Explainer: How to Change or Cancel a Booked Flight and Get a Full Refund? All You Need To Know

You've packed your bags, taken leave from work, booked your hotels in advance, and checked off every item on your travel list-only to have your plans thrown off by an unexpected change. In such situations, many air travellers may not realise they can reschedule or cancel their flights without paying a penalty.

Air travellers can avail of free cancellation on their air travel ticket bookings within twenty-four hours of travel booking, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Here's is a step by step guide for air travellers to understand how they can change or cancel a booked flight and get a full refund.

Changing or cancelling a flight in India is mostly digital, quick, and can sometimes be free, if you know the right steps and rules. Here's a practical guide for 2025.

How to Change a Booked Flight?

Go to Your Airline's Website or App.

Use the "Manage Booking" or "My Account" sections.

Enter your PNR/booking reference and personal details.

Choose 'Change Flight'

Adjust the date, time, or destination as needed.

Pay fare difference or any applicable change fee (many promotional and low-cost fares charge a fee or allow only certain changes).

For Travel Agent/Third-Party Site Bookings

Contact the travel agent or the booking platform; most online portals also offer "Modify/Manage Booking" features.

How to Cancel a Booked Flight and Get a Refund?

Online Self-Service:

Log in, find your trip, and select "Cancel Booking".

Confirm the refund amount before submitting.

Eligibility for Full Refunds:

Within 24 Hours of Booking: If you cancel within 24 hours, and your travel date is at least 7 days away, Indian aviation law entitles you to a full refund (except for the convenience fee).

Airline Initiated Cancellation: If your flight is cancelled or significantly rescheduled by the airline, you get a full refund automatically.

Certain Fare Types & Promotional Offers: Some airlines and portals (like Paytm Free Cancellation, Ixigo Assured) offer complete refunds with "free cancellation" options. This must be chosen at booking time.

Paid Cancellation Protection: Travel portals may offer add-on insurance or flexible tickets, check at the time of purchase.

Typical Refund Timeline

> Pro Tip: Always keep your booking confirmation and cancellation reference for follow-up.

Special Cases

Defence Personnel: Full refund and one-time rescheduling for defence fare tickets up to May 31, 2025 (Air India, Air India Express).

Mass Disruptions (e.g., Operation Sindoor): Airlines often offer waivers of all charges and full refund options for affected cities or flights. Check advisories and claim online.

When Full Refunds Are NOT Guaranteed

Cancelling closer to the flight, except in the 24-hour rule or airline-canceled flights, usually attracts a fee.

Most "Saver" or basic fares are nonrefundable beyond 24 hours unless you bought protection.

Travel agent or portal-brokered tickets may have distinct policies; always check specific rules before booking.

Quick Steps Table: How To Reschedule Booked Flight?

What Happens When Your Flight is Delayed?

When your flight is delayed, it is mandatory for the airline company to pay for certain expenses of the affected passengers like free meal, hotel services, etc, based on the delay time.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is sourced from various travel websites which are the accepted and widely quoted sources for such data. GoodReturns doesn't take accountability for the same and is merely quoting numbers based these reports.