If you travel by air, then this news is special and encouraging for you. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is preparing to amend some rules and has also made a proposal for the same. Under these important changes, air travelers will soon be able to cancel or change their tickets within 48 hours of booking without any extra charges. The proposal also includes important information related to refund.
Free flight ticket cancellation!
Aviation regulator DGCA has introduced a proposal that includes changes in the rules related to air ticket cancellation and refund. Under the DGCA proposal, air travelers will soon be able to cancel their existing tickets or change their travel dates within 48 hours of booking without any extra charges. As per the proposal, crediting the refund amount to the airline’s credit shell/wallet on ticket cancellation will be the passenger’s own choice and not a default practice.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued these draft rules to reduce the long-standing problems of air passengers related to refunds and cancellations. The new proposal will give passengers a 48-hour “look-in” period after booking during which they can cancel or modify their tickets without any additional charges. Currently, different airlines charge their own fees for ticket cancellation.
DGCA has also set these conditions
Although the aviation regulator’s offer of free ticket cancellation and refund will be applicable to all airlines, certain conditions will also apply. For domestic flights, departure must be at least five days prior to the booking date, while for international flights this time limit is 15 days. Thereafter, prescribed cancellation charges will apply. This rule will not apply to earlier journeys.
Full refund within 21 days
DGCA has proposed changes in ticket refund rules, including for cancellations. Even if the ticket is purchased through a travel agent/portal, the airlines will still be responsible for the refund. The regulator has said that such agents are appointed representatives of the airlines. Airlines will ensure that the refund process is completed within 21 working days.
currently in draft stage
These changes are being made in the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) related to air ticket refunds. Responses have been sought till November 30. Air travelers and consumer rights groups have long criticized the high fees imposed on last-minute changes, calling these fees “hidden penalties.” Given these problems, this move by DGCA appears to be a small but meaningful solution. Although this reform is still in the draft stage, its implementation will significantly change the way Indian travelers interact with airline ticketing systems.
