Cancellation charges, hidden charges, schedule conflicts and more await those trying to cancel a flight ticket and book another, as per the current system. If all goes well, you will soon be able to make changes to your tickets without facing these headaches. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is now proposing various changes to the existing ticket refund norms. Under the updated process, refunds for cancelled tickets will be issued to passengers within 21 working days.

'Look-in' option
The new norms will require airlines to offer passengers a 'Look-in' option for 48 hours to book flight tickets. This would be a period during which they can amend or cancel tickets without extra charges. This is except the prevailing fare for the changed flight for which the ticket is sought to be amended. 

The new norms will require airlines to offer passengers a 'Look-in' option for 48 hours to book flight tickets. Photo: iStock/dima_sidelnikov
The new norms will require airlines to offer passengers a 'Look-in' option for 48 hours to book flight tickets. Photo: iStock/dima_sidelnikov

Where it will not apply
The 'Look-in' option will not be offered for domestic flights with a departure date less than 5 days, or international flights departing less than 15 days, especially when booked directly through the airline's official website. 

In case of emergencies
There is also another proposal that in case of medical emergencies, the airline should refund the ticket or provide a credit shell. 

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