Flyers Now Get 48-Hour Free Flight Ticket Changes And Faster Refunds

Booking the wrong date or spotting a spelling mistake on your ticket no longer has to trigger panic. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has eased airline ticket refund rules, giving passengers a 48-hour window to cancel or change their bookings without paying extra charges. Refunds, too, must now be processed faster.

In a significant shift, the aviation regulator has revamped long-standing cancellation and refund norms to make them clearer and more passenger-friendly. The new policy introduces what it calls a “look-in option,” allowing travellers to review their booking for two days and fix errors or rethink plans without being penalised.

What The New DGCA Ticket Refund Rules Mean For Passengers

Under the revised Civil Aviation Requirements, airlines must provide a 48-hour free cancellation and amendment window, provided the flight is scheduled at least seven days later for domestic routes and 15 days later for international travel. During this period, passengers can cancel or modify their booking without a penalty, though any fare difference on a new ticket will still apply.

Airlines can no longer levy extra charges for minor name corrections if the mistake is reported within 24 hours of booking on the airline’s website. Importantly, even if a ticket is booked through a travel agent or online portal, the airline remains responsible for issuing the refund. The money must be returned within 14 working days.

The move comes following numerous complaints regarding refunds taking a long time and misunderstood cancellation fees, especially during service interruptions towards the end of 2025. It is hoped that by putting concrete timelines in place and eliminating the risk of charges for changing your ticket before your first flight, the stress of travelling by air will be reduced, especially for those who make their reservations far in advance.

Additionally, the new regulations will recognise that someone may have an unforeseen medical emergency and allow a passenger more leeway if their case meets "genuine" medical criteria.

For both frequent and occasional travellers, the new regulations provide peace of mind by allowing a traveller time to correct an error or adjust their plans without incurring a financial loss after making a reservation.

(With inputs from various sources.)

FAQs

1. What is the new 48-hour flight cancellation rule?

Under new guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, passengers can cancel or modify tickets within 48 hours of booking without paying a penalty.

2. Does the 48-hour rule apply to all flights?

The rule applies if the flight is scheduled at least seven days later for domestic travel and 15 days later for international routes.

3. How long do airlines have to process refunds now?

Airlines must issue refunds within 14 working days, even if the ticket was booked through a travel agent or online portal.

4. Are name corrections on tickets still chargeable?

Minor name corrections reported within 24 hours of booking on the airline’s website cannot attract extra charges.

5. Does the new DGCA policy cover medical emergencies?

Yes, the updated Civil Aviation Requirements allow greater flexibility in cases of genuine medical emergencies, subject to airline assessment.