Airline cancellation charges, refund comparison: Air India vs Indigo vs Spicejet vs Akasa Air

Many, if not most of us, book air line ticket well in advance, this is because last minute ticket booking can turn out to rather expensive. It is no secret that the airlines do not like it when we cancel our tickets and this is why it is not that easy to do it. Therefore, if there's a possibility of needing to cancel a flight, it becomes crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions at the time of booking. These policies can significantly differ among airlines and even within different fare classes, underscoring the importance of thorough examination before finalizing your ticket purchase.

Let us take a look at the cancellation and refund policy and charges of Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air and Indigo, according to the airline websites, as on April 5, 2024.

Also read: Vistara flight delays, cancellation: How much compensation can passengers get as per DGCA? Travel insurance can help to save big

Air India cancellation charges

Cabin	Economy			Premium Economy		Business		First
Brand	Comfort	Comfort Plus	Flex	Comfort Plus	Flex	Comfort Plus	Flex	First
Change fee	₹ 3,000	> 72 hrs = Free	Free	> 72 hrs = Free	Free	₹ 2,500	Free	Free
		within 72 hrs = ₹3000		within 72 hrs = ₹2000
Cancellation Fee	₹ 4,000	> 72 hrs = ₹2500	> 72 hrs = Free	> 72 hrs = ₹2500	> 48 hrs = Free	₹ 3,500	> 24 hrs = Free	> 24 hrs = Free
		within 72 hrs = ₹3500	within 72 hrs = ₹2500	within 72 hrs = ₹3500	within 48 hrs = ₹2500		within 24 hrs = ₹2500	within 24 hrs = ₹2500

Indigo cancellation charges

Lite Fare	Regular Fare	Flexi Plus Fare	Return Fare
Domestic	Domestic	Domestic	Domestic
0-3 (Days left for departure)	0-3 (Days left for departure)	0-3 (Days left for departure)	0-3 (Days left for departure)
INR 3500 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.	INR 3500 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.	INR 3500 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.	INR 3500 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.
4 Days left for departure and above	4 Days left for departure and above	4 Days left for departure and above	4 Days left for departure and above
INR 3000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Know more.	INR 3000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Know more.	INR 500 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Know more.	INR 3000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Know more.
International	International	International	International
0-3 (Days left for departure)	0-3 (Days left for departure)	0-3 (Days left for departure)	0-3 (Days left for departure)
Upto INR 6500 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Click here to check sector specific rates	Upto INR 6500 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Click here to check sector specific rates	Upto INR 6000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Click here to check sector specific rates	Upto INR 6500 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Click here to check sector specific rates
4 Days left for departure and above	4 Days left for departure and above	4 Days left for departure and above	4 Days left for departure and above
Upto INR 6000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Click here to check sector specific rates	Upto INR 6000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Click here to check sector specific rates	Upto INR 1000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Click here to check sector specific rates	Upto INR 6000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation. Click here to check sector specific rates

Akasa Air cancellation charges

TIME	CHANGE FEE*		CANCELLATION CHARGE
	SAVER	FLEXI	SAVER	FLEXI
0-3 days prior departure	₹ 3,350	₹ 3,350	₹ 3,600	₹ 3,600
	plus the difference in Base Fare / Taxes	plus the difference in Base Fare / Taxes	or 100% of the airfare charge (whichever is lower).	or 100% of the airfare charge
				(whichever is lower).
4 days and above prior departure & above	₹ 2,850	Nil	₹ 3,100	₹ 500
	plus the difference in Base Fare / Taxes	Only the difference in Base Fare / Taxes	or 100% of the airfare charge (whichever is lower).	or 100% of the airfare charge
				(whichever is lower).

Spice India cancellation charges

CANCELLATION SCENARIO	CHARGES (INR)
A. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the booking will be considered,	NIL*
provided the departure date of the first leg of travel is beyond
seven days from the day of the cancellation.
B. Within 96 hours of flight departure and not falling under condition A.	3600
C. Before 96 hours of flight departure.	3100
CHANGE SCENARIO	CHARGES (INR)
A. Changes made within 24 hours of the booking will be considered,	Fare difference*
provided the departure date of the first leg of travel is beyond seven
days from the day of the change.
B. Within 96 hours of flight departure and not falling under condition A.	3350 + fare difference*
C. Before 96 hours of flight departure.	2850 + fare difference*