Air India Cancellation & Change Policy (2026)
Air India offers a 24-hour cancellation policy for flights originating from or flying to the US, allowing full refunds if booked at least 7 days before departure.
Have a question about Air India cancellation policy?
Talk to an ExpertPage updated: August 2026
24-Hour Rule
Yes — free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. Air India offers a 24-hour cancellation policy for flights originating from or flying to the US, allowing full refunds if booked at least 7 days before departure.
Cancellation Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Non-refundable |
| Main Cabin | Fee applies, typically $100-$200 depending on route |
| Premium | Lower fee or fully refundable depending on fare rules |
| Business | Fully refundable or low fee |
Change Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Not permitted or high fee (varies by route) |
| Main Cabin | Fee applies, typically $50-$150 depending on route |
| Premium | Lower fee or free depending on fare rules |
| Business | Usually free, fare difference applies |
Refund Method
Original form of payment or travel voucher
Same-Day Change
Subject to availability and fare rules, fees may apply
No-Show Policy
No-show fees apply, ticket may lose value if not cancelled before departure
If Air India Cancels Your Flight
When an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations require the airline to provide a full refund to the original form of payment — including ticket price, taxes, fees, and any paid extras — regardless of fare type.
Under DOT rules, a "significant change" includes: arrival delayed 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), a change in departure or arrival airport, additional connections, or an involuntary downgrade to a lower class of service.
The refund must be issued automatically within 7 business days for credit card purchases or 20 calendar days for other payment methods. Airlines may offer travel credits or vouchers as an alternative, but must inform you of your right to a cash refund. You are not required to accept a voucher.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection — Refunds (transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds, last updated November 7, 2025).
How to Cancel
- Visit Air India website
- Go to Manage Booking
- Enter PNR and Last Name
- Select Cancel Flight and follow prompts
Tips
- Cancel at least 24 hours before departure to minimize fees
- Check fare rules before booking
- US flights have a 24-hour grace period
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Air India cancellation policy?
- Air India offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, plus fare-class-based fees after that window closes. Refund method: Original form of payment or travel voucher.
- Can I cancel a Air India flight for free?
- Yes — Air India offers a 24-hour cancellation policy for flights originating from or flying to the US, allowing full refunds if booked at least 7 days before departure.
- What is Air India cancellation policy after 24 hours?
- Once the 24-hour window expires, fees apply by fare class. Main Cabin: Fee applies, typically $100-$200 depending on route. Basic Economy: Non-refundable. Premium: Lower fee or fully refundable depending on fare rules.
- What is Air India's change fee?
- Main Cabin: Fee applies, typically $50-$150 depending on route. Basic Economy: Not permitted or high fee (varies by route).
- How do I get a refund from Air India?
- Original form of payment or travel voucher
- What happens if I no-show on Air India?
- No-show fees apply, ticket may lose value if not cancelled before departure