How to Get a Refundable Airline Ticket?

Life is pretty unpredictable, but don't we all yearn to ensure some degree of security just for the sake of our inner peace? Finding cheap flights is not always our main concern when we plan trips. Sometimes, we just need assurance that money will be refunded in case of cancellation. Today, we will see, which airlines are offering refundable airfare and how can you book that for your next trip.

What is a Refundable Plane Ticket?

Let's take a pause and understand what does refundable plane ticket means first. A refundable ticket makes the passenger eligible to cancel the reservation at any time and get the full or significant amount in refund. Refundable tickets grant passengers more flexibility and security than non-refundable ones, they are a preferred choice, particularly in cases of not-fixed plans. All types of tickets can be refunded within 24 hours of the purchase, but after this grace time ends, the ticket's true character is revealed.

What are Fully Refundable Flight Tickets (Airfare)?

It doesn't need rocket science to understand what fully refundable flight tickets or airfare means. It is very obvious from the name. You will get full credit return to your original mode of payment, once you cancel the flight. In total contrast to the cheaper non-refundable flight tickets where you will get flight credit to use on the next flight, or are required to pay extra money, refundable tickets allow you to modify or cancel your ticket without paying a big chunk of money.

How to do Refundable Flight Booking?

The first and foremost important thing for refundable flight booking is- always book from the official website. Many Airlines, don't allow third-party booked tickets to get refunds. Follow these steps to book your refundable flight ticket:

• Browse the official websites of the specific airlines.
• Go through the airline fare refund policy to have a clear understanding of which fare class has the refundable option.
• Go back to the homepage and put your travel details
• Use the filter to select, "refundable fare", "free cancellation", or, "flexible tickets".
• Proceed with the booking process and pay the given amount.
• Check your given email ID to get an e-ticket along with confirmation mail.

Airline Tickets with Free Cancellation

Almost all airlines offer free cancellation. However, the catch is your ticket should be refundable. You can modify or even cancel your airline ticket without paying any extra money. Let's have a closer look at Airlines that allow free cancellation and their refund policies:

Southwest Airlines

When it is about offering the best services and customer satisfaction, Southwest Airlines always comes first. It provides fully refundable plane tickets that can be modified to suit the demands of the individual. You can cancel your ticket even 10 mins before your flight, or if you miss the flight due to some reasons, you will be able to get back your full amount from the ticket price. Although it wouldn't be credited as money to your original account but as flight credit for future use. This is not the end of its awesome service. It also offers a same-day change option. You can switch to different flights flying on the same day to the same route without paying any extra penny!

Jetblue Airlines

JetBlue is another example of flexibility and travel convenience. With its refundable ticket, you will get the option to modify your itinerary end number of times and choose to even cancel it before your departure. It makes sure that passengers holding a refundable ticket have full assurance and don't lose money in any circumstance. JetBlue doesn't charge any fee for changing and cancellation of flight tickets. You will get 100% of your airfare in case of cancellation. Even when you miss your flight, JetBlue will offer you travel credit. However, rules are not the same with everyone. If you have Blue Basic tickets, you need to pay a certain amount to change or cancel your flight ticket. You have to pay around $100 if you were traveling to/ from North America, Central America, or the Caribbean. The option of free cancellation is also not applicable to JetBlue Vacation Packages. So, read carefully all the terms and conditions associated with the flight fare before buying your tickets.

United Airlines

United Airlines has extended its refund service to basic economy seats and upgraded standard economy too, by giving the requirements of passengers first priority. The flexibility allows passengers to cancel their bookings within 24 hours of making the purchase. As long as the ticket was purchased at least one week before departure, they are entitled to a complete cash return. However, your basic economic ticket becomes non-refundable after the 24-hour period has passed. You wouldn't get even flight credits on this if you cancel your ticket later. Upgrading to basic economy may result in future flight credits for cancellations that occur after 24 hours. Although travelers may be required to pay the fare difference if the new route is more costly, United Airlines permits unlimited flight modifications without additional fees.

Delta Airlines

Within the first 24 hours of making a reservation, Delta provides a flexible cancellation policy that permits cancellations of any kind of ticket, including basic economy, refundable, and nonrefundable tickets, with a complete refund to the original payment method. The refund policy differs depending on the type of ticket after this time. Nonrefundable tickets provide eCredit for subsequent Delta flights, whereas refundable tickets can be canceled for a cash refund. The 24-hour window is the only time that basic economy tickets can be altered or refunded; beyond that, there are no refunds and the ticket value is lost.

Hawaiian Airlines

Like most of its competitors, Hawaiian Airlines also provides 24 24-hour window to cancel the flight. If a reservation is made at least seven days before travel, Hawaiian Airlines offers a complete refund for cancellations made within 24 hours of booking. The fare type determines the refund and change policies beyond this time. Although standard main cabin fares are often non-refundable unless expressly purchased as refundable, they do permit seat selection, early boarding, and free flight changes. Although there are no penalties for adjustments, travelers who choose a more expensive flight must pay the difference in fare.

Airlines with International Free Cancellation

Cancellation and Refund policies of airlines may vary for domestic and international flights. Many airlines don't charge any cancellation fee even on international tickets like:

• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• United Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue Airlines

*Note: Delta may charge a cancellation fee on international flights. Airlines like Hawaiian, JetBlue, and United will charge a cancellation fee if you have a basic economy ticket.

How to Get Refundable One-Way Tickets?

Getting a refundable one-way ticket is nothing like climbing the Everest. Trust me! Follow these simple steps to get your refundable one-way ticket:

• Book via Airlines' website: It is the most crucial part. Don't book via third-party if you want to get refunds after canceling your flight.
• Travel Details: Select all the criteria given according to your need. Make sure that you have chosen the "one-way" flight option.
• Filter your option: Look for the option of "flexible fare" or "refundable fare".
• Go through the policies: Before booking the ticket read all the conditions carefully.
• Pay and get the ticket: Choose the flight that suits you, pay the given amount, and get your ticket in your email.

To get a refund on your One-way ticket, you just need to cancel your flight within the appropriate time given. You can do it online or can contact Airline's helpdesk.

How to get Refundable Multi-Way Tickets?

Sometimes passengers prefer to take multi-way tickets for several reasons but the most common is its affordability. It's not that hard to book a multi-way refundable ticket. You only need to choose multi-way flights rather than one-way when making your reservation, otherwise, you must complete all the same procedures as when purchasing a one-way ticket. The majority of airlines also provide refunds for multi-way tickets. You can even cancel the remainder of your vacation and receive a refund if you have already completed one portion of it.

Conclusion

Paying a bit extra is not a waste if you are not sure about your travel dates. Refundable tickets allow you modification and cancellation of your flight till the very last moment. You can even get flight credit in case of a no-show at the airport or missing your flight. This kind of travel security provides mental peace, especially to those who are prone to be anxious every time. Passengers can also take travel insurance to secure their trip from any unforeseen situation.

FAQ about Refundable Airline Ticket

Question: Should I purchase refundable plane tickets?

Answer: It depends on your preference, in case you are unsure about your traveling plans and you want to modify your ticket anytime or cancel it without extra payment, then only you should book refundable ticket.

Question: Is it possible to receive refund on my non-refundable plane ticket?

Answer: Yes! You can receive full refunds on non-refundable plane tickets too, if:

• Airlines cancel your flight, or,
• Your Flight got delayed for more than 3 hours.