The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is preparing to provide major relief to air travelers. Yes, air travelers may soon be allowed to cancel or make changes to their tickets within 48 hours of booking them, without any additional charges.
The DGCA has proposed significant changes to ticket refund rules. Furthermore, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has proposed that airlines will be responsible for refunds for tickets purchased through travel agents and portals, as the agents are their appointed representatives.
New rules may be made keeping in mind the concerns related to air ticket refunds.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is considering changes to the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) related to air ticket refunds, stating that airlines must ensure that refunds are processed within 21 days. The proposed changes come in the backdrop of concerns and issues related to air ticket refunds.
‘Look-in option’ will be available for 48 hours after booking the ticket.
According to the draft CAR, “If a passenger books a ticket directly from the airline’s website, the airline will not levy any extra charge for correction of name if the error is reported by the passenger within 24 hours of booking.” As per the DGCA proposal, the airline will provide a ‘Look-in option’ up to 48 hours after booking the ticket. During this period, passengers can cancel or modify the ticket without paying any extra amount, except the normal prevailing fare of the modified flight for which the ticket is to be modified.”
Comments have been sought from stakeholders by November 30.
The draft CAR states that if a passenger cancels the ticket after 48 hours of booking, the facility will not be available to him and he will have to pay the cancellation charges as decided for the amendment.” The DGCA has sought comments from stakeholders on the draft CAR by November 30.
