Made a mistake while booking your flight or had a change of plans? No worries! You can cancel or change your ticket without any charges if you do so within 24 hours of booking and if your flight is scheduled at least seven days away.
According to the Ministry of Aviation’s Passenger Charter of Rights, this option is available up to seven days before your flight’s departure on the first leg.
For example, if you booked a flight on July 14 at 9 am but want to cancel or reschedule the next morning, you won’t be charged as long as the flight is at least seven days ahead, says aviation expert Ajay Awtaney.
Refund Issues? Contact the Airline
Sometimes, airlines may not show a full refund online due to cancellation fees when you cancel through their website, app, or travel agent. Experts advise contacting the airline’s customer service directly if your refund looks less than expected.
If Airlines Cancel Your Flight
Airlines must inform you at least two weeks before the flight and offer an alternative flight or a refund.
If cancellation happens less than two weeks but more than 24 hours before departure, a full refund or alternate flight must be offered.
If you miss a connecting flight booked on the same ticket due to no prior notice, you can demand an alternative flight, full refund, and compensation.
Compensation Rules for Missed Connections
Compensation depends on the block hour (the time from gate departure to gate arrival):
Up to 1 hour: ₹5,000 or booked one-way basic fare plus fuel charge, whichever is less.
1 to 2 hours: ₹7,500 or booked fare plus fuel charge, whichever is less.
More than 2 hours: ₹10,000 or booked fare plus fuel charge, whichever is less.
If you have already checked in, the airline must also provide free meals and refreshments, depending on waiting time. But you must give valid contact details during booking to claim compensation.
Changed Airport or Terminal?
If the airline shifts your flight to a different airport or terminal than originally booked, they must pay for your transfer between airports/terminals — unless they inform you at least six hours before, in which case you are responsible.
GST Refund on Cancelled Tickets
Chartered accountant Ashish Karundia says airlines or travel agents must refund the full ticket amount including GST when you cancel, without deducting taxes.
Overbooking and Denied Boarding
Sometimes airlines sell more tickets than available seats. In such cases, airlines should first ask for volunteers to give up seats and offer them benefits.
If the alternative flight leaves within 1 hour, no compensation is due.
If it leaves within 24 hours but after 1 hour, compensation up to ₹10,000 or 200% of the fare plus fuel charge applies.
If the alternative flight is more than 24 hours later, compensation up to ₹20,000 or 400% of the fare plus fuel charge is due.
If you refuse the alternative flight, the same ₹20,000 or 400% fare compensation applies.
What Happens If Your Flight Is Delayed?
If your flight is delayed, the airline must provide free meals and refreshments based on waiting time:
2+ hours delay for flights with block time up to 2.5 hours
3+ hours delay for block time between 2.5 and 5 hours
4+ hours delay for block time above 5 hours
If your flight is delayed more than 6 hours, the airline must inform you of a new schedule at least 24 hours in advance. You can choose a refund or an alternative flight within 6 hours.
Free Hotel Stay for Long Delays
If your flight delay (communicated 24 hours in advance) is more than 24 hours, the airline must provide free hotel accommodation.
If a flight scheduled between 8 pm and 3 am is delayed by over 6 hours, free hotel accommodation must be provided.
