
Airlines may offer a full or partial refund if you cancel the tickets within a stipulated time. The cancellation terms can also differ across ticket class bookings. It is best you familiarise yourself with these terms and the cancellation charges before you book the tickets.
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How to Avoid Flight Cancellation Charges
You can employ the following strategies to avoid flight cancellation charges:
Purchase fully refundable tickets: Consider booking refundable flight tickets as they can save you from high cancellation charges. They are more expensive but provide peace of mind. Always check the airline's specific policies as they can vary.
Consider modifying travel dates: Check the modification terms of your flight booking. You may be able to change travel dates for free. Therefore, instead of cancelling the ticket and paying cancellation charges, you can consider postponing your travel plans.
Check travel insurance: Opt for travel insurance before booking flights. The travel insurance policy may cover cancellation charges due to certain circumstances.
Key Provisions for Passengers
In some cases, you may have to cancel with no fault of your own. You ought to know the various provisions available to you in such cases:
In case of flight cancellation
In the unfortunate event of a flight cancellation, airlines are obligated to offer passengers either an alternative flight or compensation in addition to a full refund of the air ticket. Moreover, for those passengers who have reported to the airport for their original flight, the airline must provide meals and refreshments while they await their alternate flight.
In case of delays
Should there be a delay in flight, the airline is responsible for providing affected passengers with meals and refreshments. Depending on the duration of the delay, passengers may also be entitled to an alternative flight, a full refund of their ticket, or hotel accommodation (including transport).
It is important to note that airlines are not required to offer compensation in instances where the flight cancellation or delay is due to force majeure events - extraordinary circumstances that are beyond the control of the airline.
Overbooking situations
If your flight is overbooked, the airline will first seek volunteers to give up their seats. If no volunteers are found, and you are denied boarding, the airline must find you an alternate flight. If they cannot provide one within a specific time, they are required to compensate you, with the amount depending on the delay in providing an alternate flight.
Book Flights Easily with HDFC Bank’s PayZapp
The all new PayZapp, an online payments app by HDFC Bank, offers a convenient and secure platform for booking flights. To use PayZapp for booking, download the app, complete registration with your mobile number link, and complete the KYC process. PayZapp simplifies flight booking with real-time fare comparison, secure payment options, and attractive deals and offers. Your personal data is encrypted for security. Additional services like travel insurance, seat and meal selection, and airport transfers are also available. For any issues, HDFC Bank’s SmartBuy customer support is readily accessible.
How to Book Flights on PayZapp
Booking flights is straightforward:
Launch PayZapp and go the ‘Shop’ section.
Select 'Compare and Fly' via the SmartBuy portal.
Enter trip details like origin, destination, dates, number of travellers, and cabin class, and choose your preferred flight.
After providing personal details and verifying flight information, payment can be made using various modes like Debit and Credit Cards, UPI or PayZapp wallet.
Download PayZapp and make payments with a single swipe by linking your HDFC Bank Credit and Debit Cards.
*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.
