Are plane tickets refundable? All about refund policies.

Airlines typically offer two main types of tickets: refundable and non-refundable.

Refundable tickets offer the greatest flexibility and allow you to get your money back if you need to cancel your flight, often with minimal or no fees. These tickets are typically more expensive than non-refundable options, but they provide peace of mind if there’s a chance your plans may change.

Non-refundable tickets are the most common and generally cheaper. If you cancel, you might only receive a partial refund or no refund at all.

However, many airlines will allow you to change your travel dates for a fee, or they may issue a travel credit that can be used for future flights. Some airlines may also allow for refunds under special circumstances, such as the death of a passenger or a family member.

Refund policies vary by airline

In Europe, refund policies can differ significantly between airlines.

Low-Cost Airlines: Budget carriers like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air often offer non-refundable tickets as their standard. Refunds are rare, but you might be able to change your flight for a fee, and any price difference would also apply. However, under specific circumstances, such as serious illness, these airlines may offer refunds or flexibility.

Full-Service Airlines: Carriers like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France typically offer a range of ticket types, from fully refundable to non-refundable. If you choose a more expensive fare class, you’re more likely to get a refund or at least a partial refund if you need to cancel.

Attention! Policies may vary depending on the airline so always check with your airline for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Review the terms and conditions of your ticket carefully and consider purchasing travel insurance.

24-hour flight cancellation rule

In United States, airlines are required to offer a full refund if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, provided that the flight is at least seven days away. It applies to all ticket types, including non-refundable ones.

How to request a refund

If you’re eligible for a refund, first contact chosen airline directly. This can often be done online through the airline’s website or app.

Be prepared to provide documentation to support your refund request. This could include medical certificates, death certificates, or other relevant paperwork. Airlines may have specific forms or procedures, so follow their instructions carefully.

Finally, it is important that you are patient. Refunds can take time.

Choose the Absolutely No Worries Package

When we go to the airport, we are of course also worried about whether we will arrive on time. That's why it's important and highly recommended to choose a package that will help you cover the high cost of an airline ticket. The GoOpti Absolutely No Worries Package makes the start of your holiday completely stress-free and includes:

• a new air ticket in case you miss your flight;
• a new transfer to the airport if the airline delays or diverts the landing or postpones the flight.
  
  

EU Regulations and passenger rights

European Union regulations provide some protection for passengers, particularly under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which covers compensation and assistance for flight cancellations. However, this regulation mainly applies to situations where the airline cancels your flight rather than when you cancel it.

If an airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund or re-routing. Additionally, if your flight is significantly delayed or rescheduled, you may also be entitled to compensation or a refund.

All information on air passenger rights can be found HERE.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance can be a helpful if you’re concerned about the potential need to cancel a non-refundable ticket. Many travel insurance policies offer coverage for trip cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or injury, however, some policies even include coverage for non-refundable flight costs. You can find all the information about travel insurance in our article What kind of travel insurance do I need when I travel?

The decision between purchasing a refundable or non-refundable ticket often depends on how certain your travel plans are. If you anticipate any chance of needing to change or cancel your trip, it might be worth the extra cost for a refundable ticket.