Everyone, even a very wealthy person, is trying to save money today. Therefore, when choosing a flight, many potential passengers first of all pay attention to the cost of tickets. The "fly cheap" option seems so appealing! But there are pitfalls here. This applies to tickets, which, if necessary, cannot be returned and your money must be returned in full. So what are non-refundable tickets?
Non-refundable ticket - what you need to know?
For a Russian air passenger, the concept of a “non-refundable ticket” is relatively new. Until the beginning of the summer of 2014, those who were going to fly with domestic airlines and then changed their plans could always return their tickets. If this was done in advance, the losses turned out to be scanty: just return fees. If it was handed over in less than a day, it was possible to return three quarters of the ticket price. Then amendments to the Air Code were adopted. After that, almost every airline acquired non-refundable tickets, the cost of which is about a quarter lower than usual. This policy was a kind of insurance for carriers. Indeed, it is important for each airline to know whether an aircraft will go on a flight half empty, or the seats will be full.
By selling non-refundable tickets, the carrier knows that it will not suffer losses, even if you change your mind and do not want to fly. The most important thing for you is to know exactly which ticket you are going to buy or have already purchased - non-refundable or regular. Let's say, having requested flight options on the Internet for the route you are interested in, you settled on the cheapest offer. After that, go to the airline's website and read everything about its fares. If the information is written in English, and you do not know it, use the services of an electronic translator.
What are the options?
- the ticket cannot be returned if you decide not to fly, or simply did not arrive at the appointed time at the airport. Usually in this case it says "Ticket is non-refundable"
- the ticket is not exchangeable
- the ticket can be changed for a certain amount - for example, 50 euros
- you cannot change the name of the passenger on this ticket
This information must be possessed.
"With us" and "with them"
Now about domestic and foreign air carriers. Russian Aeroflot has non-refundable Economy Promo and Economy Budget fares. Ural Airlines have introduced promo-tariffs, which allow you to buy non-refundable air tickets. Tariffs "Victory" are called "Standard" and "Plus Package". Pay attention also to the offers of other airlines. Non-refundable tickets can be bought at tariffs called: "Basic", "Light Economy", "Promo". Before settling on a specific option, study the information for each tariff. If you use the services of foreign air carriers, do not expect to return your "hard-earned" tickets for the tickets that you bought at the sales. In other cases, you need to request information about specific rates.
Baggage allowance for non-refundable tickets
Non-refundable tickets are usually offered to passengers by low-cost airlines - that is, low-cost airlines (for example, Pobeda). In Russia, in recent years, it was allowed to carry 10 kg of luggage (not counting hand luggage) free of charge at any rate. Different airlines had different baggage handling rules. Some 10 kg were allowed to be carried into the aircraft cabin as carry-on luggage, while others had to be checked in. On July 20, the State Duma approved amendments to the Air Code. Now each airline can make its own rules. For example, with a number of carriers, passengers who fly light will pay less.
"Light" is a different concept for each company. For some, this is a light handbag or a business briefcase. For others, let's say 5 kg. But those who carry heavier cargo - no matter how luggage or hand luggage, will have to pay for it separately. Thus, only people going on a short business trip will have a chance to save money - for a few hours, or 1-2 days. The rest of the travelers will still need a suitcase with things. And quite heavy. Please note that the new regulations only apply to passengers who purchase non-refundable tickets. And that each airline can retain the previous conditions for free transportation of 10 kg of baggage. It is important that both companies and passengers have the opportunity to make a choice.
When and how to get money back for non-refundable tickets
So, if you purchased non-refundable tickets, would it be absolutely hopeless to try to get your money back if the flight was canceled? Let's see what can be done. First of all, you need to decide whether you refuse to travel, or want to change the departure date. After that, you need to contact the airline support service and ask the appropriate questions. Sometimes this can be done over the Internet, sometimes it can only be done by phone. In some cases, you can issue a ticket for a different date for a certain surcharge. Under what options can you get a refund for a non-refundable ticket? This should be a real "emergency":
- death or dangerous illness of a passenger or one of the passengers
- a serious violation of the conditions of air travel - for example, a significant change in the departure dates, due to which the purpose of your trip suffers. For example, you can document that you are missing a business meeting due to a delay.
Please note that not all airlines, especially Western ones, take into account even such good reasons. Nevertheless, some part of the money for an unused non-refundable ticket can be returned. You will lose the amount of the fare, but as for fuel and airport taxes, in most cases, you can get money. Otherwise, it will be discussed separately on the airline's website.
Can I change the date of a non-refundable ticket?
In most cases, such an exchange is possible. The basic rule is to do it on time. Of course, the sooner the better. But as a rule, you need to be in time before the check-in for the flight ends. Inform the service department that you need to change the conditions of carriage. And pay extra for reissuing tickets for a flight departing at a different time. But in each specific case, you need to get acquainted with the rules of a particular airline. This is best done the first time you book a non-refundable ticket.
When is it profitable to buy non-refundable tickets
If you are sure that you will make this trip. Then non-refundable tickets really become a great way to save money. Whether you buy "business class" or "economy" - you will enjoy all the amenities provided for passengers in these options. This applies to accommodation in comfortable places, food provided according to the selected class. Another option: in a number of companies, you can change the data of one passenger to the data of another for a small surcharge. That is, if at the last moment it turns out that your friend or relative will fly instead of you, and you have to pay a little money for reissuing tickets, the option of “non-refundable tickets” will still be profitable. In all other cases, you should not risk it.
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