How to Get an Airline Ticket Refund
You bought your airline ticket, and then your plans change. Or you discover that the airline just lowered fares to your destination. Are you stuck? Although policies vary from airline to airline, you should be able to get a refund or a voucher for future travel if you follow these steps.
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Things You'll Need
- Original ticket, e-ticket and itinerary
- Name, phone number and website of the airline
- Name and phone number of travel agent (if applicable)
Instructions
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Check the airline's website for its policy on refunds and lowered fares. Typing the name of the airline and the words "refund policy" into your browser will bring you to the appropriate page.
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Speak to your travel agent, if applicable, and request a refund.
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Contact the airline by phone or online. Most airlines have a "Contact Us" link on their websites. You may be directed to a customer service representative or to the reservations department.
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Have your confirmation number and flight details ready to give the airline representative or to type into the online refund request form.
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Check your credit card bill to make sure a promised refund has been made. It can take 2 to 3 months to process the refund.
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Vouchers can be issued electronically, or in some cases, sent through the U.S. mail. If this is the case, be sure to confirm your mailing address with the airline representative.
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Tips & Warnings
Airlines may not advertise refunds. Yapta.com is a free website that will track your ticket price if you register on the website, and will alert you via email when prices on your flight drop. If you don't want to follow up to get the refund, you can pay yapta.com $15 to do the job for you.
Don't try to get a refund if you have already taken the trip.
Some airlines charge a re-booking fee that can range from $75 to $150 for a domestic flight.
