Airlines often deduct so much money in the name of cancellation charges that the passenger feels cheated. Many times the cost of changing the date of ticket becomes equivalent to purchasing a new ticket. Understanding this biggest problem of the common man, the aviation regulatory body Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken a very relief step. Now if you change your mind after booking the ticket, you will not have to fear heavy fine. This new rule, which is coming into effect from March 26, has given a big security shield to air passengers.
What is 48 hour ‘look-in option’?
The biggest relief in the new guidelines of DGCA has come in the form of ‘look-in option’ of 48 hours. Understand in simple words, you will have 48 hours right after booking the ticket. If you cancel or change your travel dates within this time limit, the airline will not charge you any additional cancellation fees. This is a great convenience for those people who often choose the wrong date while booking or whose travel plans are not finalized till the last minute.
There are some important conditions attached with the relief
However, this facility will not be blindly implemented on every ticket. The regulator has made it clear that to avail this discount, passengers will have to follow certain rules. The first condition is that your ticket should be booked directly from the official website of the airline. Apart from this, there are also strict rules regarding flight timings.
- Domestic flights: There should be a minimum gap of 7 days between the day you book your ticket and the date of travel.
- International flight: This gap must be at least 15 days.
If you make changes in the ticket instead of canceling it, the cancellation fee may be zero, but you will have to pay the prevailing fare of the new ticket. Keep in mind, this option will expire after 48 hours of booking and the airline’s normal cancellation rules will apply again.
Now money will come directly into the account, time limit fixed
Passengers have been complaining for a long time that airlines take weeks to refund money after canceling tickets. Many times the full amount is not refunded or vouchers are given instead of cash. To curb these arbitrary actions, DGCA has made strict provisions in its regulation of 24th February. Under the new rule, the time limit for refund has been made very clear.
- Credit card payment: Refund must be made by the airline within 7 working days.
- Booking through agent or online portal: It will be the sole responsibility of the airline to ensure that the passenger receives his/her money within 14 working days.
- Cash Payment: It will be mandatory to make the refund immediately from the airline office from where the ticket was taken.