Airlines Secrets: The cold weather is slowly setting in. In the coming days, flights will be delayed by several hours, forcing passengers to reschedule their flights. Furthermore, if any issues arise, passengers are forced to cancel their flight tickets unexpectedly, but they often don't know how many days before the flight they can cancel for a full refund. Additionally, airlines charge a hefty cancellation fee. Furthermore, airlines also provide free meals.

There are many secrets related to flights and airlines that passengers never learn because the airlines themselves don't disclose them. If you travel by flight frequently, you should definitely know these five secrets.

When will you receive a full refund upon ticket cancellation?

The first secret is that free cancellation is available within 24 hours of booking. If you booked a flight ticket at least 7 days in advance (i.e., 7 days or more before the travel date), you can cancel your entire ticket within 24 hours of booking, free of charge. You'll receive a full refund, including GST, whether you booked through the airline's website or through agencies like MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip. Note that this rule doesn't apply if there are fewer than 7 days before the travel date.

Some airlines charge a cancellation fee of ₹3,500 or the airfare, whichever is lower, for ticket cancellations made 3 days before departure. However, if you cancel a flight four or more days before departure, a cancellation fee of ₹3,000 or the airfare, whichever is lower, is deducted from the ticket. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued guidelines regarding passenger ticket cancellations.

If the flight is delayed by more than 2 hours, you'll get free food and drinks.

Another secret airlines often hide is that if your flight is delayed by 2 hours or more, the airline must provide you with free food, juice, and tea. All you need to do is go to the counter and provide information.

If your flight is delayed by more than 6 hours, you'll receive a full refund or a different flight.

The third secret is that if your flight is delayed by more than 6 hours, passengers have two options: the airline will accommodate you on another flight. The second is that you can take the next available flight, or the airline will refund the full ticket amount. Passengers can choose whichever they prefer.

If your flight is delayed by 6 hours, you can stay in a hotel for free.

The fourth secret is that if your flight is between 8 pm and 3 am, the airline will require you to stay in a hotel for free if it's delayed by more than 6 hours. The room, food, and taxi service are all free, and very few people know this secret.

The fifth secret is how to claim it. The airline will send you an SMS or email. If not, you can simply go to their counter at the airport and discuss it. Show your flight ticket and, if the airline refuses, file a complaint.

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