Flyers to get 48-hour free cancellation window soon under new rules

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a significant overhaul of air ticket refund and cancellation norms, offering substantial relief and flexibility to air passengers. The most impactful change is the introduction of a 48-hour 'Look-in option,' allowing passengers to cancel or amend their tickets without incurring any additional charges, barring the normal prevailing fare for a revised flight.

The proposed 'Look-in option' aims to provide travelers with a crucial two-day window post-booking to confirm or rethink their travel plans without the financial penalty currently associated with quick changes. This facility, however, is subject to specific conditions designed to safeguard airline operational efficiency, particularly for last-minute travel.

It will not be applicable for domestic flights departing within five days and international flights departing within fifteen days from the booking date, and only applies when tickets are booked directly through the airline's website. In a move to streamline the refund process, the DGCA has made it clear that the onus of refund will squarely lie with the airlines, even when tickets are purchased through a travel agent or portal.

The regulator views agents as the airlines' appointed representatives, thus making the airline ultimately responsible. Furthermore, to address the long-standing issue of delayed refunds, the draft Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) mandates a strict timeline. Airlines will be required to ensure the refund process is completed within 21 working days.