Flight Cancellation Without Penalty: Nowadays when all bookings are done on mobile in a few seconds, a small mistake like choosing the wrong route, date or flight time can turn into a big worry. We think that now we will be fined but it is not so…
Flight Cancellation Without Penalty: Sometimes in a hurry or while using the mobile , we make an extra click and the flight’s place, date or route gets messed up. In such a situation, the first fear that comes to the heart is that now we will have to pay a fine. But the reality is that now in the digital era, flight companies understand such small mistakes. You just need to know the right time and process. Let us know that if the wrong flight has been booked, then how to cancel it without any fine?
24 hour ‘golden window’ after booking
- Almost every airline in India, be it IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa, Vistara, offers free cancellation or change facility within 24 hours of booking.
- The condition is that your flight should be at least 7 days away. If you mistakenly book a ticket for Delhi-Kolkata instead of Delhi-Chennai in the morning, then quickly open the website or app, go to the ‘Manage Booking’ section and cancel the ticket. You will get your full money back, no fine will be charged.
- You can also choose the ‘Change Flight’ option for change, but if your new flight is expensive, you will have to pay the difference amount. However, you will not be charged any additional penalty.
What are the rules for changing names, dates or times?
- If there is a minor spelling mistake in the name (1–2 letters), the airlines provide free correction through customer care.
- Sometimes, for changing the travel date or flight time, you only have to pay the difference in fare and not the penalty.
- If the time limit is exceeded then a fine may be imposed, hence get the changes done as soon as possible.
The advantage of ‘Same Day Change’
Most airlines now offer ‘Same Day Change’ facility, i.e. if your flight is today and a seat is available, then it is possible to change to another flight on the same day without penalty. Often, only the fare difference has to be paid in this.
This change can also be made at the airport closer to departure, but the sooner you do it the better.
How to make changes online?
- Open the airline’s website or app
- Enter your Booking ID/PNR
- Select ‘Manage Booking’ or ‘Change Flight’ option
- Correct a new route, date, or name
- Confirm – Pay the difference if any
| What to do | Why is it necessary? |
|---|---|
| Check in immediately after booking | If the mistake is caught immediately, the fine will be saved |
| Make changes within 24 hours | Most airlines do not charge any penalties |
| Make changes from the website/app | Quick and easy straightening |
| Also contact customer care | If you are unable to do so, dial the toll-free number. |
If you have booked the ticket through a top travel portal or authorized agent, then make the change through that medium only because the rules of third party websites may be different and it is very important to read them properly. Apart from this, if you are making a refund or claim, then keep a copy of its slip, SMS or email, so that there is no problem in future and you have all the necessary proof.
