What happens if I Cancel Non-Refundable Ticket

This is one of common queries that people have regarding canceling their tickets & particularly if you've non-refundable tickets!! This is also because the policies vary for the cancellation of refundable & non-refundable tickets.  

Continue reading to learn in detail about what are terms involved with canceling a non-refundable ticket, whether you are able to get a refund or not, & other important policies concerning the same. 

What Is Nonrefundable Ticket?

A “Non-refundable” ticket means if you cancel the ticket, you will not be able to get your money back!! However, it does not mean you cannot cancel tickets, the cancellation option is always there!!

Other features you should know about non-refundable tickets:

• In case of non-refundable tickets, you should not be able to get your entire money back!! This is true for most basic economy tickets. However, for certain premium fares & on some flights, the airline may even refund the full amount!!
• In this case, if you cancel non-refundable tickets, you will not get the cash return but you may be remitted as a voucher or waiver (more on this below). 
• There is an option to make a change to get a rescheduled flight but you do have to pay the change fee. 

Refund Options on Non-refundable Tickets in Cash 

There are only two cases in which you may be eligible to qualify for a refund under federal policy in cash. They are as follows. 

• Flight Cancellation

If the cancellation has happened from the side of the airline due to any reason like calamity, weather disturbances, etc. Though as per federal policy, airlines may not be obliged to provide refunds but they do so for the sake of maintaining customer relations. 

• Flight Delays

If your flight has been delayed by an ample amount of time (say over 3 hours etc.), you may be eligible for refund on non-refundable ticket. 

Note: several airlines are very active & regular in providing information on flight delays in real-time. So that you can make the changes at your comfort. 

Refund Options on Non-refundable Tickets in Credit 

If you would like to know whether you can qualify for a refund despite holding a non-refundable ticket then the answer is yes. All is not lost & you do have some refund options, as stated below. 

Travel Waivers

In the case, you have booked a non-refundable ticket and you make a cancellation, the airline provides you with the travel waiver. With the waiver, you can exclude hefty change fees or cancellation charges for future bookings. 

Travel Vouchers

Along with the travel waivers, for making a cancellation against a non-refundable ticket, you may get a very handy travel voucher. Yes, you may not get cash return, but voucher is very helpful to make future booking at a cheaper rate. Don’t forget to use voucher before it expires. 

Conclusion

You thus have a clear idea of what is involved when you are making a cancellation of your non-refundable ticket. You are also now aware of in which cases you get a refund in cash against your non-refundable tickets & when you get in the form of credit for the benefit of your future bookings.