What are the flight ticket cancellation charges? IndiGo vs Air India vs SpiceJet vs Akasa Air - check rules

Airline policies on cancellation and refunds vary. It's crucial to know the rules of Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Indigo, as charges differ based on fare classes and time of cancellation.

Flight cancellation charges compared: Booking air tickets well in advance is a common practice to avoid last-minute expenses. However, circumstances may arise where cancelling a flight becomes necessary.
It’s important to understand that each airline has its own set of rules and charges regarding flight ticket cancellations and refunds, making it essential to understand these policies before making a booking and before considering cancellation.

These charges may also vary depending on the different fare classes.
Let's compare the flight ticket cancellation and refund policies of Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Indigo as of April 5, 2024, according to an ET report quoting information available on airlines’ respective websites.
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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

> 72 hrs = ₹2500
> 72 hrs = Free
> 72 hrs = ₹2500
> 48 hrs = Free
₹ 3,500
> 24 hrs = Free

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.	INR 3000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.	INR 500 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.	INR 3000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.
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.	Upto INR 6500 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.	Upto INR 6000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.	Upto INR 6500 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
Upto INR 6000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.	Upto INR 6000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.	Upto INR 1000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.	Upto INR 6000 or Airfare charges (Whichever is lower). Cancellation fee will depend upon the time of cancellation.

Akasa Air cancellation charges

TIME	CHANGE FEE*		CANCELLATION CHARGE
TIME	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*