Flight ticket cancellations within 48 hours will not be charged; DGCA changes rules

DGCA New Rules: Airlines will no longer charge penalties for cancellations or changes within 48 hours of booking a flight. The DGCA's new rules will also provide relief to passengers regarding name corrections and refunds.

DGCA New Rules: Thousands of people travel by flight daily in the country, and air travel has become a common option even for the middle class. However, the hefty charges levied when canceling or changing tickets often disrupted travelers' budgets. Sometimes, plans change suddenly, forcing cancellations within 24 to 48 hours.

In such circumstances, paying penalties became a necessity. Now, the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has changed the rules, providing significant relief to travelers. Under the new provisions, no charges will be levied for ticket cancellations within 48 hours. Additionally, the facility to correct name errors has been simplified. Learn about the new rules.

Penalty-Free Cancellation within 48 Hours

According to the new rules, airlines must provide a 48-hour look-in option. During this time, passengers can cancel or change their bookings without incurring any cancellation penalty. Only the difference in fare will be payable. However, this benefit is only available if the travel date is within seven days of booking for domestic flights and 15 days for international flights.

This exemption will not apply if you booked a flight with a very close date. Normal charges will apply once the 48-hour time limit expires. This will give passengers the flexibility to change plans within the initial window and avoid the consequences of hasty decisions.

Refund rules have also been established.

If you booked your flight directly from the airline's website and reported a name error within 24 hours, the airline will not be able to charge any additional fees. Minor typos will no longer be costly. There are clear instructions regarding refunds, stating that even if the booking is made through an agent or portal, the airline remains responsible.

All valid refunds must be processed within 14 working days. In situations such as medical emergencies, particularly in the event of hospitalization of a passenger or family member traveling on the same PNR, a refund or credit shell option may be offered.