What is the Difference Between Refundable and Nonrefundable Flights?

Traveling comes with purchasing a ticket, and there are mainly two kinds usually found: refundable and nonrefundable. Most people get confused about which one they should go for. Though, as the name says, non-refundable is the one in which you are not entitled to any refund of the fare value, and refundable is the opposite; it is not the only thing you should look at. Both come up with some advantages. This guide will help you discover information about refundable and nonrefundable fares, which may help you understand which one is right for you. 

Difference between refundable and nonrefundable fare

Air carriers offer several ticket types, categorized into two categories: refundable and nonrefundable. Here is some key information so you can understand how these two fare types differ from each other. 

• These fares are generally higher in cost compared with the non-refundable ones. Non-refundable fares are generally lower in cost compared with the refundable fares.
• Cancellation may forfeit ticket value, but cancellation is allowed in case of a refundable fare, and you can claim a refund.
• One may reuse the non-refundable fare by paying a change fee in case of cancellation, but refundable fares allow you to change your fee, but you can reuse the fare. 
• Usually, all the basic and saver fares you find on airlines are nonrefundable and not reusable or changeable. Apart from these, main cabin or higher class fares are most of the time refundable.
• Award tickets, discount fares, and fares purchased using travel credits and miles are normally non-refundable. On the other hand, normal airfares purchased with cash are refundable. 

What are the advantages of nonrefundable vs. refundable tickets?

Learning about the advantages is helpful in understanding which one would give you more benefits when making a purchase. Below are some advantages of both the refundable and nonrefundable ones, which you can read. 

Advantages of nonrefundable:

• You can always find lower up-front costs.
• On some airlines, you can retain credit for future travel on cancellation, but not with all airlines. You must read about this during the purchase. 
• Travelers can still cancel within 24 hours of their nonrefundable ticket issuance.

Advantages of refundable:

• Usually, there are no change fees for making changes after the ticket is issued.
• If the flight is canceled, we will get a refund of the ticket cost to the credit card that was used for the purchase.
• You usually find that refundable fares earn bonus miles.

What are the cons of refundable vs. nonrefundable?

Apart from learning the advantages, it is also good to learn about the cons. Here are some disadvantages of refundable and nonrefundable tickets.

Disadvantages of a refundable

• Since the up-front cost will be higher than non-refundable fares, it makes it unaffordable for some people.
• The refund you are potentially getting is significantly lower because of the deduction of taxes and service fees. 

Disadvantages of nonrefundable

• Change fees can go higher, equivalent to, or more than a standard refundable fare, which you might not want.
• Some non-refundable tickets do not allow a credit; thus, all ticket values are lost upon cancellation.

How can you find out if your fare is refundable or non-refundable?

Several ways can be used to determine whether a fare is refundable, and these are explained below.

• Check out your itinerary: Upon ticket purchase, you can find out whether the ticket is refundable or not when you receive your flight itinerary. 
• Check the confirmation email: You can also see the email; sometimes, airlines mention the ticket type.
• Find out on your physical ticket: If you purchased the fare from the physical counter, find the ticket type mentioned. 

How can I ensure my plane ticket is refundable?

Sometimes, passengers book tickets in a rush, don't notice what their ticket type is, and end up purchasing the nonrefundable one because of the lower up-front fare. If you don't want this to happen to you, you can ensure purchasing a refundable ticket by choosing the refundable ticket only option while searching for the flight. The page will show you the refundable fares only. 

Can I get a refund for my non-refundable airfare?

Not usually, but you can get a refund only in exceptional cases such as death, travel, or any family member, or an emergency. Nonrefundable fares are meant to lower the flight ticket cost, so airlines do not allow refunds against the fare.