Are flight tickets refundable in India?

Refund policies for major Indian airlines

Navigating the refund policies of airlines can be a bit of a maze, especially in a vast and varied market like India. Each airline has its own set of rules regarding ticket refunds, which can vary significantly. Understanding these policies is crucial, particularly if your travel plans are uncertain. Let's break down the refund policies of some major Indian airlines.

Can You Get a Refund on Flight Tickets in India? What Major Airlines Say

Air India

Air India typically allows refunds on tickets depending on the fare type purchased. Refundable tickets can be cancelled for a fee, which varies by the type of ticket and the time of cancellation. Non-refundable tickets may not offer any return except for taxes in case of cancellations.

IndiGo

IndiGo offers a flexible approach to cancellations and refunds. They provide options like 'Flex Pay' which allows passengers to make changes to their bookings without extra charges, depending on the conditions met. However, standard non-refundable tickets do not get a refund apart from applicable taxes.

Vistara

Vistara's refund policies also hinge on the fare type. Their fully flexible fares are higher priced but allow free cancellations and full refunds. Lower-cost tickets might be non-refundable or include a significant cancellation fee.

SpiceJet

SpiceJet allows refunds on certain fare types. The low-cost carrier provides options where passengers can pay a higher fare upfront for the flexibility of a refund in case they need to cancel.

Go First

Formerly known as GoAir, Go First offers refundable and non-refundable tickets. Refundable tickets can be cancelled for a fee, whereas non-refundable tickets only permit tax refunds upon cancellation.

AIX Connect

As a relatively newer player, AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) generally aligns with the industry standard of offering both refundable and non-refundable fares, with non-refundable tickets allowing for only tax refunds.

Air India Express

This budget airline mostly offers non-refundable tickets, but passengers can claim a refund of government taxes and fees if they cancel their booking.

Akasa Air

Akasa Air, another new entrant in the Indian aviation market, typically follows the standard model of refundable and non-refundable fares. The specifics of their policy can be checked at the time of booking.

Alliance Air

As a regional carrier, Alliance Air provides a mix of refundable and non-refundable tickets, with detailed terms available during the booking process.

Star Air

Specializing in connecting smaller cities, Star Air offers both types of fares, with clear distinctions in terms of refund eligibility and fees applicable for cancellations.

Things to Keep in Mind

1. Refund Timelines: Refunds, where applicable, may take several weeks to process depending on the airline and the mode of payment used during booking.
2. Cancellation Fees: Most airlines charge a cancellation fee that can vary significantly between refundable and non-refundable fares.
3. Travel Insurance: To safeguard against uncertain plans, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers ticket cancellations.

Understanding the refund policies of airlines before booking your tickets can save you from unexpected costs and hassles. Always check the specific terms associated with your ticket type, and consider how flexible your travel plans need to be. By planning ahead, you can choose the best ticket type that offers both flexibility and value for your travel needs in India.