Non-refundable plane tickets – what is it and how to return it?

Everyone is trying to save today, even a very wealthy person. Therefore, when choosing a flight, many potential passengers first of all pay attention to the cost of tickets. The “fly cheap” option seems so attractive! But there are pitfalls here. This applies to tickets that, if necessary, can not be returned and fully refunded. 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 tickets. If this was done in advance, the losses turned out to be miserable: just fees for the return. If they rented for a period of less than a day, they managed to return three-quarters of the cost of tickets. Then amendments to the Air Code were adopted. After that, almost every airline has non-refundable tickets, the cost of which is about a quarter lower than usual. This policy was a kind of insurance for carriers. In fact, it is important for every airline to know: the aircraft will go on a half-empty flight, or the seats will be filled.

By selling non-refundable tickets, the carrier knows they won't take a loss even if you change your mind and don't want to fly. The most important thing for you is to know exactly which ticket you are going to purchase or have already purchased – non-refundable or regular. Let's say, having requested on the Internet options for flights along the route you are interested in, you settled on the cheapest offer. After that, go to the airline's website and read everything related to its tariffs. If the information is written in English, and you do not speak it, use the services of an electronic translator.

What are the options?

This information is a must have.

“Us” and “them”

Now about that, as regards domestic and foreign air carriers. The Russian Aeroflot has non-refundable rates “Economy Promo” and “Economy Budget”. Ural Airlines introduced promotional fares, it is for them that you can buy non-refundable air tickets. Tariffs “Victory” are called “Standard” and “Package Plus”. Check out the offers of other airlines as well. Non-refundable tickets can be purchased at tariffs, which are referred to as: “Basic”, “Light Economy”, “Promo”. Before dwelling 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 money” for tickets that you bought on sale. In other cases, you need to request information about specific tariffs.

Baggage allowance for non-refundable tickets

Non-refundable tickets are usually offered to passengers by low-cost airlines – that is, budget airlines (For example, Pobeda). In Russia, in recent years, it has been allowed to carry 10 kg of baggage (not counting hand luggage) free of charge at any fare. Different airlines have different baggage rules. For some, 10 kg was allowed to be carried into the cabin as hand luggage, for others, they had to be checked in. On July 20, the State Duma approved amendments to the Air Code. Now each airline can set its own rules. For example, with a number of carriers, passengers who fly light will pay less.

“Light” is a different concept for every company. For some, this is a light handbag or a business briefcase. For others, let's say 5 kg. But those who are carrying a heavier load – no matter how luggage or hand luggage, will have to lay out the amount for it separately. Thus, only people who go on a short business trip – for a few hours, or 1-2 days, will have a chance to save. The rest of the travelers will still need a suitcase with things. And pretty heavy. Please note that the new rules apply only to those passengers who purchase non-refundable tickets. And that each airline can retain the previous conditions of 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 a refund for non-refundable tickets

So, if you have purchased non-refundable tickets, is it completely hopeless to try to get a refund for them if the flight is cancelled? Let's see what can be done. First of all, you need to decide whether you are canceling the trip, or want to change the date of departure. After that, you need to contact the airline's support service and ask the appropriate questions. Sometimes this can be done over the Internet, sometimes only 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? It must be a real “state of emergency”:

Please note that not all airlines, especially Western ones, take into account even such good reasons. And yet, some part of the money for an unused non-refundable ticket can be returned. You will lose the fare amount, but as far as fuel and airport taxes are concerned, in most cases, you can get the money. Otherwise, it will be specified 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 main 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 case, you need to get acquainted with the rules of a particular airline. It is best to do this 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 purchase “business class” or “economy” – you will enjoy all the amenities provided for passengers in these options. This applies to accommodation in comfortable places, meals provided according to the chosen 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, it's not worth the risk.