Had to cancel your flight and want to rebook? Many travelers face confusion when flights get cancelled by airlines due to weather issues or personal emergencies. Understanding how to book cancelled flights and claim your refund rights can save you valuable time and money.
The term book cancelled flights means rebooking your flight ticket after cancellation or booking flights that were already cancelled. After cancellation, travellers are able to receive refunds and reschedule travel either through the airline or the booking platform. In this blog, we will explain how UAE airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and Fly Dubai handle cancellations and the steps you can take to claim refunds and rebook the flight.
Airline-specific cancellation and rebooking policies
Emirates
If you cancelled your flight due to any personal emergencies, check the specific rules of your ticket to know whether you are eligible for a refund. You will be able to cancel and rebook through the official website of Emirates under the ‘Manage Your Booking’ section. The cancellation fees and refund eligibility are based on your fare conditions. Some tickets may not be refundable or have cancellation fees. If you cancel online, you may have to complete a separate refund form.
On the other hand, if Emirates cancels your flight, you can rebook on the next available Emirates flight for free. The airline company will provide the transport to your destination, and you will get a refund for any difference in fare, taxes, or charges.
Etihad
Etihad’s cancellation and rebooking policy is based on the fare type. If the Etihad flight gets cancelled by the company, the traveller will receive an email specifying other options available for them. Suppose the traveler has a connecting flight, there will be an opinion for rebooking the entire travel itinerary.
If your flight gets cancelled three days in advance, you can find alternate options at the official website of Etihad. For all the cancellations from two days before the departure, the team will assist you in rebooking your flight.
For flight changes and cancellations, the Etihad team will rebook your flight if the departure time is changed by 30 minutes or more, or flight arrival is delayed by over an hour, or if you miss a connecting flight. You will get it notified in an email where you can accept the change, choose a new flight, or request a refund.
For self-cancellation:
- The travel can be cancelled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking.
- If the cancellation is outside the 24-hour window, the refund will depend on the fare type.
- You can request a refund online at the official website of Etihad.
- If you booked through a travel agent, contact them directly to cancel and request a refund.
Flydubai
If flydubai cancels your flight, you will be rebooked to another flight to the same destination, or you can receive a voucher for future travel. Also, you can choose to receive a cash refund.
However, if you cancel your flight due to personal reasons,
- A flydubai voucher will be issued for the value of the cancelled flight ticket, depending on the fare type you purchased. You can use this voucher for future travel purposes.
- You will not be charged a cancellation fee if you have a Flex or Business Class fare, on cancelling a flight for more than 24 hours before your flight.
- For non-refundable fares, only the applicable taxes will be refunded, or you may receive a voucher for the same amount.
Book cancelled flights through OTAs vs agencies.
Many UAE travelers book their flights either through the Travel Agencie. The rebooking process or getting refunds after cancellation depends on where you booked your ticket.
Booking flights directly through the airline’s website
- You can manage cancellations and rebook easily through the travel agencies or the airline’s official website or app.
- Refunds are processed faster, typically within 7 to 14 business days.
- You are able to contact the airline customer service for updates and compensation.
- You will get a quick resolution.
Booking flights through an Online Travel Agency(OTA)
- The refund and rebooking process goes through the customer support of the OTA.
- Processing time may be longer as the OTA has to contact the airline first.
- Service charges may apply in the cancellation process through OTA.
- You should keep the email confirmations and reference numbers for follow-up.
Refund rights under UAE GCAA regulations
Under the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority(GCAA), passengers are protected by specific refund and compensation policies in case of flight cancellations.
- If your flight was cancelled by the airline, then you are entitled to a full refund or an alternative flight.
- Airlines must process the refunds within a reasonable timeframe.
- Passengers may be eligible for compensation if the cancellation was within the airline’s control.
- If your complaint is not resolved by the airline, you can escalate it to the GCAA Consumer Protection portal for review.
Travel insurance tips for cancelled flights
Having travel insurance can reduce the financial stress of booking cancelled flights. Most of the UAE-based travel insurance plans include trip cancellation coverage.
The benefits of travel insurance include:
- It covers flight cancellations and delays due to weather, illness, or emergencies.
- Reimburses hotel stays, meals, or transportation if stranded due to a cancelled flight.
- Covers non-refundable expenses like tours or event tickets affected by cancellation.
The important documents needed for claims include:
- Official flight cancellation notice or email from the airline.
- Original booking confirmation and payment receipt.
- Proof of rebooking or refund requests, like emails.
- Receipts of additional expenses like accommodation, food, or transport.
- Travel insurance policy number and claim form.
Conclusion
Dealing with flight cancellations and book cancelled flights can be stressful for a traveller, but being informed makes it easier. Information on how to book a cancelled flight, knowing airline policies, and being aware of the GCAA rights helps you stay in control during unexpected flight cancellations. Whether you are traveling with Etihad, Emirates, or FlyDubai, or booking through OTA, check your fare conditions, save all receipts, and keep the travel insurance documents. So, next time your flight plans change, you will know how to book cancelled flights without losing your money.
