How to Cancel Airline Tickets Without Paying

So you just found out that you're pregnant and due right around the time you're supposed to go to Tahiti on vacation--what do you do? Canceling airline tickets and receiving a refund can be tricky. Knowing some basic rules and tips can help make the refund process go more smoothly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Flight tickets
• Credit card

1. Gather your actual paper airline ticket or e-ticket, your receipt if you have one and your credit card. The more information you have about your flight the more quickly the refund process will go.
2. Call the airline reservation desk if you bought tickets from the airline directly, or travel agent if you bought tickets through an agent (including Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline, etc.).
3. Tell the airline representative or agent that you would like to cancel your flight. They will ask for your name and sometimes your flight information. If you paid by credit card they may ask for that information also.
4. Ask how you will receive the refund. Credit card purchases will almost always be refunded to your credit card. If you purchased with a check, the airline will mail a refund check to you.

Tips & Warnings

• "Peace of Mind" policies when you fear an act of terrorism are now more common with many airlines. You will usually be allowed to rebook a flight rather than cancel entirely, so check with the airline.
• Always purchase airline tickets with a credit card, if possible. It is much easier to cancel without paying if you use a credit card.
• Some third party reservation agents and airlines do not offer refunds and you may not be able to cancel without paying so check this out before making reservations.
• Don't wait too long to cancel. The closer your departure date gets the harder it is to cancel and receive a full refund.