How to Cancel Flight Tickets

Flight cancellations vary dramatically between airlines and can be a difficult process.

Flight-cancellation restrictions and rules vary significantly between airlines and travel agencies. It becomes even more difficult if you have not purchased travel insurance that specifically covers flight cancellations. Regardless, whether you lose some money or get it all back, there are a few things you can do to cancel a flight.

Instructions

1. Review fare conditions found in your booking confirmation email or paper ticket sent to you by your airline or travel agent. The fare conditions will tell you whether a refund is possible, the time period in which you can cancel your ticket after the purchase, and if you will have to pay administration fees to cancel.

2. Gather your flight information and payment method (credit card or banking information). Contact your airline either by phone, or send in an online refund request via their website (most airline websites offer this service), or call your travel agent to begin processing your cancellation.

3. Prepare to pay a cancellation fee or an administration fee. If you did not buy traveler's insurance or Flight Guard that covers flight cancellations, chances are that you will have to pay a fee to cancel your flight and get a refund. In the long run, this is much better than losing all of your money.

Tips & Warnings

• When booking a flight several months in advance, it's always a good idea to purchase traveler's insurance or Flight Guard to protect yourself from any sudden changes that may require you to cancel. All airlines offer travel insurance, and it's relatively inexpensive, starting as low as $12. With travel insurance, you can cancel a flight with no hassles.

References

• Continetal Airlines: Manage Reservations
• American Airlines: Refunds
• TFG: Trip Cancellation Insurance Plans from Travel Guard & IMG