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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has changed the rules related to airline ticket refunds. Under the new rules, passengers will get a look-in period of 48 hours after booking tickets. DGCA said that within this 48 hours, passengers will be able to cancel or change their tickets without paying any extra charges. However, if the fare of the new flight is higher, then the difference in fare will have to be paid.

This facility will be available with some conditions. When the domestic travel flight is after at least 7 days. When the flight for international travel is at least 15 days away and the ticket is booked directly from the airline's website. DGCA clarified that normal cancellation charges will be applicable after 48 hours of booking. The new rules will come into effect from 26 March 2026.

There will be no charge for correcting mistakes in name

According to the new rules, if the passenger has purchased the ticket directly from the airline's website and informs the name mistake within 24 hours, then the airline will not charge any fee for the correction in the name of the same passenger. If the ticket is purchased through a travel agent or portal, the responsibility for refund will be that of the airline, as the agents are its representatives. The airline must complete the refund process within 14 working days.

Refund deadline fixed

If payment is made through credit card, refund will have to be done within 7 days. If cash payment is made at the airline office, refund will have to be given immediately. DGCA said that in case of cancellation or no-show, the airline will have to refund all government taxes and passenger related charges, even if the base fare is non-refundable.

It is necessary to provide cancellation charge and information

The airline will have to give clear information about the refund amount to be received on ticket cancellation. It will be necessary to show the refund policy and its full details in the ticket or separate document. Cancellation charges must be clearly and prominently displayed at the time of booking. As per rules, the cancellation charge cannot be more than the base fare and fuel surcharge. Travel agent's fees will not be included, if mentioned in advance. The airline may not charge any additional fees for refund processing. The option of keeping the refund amount in the form of credit shell will be at the choice of the passenger, this cannot be made the default option.

Special facility in medical emergency

If the ticket is canceled due to medical emergency of the passenger or a family member included in the same booking, the airline may offer the option of either a refund or a credit shell. In other cases, refund will be given after the airline's aerospace medicine specialist or DGCA approved doctor gives opinion on fitness to travel.

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