Passengers can now cancel or amend tickets without extra charges within 48 hours of booking under new DGCA rules
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued revised Civil Aviation Requirements on February 24. These DGCA ticket refund norms allow passengers to cancel or amend air tickets without additional charges within 48 hours of booking.
This change matters because it gives travellers a short window to correct plans or errors after purchase. Airlines must immediately follow the updated rules.
Key Changes in Cancellation and Amendment
Passengers can cancel or amend their tickets during the 48-hour period. They pay only the difference in prevailing fare for the new flight if amending. No cancellation or change fees apply in this window. Beyond 48 hours, standard fees return.
The provision acts as a cooling-off period for bookings. It addresses common issues, such as second thoughts or last-minute plan changes after booking.
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Name Correction Without Extra Fees
Airlines cannot charge for name corrections of the same person if the passenger flags the error within 24 hours of booking. This applies only to tickets booked directly through the airline website.
The rule simplifies fixes for typing mistakes made during hurried bookings. It reduces disputes over minor errors in passenger details.
Refund Processing Timeline
Airlines must complete refund processes within 14 working days under the DGCA ticket refund norms. This shortens the delays passengers faced earlier. Faster refunds improve cash flow for travellers who cancel.
Beyond the Spec Sheet
The DGCA ticket refund norms reduce financial risk in air travel planning. Passengers move with more confidence as they adjust itineraries without penalty in the initial window. Business travellers access flexible options for urgent schedule changes.
Families save on costs when correcting names or shifting dates shortly after booking. Frequent flyers incur lower overall correction expenses. Behaviour shifts towards direct airline bookings for the free name correction benefit. Reliability in travel arrangements increases as small errors no longer add hidden costs. Access to air mobility grows for occasional travellers wary of rigid fees.
