Ever canceled a flight and thought, "Why is my airline refund taking so long?" You are not alone in this. Flight cancellations occur due to several reasons such as weather, emergency or change of plan. But the refund process may feel disappointingly slow. This blog breaks down why airline refunds take time, what you should expect as a passenger, and the smart steps to take while waiting.
"How long do airline refunds take?" or "Why is my flight refund delayed?"
Airline refunds are more complicated than just clicking "Cancel" and receiving your money back. It isn't as simple as it seems. Wish to know why?
Airlines have a streamlined process for ticketing, billing, and payment. When a refund is requested, it has to pass several departments and approvals, especially if it has third parties like travel agencies or online booking platforms involved.
Even after the airline approves a refund, it must be processed through banks or payment gateways. Credit card companies and banks may take 5–14 business days to reflect the amount in your account.
Weather disruptions or airline strikes invite huge cancellations, bombarding customer support and refund departments, which causes delays.
Not every ticket is refundable. Some are non-worthy or have a canceled fee. Type of tickets affects the corresponding timeline and amount.
Refund timelines can vary based on the payment method and booking source. Credit card refunds typically take 7 to 14 business days after approval. If you paid via bank transfer, the refund may take up to 21 days. For bookings made through third-party platforms, the process might take longer depending on their individual policies. It's also important to confirm whether you're receiving a monetary refund or travel credits/vouchers, as this can significantly impact how quickly you get your refund. Check if you're getting a money refund or travel credits/vouchers, as this affects timing too.
Below are the steps to follow:
Go through the airline’s cancellation and refund policy before making bookings. Some tickets come with full refund, while others can only offer flight credit or partial refunds.
Most airlines offer online refund tracking tools. You can log in to your account or use the booking reference number to check real-time updates.
If it’s been more than 14 business days, reach out to the airline’s customer service. Use email or live chat to get a written confirmation. Be patient but persistent.
Many airlines now support customer queries on WhatsApp, Twitter, or Facebook Messenger. It's faster than waiting on hold!
If the airline is unresponsive after a long wait(several weeks), contact your card provider to refute the charge, especially if you fulfill the corresponding eligibility.
Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets – Always browse the fare T&Cs.
Service Fees – Some airlines charge a cancellation or administrative fee.
Travel Insurance – Consider travel insurance that covers cancellations due to emergencies.
Booking Platforms – Refund policies may vary if you booked via online travel agencies.
Flight cancellations are tense, but knowing what to expect makes it easier. Airline refund takes time, but most of the delays are due to policy rules, processing time and bank system, not negligence. Choosing reliable booking platforms such as Bunny Fares and being active, holding records can create a big difference.
At Bunny Fares, we help passengers to navigate the changes in refund, cancellation, and booking easily. Contact us on WhatsApp or Live Chat 24/7 - Our assistance team is always here for you. Getting knowledge of the refund process makes you smart and reduces stress. Share this blog with your fellow travelers, and always be informed before booking.
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