When is it possible to request a refund for an airline ticket?

4 Reading min26 February, 2021
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Some situations are beyond our control, and the pandemic of the new coronavirus is a great example of this. Therefore, it is important to know how to request a refund for an airline ticket and to know your rights as a consumer.

Although flights aren't canceled very often in a stable scenario, it's important to know how to handle this type of situation. Below, check out a complete content on the subject prepared by the Costa do Sauípe Resort
.

In what situations is it possible to request a refund?

There are several situations that prevent the traveler from boarding. Delay, withdrawal, and cancellation are some of them. Then, airfare reimbursement may also vary depending on the situation.

Cancellation by the passenger The passenger

can cancel the trip and request a refund within 24 hours after receiving the proof of purchase. In addition, the ticket must have been purchased at least 7 days before takeoff
.

However, if the purchase does not meet these criteria, airlines may apply different rules regarding the refund of the airline ticket. In these cases, the passenger must contact the company for more information
.

Delayed or canceled flight

The cancellation of an airline ticket and the refund may result from a delayed or canceled flight. According to the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), companies can make changes to the time, date, and itinerary within 72 hours before boarding and must communicate the changes to
customers.

The flight schedule can be changed by 30 minutes (domestic) and one hour (international) with no obligation to reimburse the customer - provided that the above criteria have been met.

However, long delays, cancellations, and impeded shipments - as in the case of overbooking - entitle you to a refund of an airline ticket. On the other hand, there are also other solutions, such as reaccommodation on other airline flights
.

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Atypical situation at the travel destination

It is very common to plan a trip months in advance. Therefore, when the boarding date approaches, the scenario may be completely different. Natural disasters and waves of protests are some factors that may make passengers rethink
their trip.

Currently, Anac does not have specific regulations for these cases. Therefore, it is necessary to contact the company to find out what options are available.

Consumer protection agencies, such as Procon, usually make a statement about this type of situation. Therefore, it is common for passengers to be able to negotiate with the company, rescheduling or requesting
a refund of the ticket.

How long does it take to receive a refund?

With these situations in mind, the question is inevitable: so how do you get a refund for an airline ticket? If the request meets Anac's criteria, as explained above, the amount must be reimbursed seven or 30 days after the formal request. The deadline will depend on the type of request and the payment method chosen
.

Therefore, although many people think that this situation is bureaucratic, it is important to know that the deadline for reimbursement is not long. In addition, it should be noted that the passenger must be aware at the time of purchase, opting for an airline ticket with a refund.

Although it seems like a simple point, many people forget to check this factor when purchasing discounted tickets, which may not be flexible and refundable.

What changes with the pandemic?

The tourism sector was one of the most affected during the pandemic, and that includes airlines. In this sense, the government instituted law 14.034/2020 to preserve companies' cash flow, since many flights were

canceled during the period.

Under the law, airlines must pay airfare reimbursement within 12 months in the case of canceled flights, counting from the boarding date. Because of the new deadline, the customer must receive the amount with monetary adjustment based on the National Consumer Price Index (INPC).


In the event of withdrawal, the company may charge charges provided for in the service provision contract. Therefore, the amount reimbursed may not be in full. In addition, it should be noted that the refund period is the same as that applied in the case of cancellation, 12 months.


In principle, the law would apply to flights between March 19 and December 31, 2020. However, a Provisional Measure (MP) guaranteed the extension of the deadline for canceled flights until October 31

, 2021.

Come to Costa do Sauípe!

Now that you know the main rules for reimbursing air tickets in Brazil, it will be easier to schedule trips with greater security. For the next destination, how about choosing Costa do Sauípe? Here you can enjoy the best all-inclusive resort in the

Northeast!

We take hygiene measures to protect our guests and ensure they have the best possible experience. In addition, the resort is an excellent option for those who want to change their home office after so many months at home. Check out our promotional packages and come have fun on the Bahian coast!




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