Free Cancellation & Changes Within 48 Hours
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has updated airline ticket refund norms to make air travel more passenger‑friendly. Under the new rules:
🚫 No extra charges will be levied if you cancel or change your flight ticket within 48 hours of booking — provided certain conditions are met. This is often called a “48‑hour look‑in option”.
This means:
- You can modify or cancel your ticket without paying any penalty or additional fees as long as it is within 48 hours of making the booking.
- This applies to both domestic and international tickets — with minimum advance travel conditions (e.g., departure at least 7 days ahead for domestic, 15 days for international bookings).
Who Can Avail This Rule?
✔ Passengers who book directly on an airline’s website can use this 48‑hour free cancellation/change window.
✔ For bookings made through travel agents or online portals, airlines remain responsible for processing the refund and must ensure it’s completed within a set time.
Refund Timeline Made Clear
Under the revised policy:
📌 airlines must process refunds within 14 working days for ticket cancellations, even when booked via travel agents or portals.
📌 For credit card payments, many airlines must begin refunds within 7 working days.
📌 Cash ticket refunds must be handled immediately at the airline office where the ticket was purchased.
Other Passenger‑Friendly Changes
Name Correction Within 24 Hours
✍️ airlines cannot charge extra for correcting a passenger’s name if the error is reported within 24 hours of booking — again applicable for direct bookings.
Medical Emergency Cancellations
❤️ In cases of medical emergencies (like hospitalization of the passenger or a family member on the same booking), airlines must offer either:
- A refund, or
- A credit shell (voucher for future travel) — valid for at least one year.
Refund Defaults Not Allowed
Airlines cannot force passengers to take a credit shell instead of a refund — it must be the passenger’s choice.
When Will These Changes Start?
The revised ticket rules, including the 48‑hour free cancellation window, will come into effect from **March 26, 2026.
Quick Summary
✔ Cancel or change flight tickets within 48 hours of booking without any penalty.
✔ Refund must be processed by airlines within a fixed timeframe (7–14 days).
✔ No extra charges for name corrections within 24 hours.
✔ Passenger choice — cash refund or credit shell (if preferred).
✔ Rules kick in from March 26, 2026.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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