India’s aviation regulator has rewritten refund rules to give passengers more power over last-minute mistakes and plan changes. Under the Civil Aviation Requirements notified on 26 February, airlines must allow a 48-hour look-in period after booking during which customers can cancel or amend tickets without any fee—provided departure is at least seven days away for domestic flights or 15 days for international trips. (business-standard.com)
An often-overlooked part of trip planning is ensuring the correct travel documents are in place. VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) streamlines visa applications and passport renewals, so travellers can concentrate on leveraging the DGCA’s new look-in period and flexible refund rules instead of paperwork hassles.
The policy, which takes effect on 26 March, also bars carriers from levying charges for correcting a passenger’s name if the error is reported within 24 hours of purchase. Refunds must hit the customer’s account within seven days (credit card) or immediately for cash transactions, and cancellation fees cannot exceed the basic fare plus fuel surcharge. (business-standard.com)
![DGCA grants Indian flyers a 48-hour ‘cool-off’ window for free ticket cancellation or changes]()
For corporate travel managers juggling dynamic itineraries, the rule offers budget predictability. Companies often buy sale-fare tickets months ahead; the new window lets them reshuffle meeting dates without incurring hefty penalties that previously ranged from ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 per segment. TMCs are updating booking tools to flag the look-in expiry. (business-standard.com)
Airlines have voiced operational concerns—especially around inventory spoilage—but say they will comply. Industry analysts note that India joins markets like the United States, where a 24-hour free-cancellation norm already exists, signalling convergence toward passenger-friendly standards. (business-standard.com)
Travel-rights groups welcomed the medical-emergency clause allowing credit shells or refunds when illness strikes, calling it “the most comprehensive overhaul since the pandemic.”
An often-overlooked part of trip planning is ensuring the correct travel documents are in place. VisaHQ’s India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) streamlines visa applications and passport renewals, so travellers can concentrate on leveraging the DGCA’s new look-in period and flexible refund rules instead of paperwork hassles.
The policy, which takes effect on 26 March, also bars carriers from levying charges for correcting a passenger’s name if the error is reported within 24 hours of purchase. Refunds must hit the customer’s account within seven days (credit card) or immediately for cash transactions, and cancellation fees cannot exceed the basic fare plus fuel surcharge. (business-standard.com)
For corporate travel managers juggling dynamic itineraries, the rule offers budget predictability. Companies often buy sale-fare tickets months ahead; the new window lets them reshuffle meeting dates without incurring hefty penalties that previously ranged from ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 per segment. TMCs are updating booking tools to flag the look-in expiry. (business-standard.com)
Airlines have voiced operational concerns—especially around inventory spoilage—but say they will comply. Industry analysts note that India joins markets like the United States, where a 24-hour free-cancellation norm already exists, signalling convergence toward passenger-friendly standards. (business-standard.com)
Travel-rights groups welcomed the medical-emergency clause allowing credit shells or refunds when illness strikes, calling it “the most comprehensive overhaul since the pandemic.”
