Non-Refundable vs Refundable Tickets: What's the Difference?

A refundable ticket can be cancelled for a cash refund to your original payment method, usually at any time before departure. A non-refundable ticket - the vast majority of fares sold - cannot, though it's rarely a total loss.

What "non-refundable" actually means

 

• You generally don't get cash back for cancelling
• Many airlines still return the ticket value as travel credit, minus a change or cancellation fee, valid for future travel within a set period
• Government-imposed taxes and some fees are often refundable even on a non-refundable fare, since the airline never keeps those - you can usually request them back on cancellation

 

What "refundable" actually means

A higher fare upfront, but money back to your card on cancellation, often still with a minimum fee deducted, though smaller than a typical non-refundable change fee. This type of fare is rare on budget or low-cost carrier tickets and more common on flexible business fares.

Where cancellation rules differ from refund rules

Some tickets labeled "non-refundable" can still be changed in date or route for a fee plus any fare difference. Some basic economy fares, by contrast, are both non-refundable and non-changeable.

Exceptions that can still get you a refund

 

• Government-mandated cancellation windows apply in some countries - for example, a 24-hour free cancellation rule applies on many flights to and from the US under federal rules
• If the airline cancels the flight or makes a significant schedule change, this usually entitles you to a full refund even on an otherwise non-refundable fare
• Involuntary reasons, such as a death in the family, jury duty, or military orders, are refundable on many airlines with supporting documentation