Flexible Booking Window
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented significant changes to its flight ticket regulations, introducing a 'look-in' period designed
to benefit passengers. Under this new framework, individuals booking air tickets now have a crucial 48-hour window following the initial purchase during which they can cancel or alter their booking without incurring any additional charges. This facility, however, is contingent upon specific conditions being met. Notably, this provision is applicable only if the scheduled flight departure is at least seven days away for domestic journeys and a minimum of 15 days away for international travel. Once this 48-hour period elapses, passengers will revert to the standard cancellation policies set by individual airlines, which typically involve the application of normal cancellation fees. This extended grace period aims to provide travelers with greater peace of mind and flexibility when making travel arrangements.
Name Corrections Simplified
In addition to the flexible cancellation policy, the DGCA has addressed a common point of frustration for air travelers: name corrections on tickets. The regulatory body has stipulated that airlines are now prohibited from levying any charges on passengers for rectifying a minor error in their name on a ticket, provided that such a mistake is brought to the airline's attention within 24 hours of the initial booking. This rule specifically applies to tickets that were purchased directly through the airline's official website. This measure is expected to alleviate the hassle and potential costs associated with small typographical errors that can occur during the booking process, ensuring a smoother experience for those who book their flights directly.
Faster Refund Timelines
The DGCA is also tackling the issue of delayed refunds, a persistent concern for many passengers. To expedite the process, strict deadlines have been established for airlines to return funds owed to travelers. For transactions made using credit cards, airlines are now required to process refunds within a seven-day timeframe. In situations where a cash refund is requested and processed at an airline's office, the reimbursement should be provided immediately. Furthermore, the DGCA mandates that all statutory taxes and associated charges must be refunded to the passenger in full, irrespective of whether the ticket is cancelled or if the passenger fails to show up for their scheduled flight. This ensures that passengers do not lose out on money they are legally entitled to.
Enhanced Transparency
To foster greater trust and understanding between airlines and passengers, the DGCA's updated regulations emphasize enhanced transparency throughout the booking and cancellation process. Airlines are now obligated to clearly display all pertinent information regarding refunds and any applicable cancellation charges directly at the point of booking. This means that before a passenger finalizes their purchase, they should be presented with details about the potential refund amount and a clear explanation of any fees that might be involved. The intention is to prevent any hidden or additional processing fees from being introduced beyond those explicitly stated and agreed upon during the booking. In circumstances involving genuine medical emergencies, airlines have the discretion to offer either a full refund or a credit shell, with the specific option determined by the nature of the situation.
