New Passenger-Friendly Air Ticket Refund Norms Announced
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a major revision to airline ticket refund policies that gives flyers more flexibility and protection soon after booking. Under the updated norms, passengers can now cancel or amend their flight tickets within 48 hours of booking without any extra charges, subject to specific conditions, effective March 26, 2026.
The move — part of amended Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) — is aimed at making air travel booking more consumer-friendly and reducing the financial burden on passengers who change plans or make booking errors.
48-Hour “Look-In Option”
The key highlight of the new policy is the introduction of a 48-hour “Look-in Option.” Within this window after booking, passengers can:
- Cancel their ticket without paying cancellation fees,
- Make changes or amendments to bookings without extra charges,
- Only pay the fare difference if changes lead to a higher ticket price.
Name Correction Without Charge
Under the revised norms, airlines cannot levy additional charges to correct a passenger’s name if the error is reported within 24 hours of booking and the ticket was booked through the airline’s official site.
Refund Timelines and Rules
The DGCA has also laid out strict refund timelines:
- Refunds to credit card holders must be processed within 7 days,
- Cash refunds must be issued immediately at the airline sales office,
- Refunds for tickets booked via travel agents must be completed by the airline within 14 working days.
Medical Emergency and Credit Option
Passengers or family members hospitalized during travel may receive either a refund or a credit shell, depending on circumstances. Airlines must honor this provision with supporting medical documentation.
Impact on Consumers and Airlines
The updated policy strengthens passenger rights and ensures transparency in airline transactions. It also holds airlines accountable for timely refunds — a key concern in previous years amid rising flight booking complai
