Qantas Cancellation & Change Policy (2026)
For flights to/from the US, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking without penalty if booked at least 7 days before departure. For other flights, standard fare rules apply.
Have a question about Qantas cancellation policy?
Talk to an ExpertPage updated: August 2026
24-Hour Rule
Yes — free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. For flights to/from the US, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking without penalty if booked at least 7 days before departure. For other flights, standard fare rules apply.
Cancellation Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Red e-Deal: Non-refundable. Can be cancelled for a flight credit minus a cancellation fee. |
| Main Cabin | Economy Flex: Fully refundable, no cancellation fee. |
| Premium | Premium Economy: Saver is non-refundable (credit only minus fee), Flex is refundable. |
| Business | Business: Saver is non-refundable (credit only minus fee), Flex is refundable. |
Change Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Red e-Deal: Change fee applies (typically $99 AUD domestic, higher for international) plus fare difference. |
| Main Cabin | Economy Flex: No change fee, only fare difference applies. |
| Premium | Premium Economy: Varies by fare type (Saver vs Flex). Saver has fees, Flex does not. |
| Business | Business: Saver has fees, Flex does not. |
Refund Method
Refunds to original form of payment for flexible fares. Flight credits for non-refundable fares.
Same-Day Change
Available for certain frequent flyer tiers and flexible ticket holders, subject to availability.
No-Show Policy
If you fail to board your flight, your ticket may be forfeited and subsequent flights in the itinerary will be cancelled.
If Qantas 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
- Log in to 'Manage Booking' on the Qantas website or app.
- Select the flight you wish to cancel.
- Review the cancellation fees and refund/credit options.
- Confirm the cancellation and save your flight credit reference if applicable.
Tips
- Always check if your fare is a 'Saver' or 'Flex' as this determines refundability.
- Flight credits are usually valid for 12 months from the original booking date.
- If Qantas cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund or rebooking at no extra cost.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Qantas cancellation policy?
- Qantas offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, plus fare-class-based fees after that window closes. Refund method: Refunds to original form of payment for flexible fares. Flight credits for non-refundable fares.
- Can I cancel a Qantas flight for free?
- Yes — For flights to/from the US, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking without penalty if booked at least 7 days before departure. For other flights, standard fare rules apply.
- What is Qantas cancellation policy after 24 hours?
- Once the 24-hour window expires, fees apply by fare class. Main Cabin: Economy Flex: Fully refundable, no cancellation fee.. Basic Economy: Red e-Deal: Non-refundable. Can be cancelled for a flight credit minus a cancellation fee.. Premium: Premium Economy: Saver is non-refundable (credit only minus fee), Flex is refundable..
- What is Qantas's change fee?
- Main Cabin: Economy Flex: No change fee, only fare difference applies.. Basic Economy: Red e-Deal: Change fee applies (typically $99 AUD domestic, higher for international) plus fare difference..
- How do I get a refund from Qantas?
- Refunds to original form of payment for flexible fares. Flight credits for non-refundable fares.
- What happens if I no-show on Qantas?
- If you fail to board your flight, your ticket may be forfeited and subsequent flights in the itinerary will be cancelled.