Flight Cancellation Refund: Situations like waiting for hours at the airport, sound of announcement, expensive food and uncertain next flight can happen to anyone. In such a situation, the biggest question that arises is whether airlines and insurance companies really help in case of flight cancellation or delay or is it just a marketing pitch? The answer is – Both things are true, and the difference depends on the terms and conditions of your ticket, plan and policy.
Airlines compensate for the expenses on cancellation and delay under certain conditions. Many companies also arrange for food, drinks, hotel and next flight. But everything depends on the terms and conditions – how long is the delay, what is the reason, which ticket or plan you have taken and whether you have travel insurance.
This is how airlines handle flight cancellations
Aviation regulator DGCA has recently put forward a proposal that passengers should be given a ‘look-in option’ of 48 hours after ticket booking, in which they can cancel the ticket without paying heavy charges. It is recommended to apply this for 5 days for domestic flights and 15 days for international flights. The proposal is still under review.
Currently, cancellation charges are quite high in India:
IndiGo charges
- Cancellation Charges (3–24 hours in advance): Rs 4,999
- More than 72 hours ago: Rs 3,999
- Flight change charges: Rs 2,999
IndiGo also offers ‘Zero Cancellation’ plan, the price of which starts from Rs 500. It gives cover up to Rs 5,000, that is, if your ticket is worth Rs 4,500, then the insurance company can give a full refund. But this only covers cancellation, not delay. Also, cancellation must be done at least 24 hours in advance.
What does MakeMyTrip offer?
All big travel portals including MakeMyTrip give easy refunds in the name of ‘zero cancellation’, but there are rules for this too.
- Applicable only on select domestic flights
- Ticket must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance
- Excludes last minute deals, promotional offers
- Cancellation cover only—no refunds for flight delays or re-scheduling
- Service fee starting from Rs 149 applicable
Should you buy travel insurance?
Travel insurance is more comprehensive than airline and OTA plans. It covers not just ticket refund but also delays, missed flights, missed connections, hotel expenses and many other emergencies.
How to get claim?
Acko’s policy says that claim on delay will be received only if
- Written proof received from the airline
- Or this information is available in the public domain
- Also, passengers should keep food and drink or hotel bills safely. UPI screenshot will also work.
Is this just a ‘way to sell insurance’?
Flight cancellation/delay cover comes in handy when you really need it, but only if you choose the right plan. Buy considering T&C. Keep bills and delay proof safely. Wrong plan or unknown terms can make your refund/claim difficult.
