New Delhi1 minute ago
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Now air passengers can get the opportunity to cancel or change their ticket without any extra charges within 48 hours of booking. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released a draft to bring this new rule.
Right now this is just a draft i.e. proposal. DGCA has sought suggestions from people for this till 30th November. If everything goes well, rules will be made soon, but it has not been decided yet when they will be implemented. This facility will be available with some conditions.
Understand the new rule in 3 points…
- There will be a ‘look-in’ period of 48 hours after booking. That means think about it, if you don’t like it then cancel the ticket. If there is any error in the name, it can be corrected for free within 24 hours. The airline can also give refund in case of medical emergency.
- Whether the passenger has booked the ticket directly from the airline’s website or through a travel agent or any portal, the responsibility for the refund will be on the airline. This is because the agent is their extension. Refund will have to be given within 21 working days.
- If you are making amendment in the ticket, only the fare difference for the new flight will be charged. But this facility will be available only when the departure date of the flight is at least 5 days (domestic) or 15 days (international) away from the booking.
Currently the airline charges its own fees
Currently, there is no standard 48-hour grace period for air ticket cancellation in India. Most airlines charge fees as per their policy.
The refund process is also slow, causing inconvenience to passengers. Delay in refund is common especially in booking through travel agents or portals. This proposal of DGCA is to solve these problems, so that passengers get clear guidelines.
Benefit to customers, but impact on airline
Industry experts believe that this change will empower passengers and increase trust. However, some airlines feel that this may affect their revenues.
“This appears to be inspired by rules in the US and Europe, where 24-hour free cancellation is standard,” said an aviation analyst.
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