Restricted Tickets

• Many travelers buy discounted tickets through third-party travel agents, such as online travel services. This may enable travelers to get low prices on a ticket, but tickets purchased this way are the most difficult to refund or change. Few airlines offer direct refunds on such tickets but may be willing to change them to a different flight. There will be a fee for the change, plus the difference in cost between the two flights.
  
  

Exceptions

• If you paid full fare for a refundable ticket, you can easily apply for and receive a refund. Be sure to check time restrictions, since some airlines do not allow full refunds on short notice. Some airlines, such as Delta and United, allow cancellations for any flight for any reason, but only within 24 hours of purchasing the ticket. The ticket must be purchased directly from the airline.
  
  

Considerations

• The best way to attempt a refund is to call the airline directly and see what can be done. A representative can tell you any options you have and may find options that you wouldn't see on your own. For example, several airlines will allow you to change a ticket within 12 hours of your scheduled flight time for a lower fee, often $75. This option will only be available to you if there are empty seats on the plane. Flying standby on a different flight is also sometimes an option. Call the airline directly and see what options are available to you.