Had unexpected travel plan changes? Many travellers have to cancel their air tickets due to emergencies or airline rescheduling. Air ticket cancellation can be confusing, as each airline follows different processes.
Understanding the steps to cancel your air tickets and knowing about the refund options helps you recover the cost of the ticket change. In this guide, we will explain the steps for the flight cancellation process and the types of refunds so that you know what to do in the event of a change in travel plans.
Steps to Cancel Air Tickets with Major UAE Airlines
Emirates
- Visit the official website of Emirates.
- Go to the Manage Booking section.
- Then cancel your booking.
- If you booked your air ticket through a travel agency in the UAE, contact them for assistance.
- Wait for the confirmation e-mail from the Emirates.
- If you are eligible for a refund, you will receive the amount usually within 7 to 10 business days, but it can take longer.
Etihad
- Visit the official website of Etihad.
- Hover over Manage, then on My Booking.
- Type carefully your flight ticket number or booking reference and last name in the text area to get flight booking details.
- Next, cancel your ticket for flight travel on the site.
- Contact your travel agent in the UAE if you booked your flight through them.
Flynas
- Visit the official website of Flynas.
- Click on Manage my booking.
- Retrieve your booking details with the reference number.
- Then, find and click on the ‘Cancel flight’ option that appears at the top in the left column on the official site.
- A cancellation fee will be charged during the process in most cases.
There have been situations where a traveler got hospitalized before the flight due to a medical emergency, and they received a full refund without any penalties. Another traveler who was an expat cancelled the air ticket due to the death of an immediate family member. After submitting the death certificate, the airline company gave him a refund.
Differences between online and agent cancellation processes
If you booked a flight directly through an airline’s official website or app, the air ticket cancellation process will be quick and easy. In case you are eligible for refunds according to the terms and conditions of the airline, then the amount will be transferred to your account.
However, when booked through a travel agent, they will have to process the cancellation request, and you may have to wait longer for refunds.
Types of Refunds for Air Ticket Cancellations in the UAE
The type of refund you owe is determined by various factors such as fare conditions before booking, cancellation timing, and the airline’s policies.
Full Refund
You will probably get a full refund for the amount paid to the airline during flight booking if:
- Cancel the flight ticket within 24 hours of booking the flight.
- The airline canceled the flight
- Emergencies like health issues or the death of a family member
Partial Refund
- Cancellation is confirmed with penalties or cancellation fees
- The remaining amount is credited.
Non-refundable
- Only taxes or government charges are refunded
- Applies to low-cost fares
Scenarios Where Emergency Refunds Apply
Medical emergencies
If you experience a sudden illness or hospitalization, most airlines will consider providing a refund. However, you have to submit proof like a medical certificate or hospital admission records.
Death of immediate family
Airlines provide refunds when you have to cancel your air ticket due to the death of a family member. You must provide the death certificate as a supporting document.
Visa refusal
Suppose your travel got cancelled as your visa application was rejected. In such a case, you may qualify for a full or partial refund depending on the fare rules of the airline.
Airline-initiated cancellations
If the airline cancels or reschedules your flight due to operational issues, extreme weather conditions, or geopolitical events, you will get a full refund or free re-booking facility.
Tips for Smooth Air Ticket Cancellation
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind while booking your flight for the ticket refund process during emergency or unexpected situations.
- Carefully read the airfare rules and conditions of the airline you opted for flight travel.
- Act instantly, as in most cases, full refund options are only valid if you cancel the ticket within 24 hours of booking.
- Make use of airline websites or apps for fast processing of cancellation requests.
- Keep all the cancellation confirmation documents.
- Provide supporting documents like medical certificates, death certificates, or visa rejection letters for claiming an emergency refund.
- Refer to the UAE consumer protection laws if you think your refunds are being denied unfairly.
Conclusion
Air ticket cancellation in the UAE is not a stressful process if you understand the rules, follow the correct process, and know your rights. However, acting instantly and providing all the necessary documentation can make all the difference. You can secure a full refund for flight ticket cancellation in the UAE if you are eligible according to the airline’s policies and rules.
Review the fare conditions, use official airline websites for fast processing, and keep a record of all communications and documents. By staying informed, you can handle unexpected travel plan changes and reduce the financial loss.
