Ticket Cancellation Rules: If you are travelling—or planning to travel—by train, flight, or bus, you need to know these rules. Often, travellers need to cancel their tickets before a journey but don’t know how much they’ll be refunded. Situations such as ticket cancellation, travel delays, or money being deducted during booking can arise. Therefore, knowing the refund amount and where to lodge a complaint is crucial. Let us explore this in detail.
How much refund will you get on train ticket cancellation?
For your information, the refund amount for a confirmed train ticket depends on how much time remains before the train’s scheduled departure. The later you cancel, the higher the cancellation charge. If you cancel the ticket more than 72 hours in advance, the cancellation charge is deducted based on your travel class, and the remaining amount is refunded. Cancelling between 24 and 72 hours results in a deduction of a portion of the fare.
The cancellation charge increases further if you cancel between 8 and 24 hours before departure. If you cancel with less than 8 hours remaining, you may not receive a refund as per the rules. So, if your travel plans change, it is best to know these timings rather than waiting until the last minute.
What are the rules for RAC and waitlisted tickets?
If you hold an RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or waitlisted ticket, timely cancellation is essential. If cancelled within the stipulated time, the remaining amount is refunded after deducting the clerkage charge. If the deadline passes, the chances of receiving a refund are slim. Therefore, always check the ticket status and the train’s scheduled departure time.
What to do if the train is delayed by more than 3 hours?
If your train is significantly delayed and you decide not to travel, you are eligible for a full refund of the fare. First, complete the refund process correctly before the train departs. Rules regarding claims may differ once the train has started its journey. So don’t wait for the train to be delayed; start the refund process immediately.
Will you get a full refund if the train is cancelled?
If the Railways cancels the train entirely, the refund for the booked ticket is processed according to applicable rules. For online bookings, the refund is credited back via the same payment method used to book the ticket. The passenger does not need to cancel the ticket themselves; this depends on the booking type and current Railway regulations.
Money deducted during booking, but the ticket was not generated
Often, when booking tickets online, money is deducted from the bank account, yet the ticket is not confirmed. In this situation, check the transaction and booking status before trying to pay again. If the ticket was not generated, the failed transaction amount is refunded. It may take a few days to receive the refund.
Money deducted during booking, but the ticket was not generated?
Sometimes, while booking tickets online, funds are deducted from your bank account, card, or via UPI, but the ticket is not confirmed. In such cases, check the transaction and booking status before making another payment immediately. If you don’t receive a refund within the stipulated time, you can file a complaint with your transaction ID, PNR, or payment details.
How do you get a refund upon cancelling a flight ticket?
Refunds for cancelled flight tickets depend on the fare and the airline’s terms and conditions. If a passenger cancels the ticket, the airline deducts the applicable cancellation charges and refunds the remaining amount. Some tickets also offer features like free cancellation or additional cancellation protection. In these cases, read the airline’s fare conditions and cancellation policy before booking.
Facilities provided during flight delays
If a flight is delayed, passengers receive meals, refreshments, or accommodation under the airline’s rules. However, the facilities provided depend on the specific circumstances of the delay; rules may vary based on factors such as weather conditions or air traffic control issues.
What happens if the flight is cancelled?
If the airline cancels your flight, they will offer alternative travel options or a refund, subject to applicable rules and circumstances. In these situations, keep any messages, emails, and ticket details you receive from the airline safe.
How much money do you get back if a bus ticket is cancelled?
Bus ticket refunds depend on the bus operator’s cancellation policy and the booking platform used. Cancelling a ticket close to the scheduled departure time often results in higher cancellation charges or no refund. Therefore, always check the cancellation policy when booking your ticket.