If you have ever booked a flight, train, or bus ticket online and later cancelled it, you may have noticed that the refund amount is often much lower than expected.
In many cases, booking platforms deduct high cancellation charges, causing customers to suffer significant losses.
Now, the government and regulatory agencies have started looking into this issue. According to reports from CNBC TV18, several online ticket booking platforms are being accused of charging excessive cancellation fees.
It is believed that some companies do not refund additional charges such as Convenience Fees and Platform Charges along with the base ticket amount. This has increased dissatisfaction among customers.
Investigation and Possible Rule Changes
Authorities are now preparing for deeper investigations and stricter action in this matter. If new rules are introduced, users may receive higher refunds after cancelling tickets in the future.
Online platforms may also be required to maintain greater transparency regarding their charges and deductions.
This development is important for millions of people who use online travel booking apps every day.
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Which Platforms May Face Scrutiny?
According to reports, several major online platforms related to flight, train, and bus ticket bookings could come under scrutiny.
These include apps and websites that charge convenience fees and platform fees during ticket booking.
Many users claim that after cancelling a ticket, not only are the airline, railway, or bus operator charges deducted, but the booking platforms also deduct a large amount separately.
Some companies do not refund the convenience fee at all, which further increases customer losses.
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How the Cancellation Process Works
When a user cancels a ticket, the airline, railway, or bus operator first deducts a cancellation fee according to their rules. After this, the booking platform may also deduct additional charges.
The controversy mainly revolves around these extra deductions. Online booking platforms often charge convenience fees or platform fees during ticket booking.
Users allege that many companies do not refund these charges even after ticket cancellation, despite the service not being fully completed.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking
Before booking a ticket through any ticket booking app, always read its refund policy carefully. Also check which charges may be deducted if you cancel the ticket.
If you want a higher refund, you can choose Flexible Fare or Refundable Tickets. Although these tickets are usually more expensive, they help reduce losses if you need to cancel your booking.
