Can you get a refund after you accepted a voucher?
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, airlines have slashed their schedules — but only a few weeks at a time. Sometimes, they don't end up canceling flights until the very last minute.
In response to the uncertainty, we've seen unprecedented change-fee waivers across all the major airlines. These waivers allow you to make fee-free changes to new and existing bookings.
Since most people are under stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, there isn't much demand for air travel, and many are canceling existing travel plans. Perhaps you were supposed to attend a now-canceled event or sail on a new cruise ship that's now delayed. Your first instinct might be to call the airline and voluntarily cancel your flight under the relaxed change fee policies.
If you do that, you'll likely get some form of a future travel voucher. But then, what happens if the airline cancels your flight later on — can you then get a refund? Read on for the answer.
For more travel tips and news, sign up for our daily newsletter
You're eligible for a refund when the airline cancels your flight
Most airline tickets are nonrefundable. Even in light of the relaxed waivers, when you make a voluntary change to your flight, the carrier keeps your money either stored in your existing ticket or in a voucher.
Since the ticket is nonrefundable, you can't get your money back to your credit card; after all, you accepted these terms and conditions when buying the flight.
Related: You are entitled to a refund for your canceled flight — even if the airline says you aren't
But what happens when there's an involuntary change to your reservation (defined as a significant schedule change or cancellation)? Then you can get a refund — even on a nonrefundable ticket.
That's because of the Department of Transportation's rule stating that airlines must offer you a refund when they cancel (or significantly delay) a flight.
Say you already canceled your flight and took a voucher, but then the airline cancels it later on. You might think that you're now eligible to exchange the voucher for a refund. Sadly, that's actually not the case, and here's why.
Your choice: voucher now or wait for a refund
When you make a change to your ticket, you're no longer confirmed on your initial flight. The same holds true if you've requested to exchange your ticket for a voucher.
So even though the airline may end up canceling your flight closer to the departure date, they don't need to refund you. When they make the cancellation, the carrier is only obligated to refund passengers booked on the flight. And since you've already taken a voucher, your name's no longer on the manifest.
Related: Why you should think twice before accepting an airline voucher
While it's tempting to take the travel credit once you realize that you no longer need to travel, it actually makes sense to hold off until just before departure.
Why it makes sense to wait until the last minute?
Even if you have no intention of flying, there's hardly a reason to make a voluntarily change to your reservation now. Since so many airlines cancel flights just before departure, why not wait to see if you can get your money back?
Plus, you'll likely still be able to take a future travel credit even if your flight ends up operating.
Related: Why airlines cancel flights at the last minute — and why it's good news for you
By waiting until just before departure, your chances of getting a refund are much higher. When an airline cancels your flight, they may end up proactively giving you a voucher for the value of your ticket. But armed with your rights, you know that you can get a refund, regardless of what the airline says.
Bottom line
If you want a refund for your flight, wait until just a few days before departure.
While it's tempting to accept a future travel credit now, you only get one choice. If you decide to voluntarily accept the voucher, you won't be able to convert it to a refund if the airline ends up canceling your flight.
As they say, it pays to be patient.
All photos by the author.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.