Great news for Indian air travellers! The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a major rule change that will allow passengers to modify or cancel flight tickets for free within 48 hours of booking. This move introduces a new Look-in Option that ensures flexibility and fairness in air travel. The proposal aims to simplify cancellations, prevent refund disputes, and make airline services more passenger-friendly and transparent.
Modify or Cancel Flight Tickets for Free
According to the proposed rule, airlines will now have to provide passengers with a 48-hour window during which they can cancel or modify their flight tickets without paying any extra fee.
This rule will apply under the following conditions:
- For domestic flights, tickets must be booked at least 5 days before departure.
- For international flights, tickets must be booked at least 15 days in advance.
During this 48-hour window, passengers can freely make changes or cancel flight tickets without penalty. However, if they switch to another flight, they must pay the fare difference based on the current ticket price. After the 48-hour period ends, standard airline charges for cancellation or modification will apply as per the airline’s policy.
The DGCA has also included several measures to protect passengers:
- Free Name Corrections: If a passenger notices a spelling error in their name within 24 hours of booking directly with the airline, the correction must be made free of charge.
- Refunds for Medical Emergencies: Passengers unable to travel due to a medical emergency will receive either a full refund or a credit shell valid for future travel.
- Refund Processing Deadline: Airlines must process refunds within 21 working days to ensure timely settlements.
- Airline Accountability: Even if tickets are booked through online travel agents or portals, the airline remains responsible for processing refunds and handling cancellations.
