• 14 Mar, 2024
  • Travel tips
  • Travomint

Can non-refundable Airline tickets be exchanged?

Purchase non-refundable tickets is always cheaper as compared to Flexible fares so if your travel plan is fixed then you can prefer the non-refundable Airline tickets however you should remember this may have some cons as well. Unfortunately, if any uncertainty happens or there needs to change/ cancel the booking then the traveler may be required to pay the high cancellation charges as well as a penalty for changing flight deals which is subject to the travel distance, arrival - departure destination, and more. In this blog, you will find the answers to questions like What non-refundable tickets are, When a passenger is entitled to get a refund with non-refundable fares, and more.

What are Non-Refundable Fares?

Sometimes passengers misunderstand the concept of Non-refundable fares that doesn't mean you are not allowed to change or cancel the existing booking. However, it depends on the ticket type to understand the accurate meaning check the following information.

  • Airline Non-refundable fares mean you are not entitled to get the complete amount refund if you want to cancel your Economy Standard Fare.
  • The airline does provide cash refunds to the non-refundable ticket holders else they provide travel vouchers for the same value which can be used for future travel.
  • Passengers have the flexibility to change/ cancel the booking but you may be required to pay the charges.

When travelers are entitled to get a refund even with the non-refundable airfare?

There are a few circumstances under which travelers are entitled to get a refund for the canceled flight ticket with the non-refundable fare. You should read the following details to collect the informative data for the same.

  • In case, the Airline itself cancels the scheduled flight due to technical reasons, bad weather conditions, or other valid reasons then the passengers are liable to get a complete refund for direct flights or connecting flights through the US.
  • However, it is not necessary that the Airline will provide a complete refund but they can issue a travel voucher which is valid for one year so that you can book the next trip using this travel voucher.
  • If you're scheduled flight is not canceled but got delayed for more than 4 - 5 hours, the traveler is entitled to get a free change option or a refund for the ticket value.
  • You are liable to get a refund if the a change in departure and arrival time, a Change in layover time, and a change from a non-stop connecting flight.

How to get a refund for non-refundable fares?

Passengers who need to cancel the existing booking because of flight delays or other uncertainty, should first cancel the trip and then fill refund form. Generally, Airlines allow their travelers to cancel or claim refunds online or at the Airport ticket counter but most people prefer the online method as it is more convenient you do not need to leave the house or visit the Airport. There are certain points that customers should follow to submit the online form which is explained in the following information.

  • Firstly, the person should go to the Airline's official website or open their App.
  • Scroll the home page to find the Manage Booking option and select it.
  • After that, the passenger may be required to enter the booking details to retrieve the booking.
  • Choose your flight number among the available options.
  • Click on the cancel tab and the Airline sends the notification to the registered email address.
  • Once the cancellation is completed, it will show the refund form link click on it.
  • Fill in the accurate information in the field box such as contact number, flight number, and more.
  • The airline will check the eligibility and issue a travel voucher with one-year validity.