What are ticket rules and why do they matter?
In light of recent travel related news concerning rights and rules for a passenger- on a more serious note the infamous United forcibly removing a seated passenger to the frequently shared concern over new bare-bones economy fares that have airlines “charging for an overhead bin”– it’s good to know your rights and rules of your ticket. Below are some frequently asked questions and information concerning refunds, from my personal and business related experiences. Keep in mind, rules are always subject to change and the best way to find the rules for your ticket is to read that awesome fine print terms and conditions on your contract of carriage.
How long do I have to get a refund on my non-refundable if I need to cancel?
Some airlines (Southwest being one) give a 24 hour grace period to void tickets, where others the big 3 (United, Delta, American) give until midnight, Eastern Standard Time the next day or Monday if purchasing Friday-Sunday. Some budget airlines such as Frontier and Spirit will not refund tickets (unless purchasing refundable or flexible fare) 7 days before a flight regardless of when it was purchased.
Are first or business class tickets automatically refundable?
No, some first/business class fares are refundable and some are not. Typically, if you find a deal on a first class that is a lower price than usual that means it’s a sale/lower fare (P & I fares typically) and those are usually non-refundable. If you get an upgrade due to status or using miles the rules will be the same as your original ticket and will not change due to a change of class.
If part of a round trip is refundable one way is the entire ticket refundable?
No. The rules of the ticket apply to the most stringent part of your ticket. However, it is possible that you will not get charged a change fee if the refundable portion of your ticket is exchanged.
If an airline doesn’t charge me a change fee does that mean I will get a refund?
Not necessarily. For example, Southwest has three types of fares and no change fee for any of them. “Wanna Get Away” is their lowest fare and is non-refundable.
When should I purchase a refundable ticket?
In the below situations sometimes a refundable ticket can be more cost effective:
- Business trips, visiting someone who is unwell, and situations that have a high likelihood of changing.
- International trips when you don’t know your return- many countries require a return ticket to be allowed to enter.
- When the price of the refundable ticket is less than the change fee. Example: Non-refundable ticket is $300 and refundable is $400 with a $200 change fee.
- When you have not paid for travel insurance or do not have travel protection on your credit card. Some cancellations are covered by credit cards with travel protection. You can also purchase third party travel insurance, but be sure to read the rules for that as well, as some only cover the price of the ticket due to certain situations.
This flight below from LAX to O’Hare has a huge price difference between coach non-refundable and refundable- so much so that flying first class non-refundable is less expensive! It may be more cost effective in this situation to buy a new ticket or pay the change fee instead of opting for a refundable ticket.
Coach Nonrefundable
First Class Non-Refundable
Coach refundable
First Refundable
Can I change my refundable flight to a non-refundable ticket?
Yes, and if the fare for the non-refundable ticket is less than your original ticket you may be credited the difference. In reverse, you cannot change a non-refundable ticket to a refundable ticket.
Will pre-purchased additional extras such as seating be refunded?
Some airlines will refund for extras purchased ahead of time, but they are not required to do so. Call customer service or fill out a form on the airline website for these inquiries since the computer system may not automatically process a refund for extras. For example, Southwest carries over Early Bird check-in on a flight change, but if the flight is first cancelled before being re-booked its lost and non-refundable.
When am I entitled to a refund on a non-refundable ticket?
Certain circumstances enable refunds even on non-refundable flights with airlines:
- Death in close family. Some airlines require copy of death certificate, others require name of deceased, funeral home, and relationship.
- Rule 240: Weather related. If your airport of origin or of return is having a weather forecast issue such as a hurricane, blizzard, etc the airline may put out a waiver allowing refunds of all or a portion of the ticket and/or waiving of the change fee and difference in fare. Some caveats are that you can only use this waiver once, and it has to be purchased before a specific date, so if you purchase a ticket with the weather warning already established it’s at your own risk.
- Schedule Changes- If an airline changed the time of your already purchased flight they are obligated to change it for you free of charge or refund if neither of the options are satisfactory. However, you will need to notify them as soon as you receive notice of the change or else if too long of time passes they may not refund. They will notify by e-mail or if booking through a travel agency you should receive a call and/or e-mail.
- Illness- Airlines may refund or change flight with a doctors note stating that you are unable to fly for medical reasons. This also may apply to pregnancy that occurs after booking a flight somewhere that currently has the Zika virus.