How to get your plane ticket refunded

There’s nothing worse than booking a holiday, only to discover you won’t actually be able to attend. Whether it’s due to an unexpected family commitment, sickness or accident, trying to recuperate the cost of your now-defunct holiday plans can be a long and arduous process.

However, the folks at Skyscanner have some tips for getting your money back, or at the very least getting a travel voucher or your flight dates changed.

1. Check your insurance

In most cases, where an airline refuses you a refund, then your insurance company is likely to refuse a refund of the flight as well. However, it’s worthwhile checking what your insurance does include for ‘trip interruptions’. Some policies will compensate you in cases of death or accident, if you are required to appear in court, if there is now a ‘no travel’ restriction on your destination, or if you are injured.

2. Check the law

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, if your flight is cancelled then you are entitled to a refund – even if it’s a non-refundable flight. Contact your airline about the refund or credit immediately, then contact the ACCC if you have issues claiming.

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3. Change your flight instead

In some instances, it’s easier to simply pay to have your flight changed than it is to argue a case for a refund, as many airlines have a strict no-refund policy. Alternatively, it might be cheaper to upgrade your ticket to a ‘flexible’ ticket that allows date changes.

4. Ask for a refund of the airport tax

If you never fly, ask the airline for a refund of the airport tax as you never travelled. If you can’t get a refund, at least you can try to get some tax dollars back.

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5. Contact the airline as soon as possible

Some airlines have a 24 hour rule where flight details can be changed free of charge. Remember, being friendly with your customer service operator can help you in your quest to get a refund. Ensure you put your best argument forward politely, and ensure you quote any airline or ACCC policies that allow for a refund in your circumstances. If all else fails, ask for a flight voucher, or a flight change.

6. Still having trouble?

If you’re dealing with the likes of Jetstar, Qantas, Rex, TigerAir, and Virgin Australia, and getting no where, it might pay to get in touch with the Airline Customer Advocate which handles customers who are entitled to refunds, but who were never credited by the above airlines.

You might also like:

How to make an airline pay you if your flight is delayed

What to do if your flight is cancelled

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Laura Barry

Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.