How A New Proposal Could Make Flight Cancellations Easier And Cheaper For Indian Travellers

Whether you're flying domestically from Mumbai or boarding a long haul to Europe, one thing has become clear: travel plans change. Work commitments shift, family affairs pop up, the weather throws a spanner, or you simply spot a better fare. In such a world, the less flexible the ticket, the higher the stress. That's why the latest proposal by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is noteworthy: if you're booking through an Indian airline's website, you may soon get a 48-hour "look-in" window during which you can cancel or amend without paying a separate cancellation fee (beyond fare differences) - provided certain conditions are met.

Here's what Indian travellers should know about these proposed new rules for airline tickets:

Key Measures Related To Flight Bookings Proposed By The DGCA

• If you book a ticket (directly via the airline's website or app) and the departure of your flight is more than 5 days away for domestic and 15 days away for international travel, then you'll be eligible for cancellation or amendment within 48 hours of booking without paying the cancellation fee. Only the fare difference (if you pick a more expensive option) applies.
• The airline must refund the basic fare + fuel surcharge (or at least cap the cancellation charge to basic fare + fuel surcharge) and also refund any taxes/airport/other fees, even if the fare was "non-refundable."
• If you booked via an agent/OTA, a refund could take up to around 21 working days; if booked directly via the airline, for card payments, they aim for around 7 days.

These policies are being proposed, subject to finalisation and airline implementation. So, for you as a traveller, this means: early bird bookings might come with less risk of penalty. But you must still check the conditions carefully.

Also Read: How Changing Confirmed Train Tickets For Free Could Benefit Millions Of Indians

Flexibility sounds great, but there are caveats. For example, booking must be made via the airline's direct channel (website/app) for full benefit; bookings via third-party agents may incur longer refund delays. Some fare categories (super-promo, deeply discounted) may have exclusions or stricter terms. This is why it's advisable to always keep screenshots of booking terms, cancellation policy at time of purchase, taxes/fees paid.

If implemented, the new policies could greatly benefit air passengers. Photo Credit: Pexels

Smart Travel Planning Tips To Keep In Mind

This rule is one piece of the puzzle. Smart travellers layer this flexibility into their full journey planning:

1. Visa/passport/insurance: If your flight changes, ensure visas, transit clearance and travel insurance remain valid or adaptable.
2. Accommodation & onward transport: Don't block everything rigidly if your flight date is uncertain; pick bookings with free cancellation where possible.
3. Budget buffer: Use the 48-hour rule as a cushion, not a guarantee. Keep some budget margin for fare differences or schedule changes.
4. Stay informed: Monitor airline fare rules, updates from DGCA, and check whether the airlines update their user agreements.
5. Frequent-flyer/loyalty perks: If you're in a loyalty programme, cancellations/amendments may affect points, status. Check the interplay with fare rules.

Also Read: How To Book Flights And Hotels Around Major Events Without Paying A Fortune

Keep screenshots of all payments, bookings and refund policies as proof. Photo Credit: Pexels

What This Means For International Travel And How It Stacks Up Globally

For Indian flyers heading abroad (or returning), it's worth putting this into context.

• In the U.S., the United States Department of Transportation mandates a 24-hour free cancellation window when booking at least a week ahead.
• In India's new draft, the 48-hour window is more generous in the "look-in" sense, but tied to conditions (booking direct, departure threshold) and is still to be adopted.
• The global norm often focuses on disruptions by the airline (cancellations/delays) rather than a "change of mind" period. India's draft rule specifically addresses the latter.
• If you book an international leg, check how the airline's home country/regime handles cancellation & refunds. You may be subject to their policies, not just Indian ones.

If you're an Indian traveller booking flights that you might need to amend or cancel, the proposed DGCA policies provide a welcome buffer. But the key is to use it smartly. The DGCA has opened this draft for public comments until November 30; the rules will be finalised thereafter.