What is the new directive?
According to the new directive, airlines will now charge base fare plus fuel surcharge, or INR 3,000 per passenger, whichever is lower. The airline will not levy an additional charge to process the refund.
Read more: Flight delayed or cancelled? Know about claiming compensation
Is it applicable only to domestic airlines?
Yes, the new directive applies only to domestic airlines.
Does it apply to cancellation by the airline and/or flyer?
The new directive applies only to cancellations made by the flyer.
Why was the rule changed?
The civil aviation ministry felt that the flat INR 3,000 rate was too steep and needed to be brought back into balance. Also, there is a rule that states that cancellation fee cannot be higher than the sum of the base fare and the fuel surcharge; and with Udaan or the subsidised regional flying scheme capping fares, these rates were very often higher than the price of the ticket itself.
How does it benefit the passenger?
Now you can feel free to book your flight well in advance without worrying about a change in your schedule, even if it is for an in-demand route. Cancelling and rebooking will no longer make you break the bank! Also, if you grab a really cheap ticket during an airline spot sale, say under INR 3,000 – and then have to cancel – you will not lose all your money.
Read more: What do Millenial Travellers want?
How much difference has it made in real terms?
With airlines steadily increasing flight cancellation charges the last few years – and in some cases, even charging amounts ranging between INR 2,950 and INR 4,000 – this directive will be extremely beneficial to passengers who like to book flights way in advance in order to get really cheap prices. The civil aviation ministry also predicts the lowering of customer grievances around the flight cancellation charges issue.
How can Skyscanner help?
In case of a changing schedule and flight cancellation, log onto Skyscanner and rebook your flights and hotels with us! With flight cancellation charges now pruned to reasonable limits, feel free to redo your schedule with the help of our user friendly tools!
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Cheap Flight Ticket Hacking Tools
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