What to Do When Your Flight Tickets Are Cancelled and Refund Is Not Given

Having problems with cancelled flight tickets and the airline's refund policy? You're not alone. According to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) data, there were over 138,316 complaints filed between March 2020 and September 2021. This article outlines various steps you can take to address the issue and recover your funds.

Step 1: File a Complaint with the Department of Transportation

One of the first steps is to file a complaint with the Department of Transportation (DOT). They have a dedicated service to handle consumer complaints against airlines. Filing a complaint with the DOT can help bring attention to your issue and potentially expedite a resolution.

Step 2: File a Complaint Directly with the Airline

As soon as possible, contact the airline and file a formal complaint. Airlines are often responsive to customer complaints and may be willing to assist you in booking a new flight or providing a future flight credit. Keep detailed records of all communication and the dates of your interactions.

Tip: If the airline does not respond positively, consider engaging a lawyer to draft a legal notice to the company. This should be sent via registered post to ensure delivery confirmation.

Step 3: Engage a Lawyer and Draft a Legal Notice

If your initial attempts to recoup your funds are unsuccessful, consider seeking legal counsel. A lawyer can draft a legal notice to the airline, increasing the pressure for them to provide a refund. Ensure the legal notice is sent via registered post to receive a delivery acknowledgment.

Step 4: File a Case in Consumer Court

If the airline still refuses to provide a refund despite the legal notice, you can approach a Consumer Court and file a case against the airline. Remember, you do not need a lawyer to file a case in a Consumer Court; you can represent yourself.

Step 5: Contact IRCTC Helpline for Refund Status

While waiting for a resolution, you can contact the IRCTC helpline (917556610661) if the situation persists. They can assist in checking the status of your refund. Provide them with the date of cancellation and your transaction ID. They will inform you of the expected refund timeline and check the status of the cancellation charges.

Step 6: Verify Your Bank Statement

Always verify your bank statements to ensure that the refund amount has been credited. If you have not received a refund, contact the airline again or your bank for further assistance.

Conclusion

When faced with issues related to flight ticket cancellations and non-refund of money, it's important to take proactive steps. Filing complaints with relevant authorities, contacting the airline, working with a lawyer, and utilizing consumer court can all help you recover your funds. Always stay informed and keep detailed records of all your interactions to strengthen your case. Remember, what cannot be tolerated must be endured, but you have the right to seek a fair resolution.

Keywords: flight ticket cancellation, refund process, airline complaint