Understanding Flight Cancellation Charges: How to Cut Costs

If You Can, Cancel Your Flight As Early As Possible

When the reason for cancelling a flight becomes apparent soon after you've booked the flight, making cancellations within 24 hours of booking will usually not incur cancellation charges. This flight free cancellation 24 hours rule for flight bookings is available for select air carriers. But it is applicable only if the flight is scheduled at least seven days after the booking day.

Buy Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance for business travellers covers flight cancellations, but the specifics depend on the policy. Common scenarios where this coverage is possible include unforeseen illness or injury, a natural disaster at your home or the destination you're travelling to, the death or hospitalisation of a family member, or if you're called by a legal authority to appear as a witness on the scheduled date for travel.;

Each policy has its specific terms and conditions. Review them thoroughly to understand if you can claim flight cancellation charges.

Book Flexible Flight Tickets

Flexible flight tickets allow you to modify your travel dates, times, or even destination without high change fees. You may be able to make changes to your travel plans, including cancelling your flight or adjusting it to your changing circumstances, without paying high fees. 

Flexible tickets sometimes also come with other benefits like priority boarding and additional baggage allowance. On the other hand, they're generally more expensive than non-refundable tickets. Some airlines offer flexible air tickets at slightly higher prices only. However, if your plans are subject to uncertainty, the extra cost will prevent you from burning a hole in your pocket due to high cancellation charges.

Compare Cancellation Charges and Refunds from Different Airlines

A seasoned traveller should always check airlines' cancellation rules and charges. While gathering this information will require some of your time and effort, you will also know which airline to choose to save more on cancellation costs. 

Additionally, make sure to visit the airline's website to check the recent cancellation fees and terms. Unless you have a preferred airline, conducting a cost comparison will give you a better idea of how you can save more money.

Get a Credit Card Offering Trip Cancellations

Many credit cards come with built-in travel insurance coverage against unforeseen events, including trip cancellation and trip interruption. To receive the benefits, you must book your flight tickets with such a credit card. Credit cards from popular banks in India offer this benefit. However, we’ll share a pro tip for you to always check the terms and conditions for CC ticket cancellation charges.

Talk to the Airline's Customer Service

Airlines' customer service representatives will be willing to work with you on a solution to lower your cancellation fees. Have your booking reference number, flight details and personal identification ready. Explain the reason for cancelling your flight and ask if there's any way to reduce or waive the cancellation fee. If you're a frequent flyer or have any status with the airline, mention it. It may be difficult to get a full waiver, but ask if they can reduce the fee, staying persistent but polite.

Utilise an Online Business Travel Management Company

Online business travel management companies have relationships with major airlines, hotels, and travel service providers. They help streamline the entire booking process and offer access to special corporate rates on flights and reduced cancellation fees. These specially negotiated corporate fares can significantly reduce the burden on your pocket. myBiz offers these benefits and other cost-saving features like free seat and meal selection on your flights, reduced cancellation charges, cheaper flight suggestions, missed savings report and more that can help you save more on every business trip.

Use Travel Rewards and Points

Many credit card issuers offer the option to redeem points for travel-related expenses, which can include airline cancellation charges. Alternatively, you can use the travel rewards points you've accumulated to book your next flight. Some credit card issuers have redemption portals where you can use your points for flight bookings, hotel reservations and other travel-related expenses. Check if your issuer has one and also confirm with your issuer if you can use your rewards points towards cancellation fees or rebooking costs.