Etihad Airlines Refund Policy:
Standard Refund Policy:
Etihad’s refund policy varies depending on the type of ticket purchased:
- Refundable Tickets: Passengers holding refundable tickets can cancel their flights and receive a full refund, minus any applicable service fees. Refund requests can be made online through the Etihad website or by contacting customer service.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable tickets, passengers are generally not eligible for a refund. However, Etihad allows passengers to rebook their flights for a later date, subject to change fees and fare differences.
- Partially Used Tickets: If a ticket has been partially used, the refund amount will be calculated based on the unused portion of the journey, minus any applicable fees.
24-Hour Free Cancellation:
Etihad offers a 24-hour free cancellation policy. If you book your ticket at least seven days before the scheduled departure, you can cancel it within 24 hours without incurring any cancellation fees. This policy provides flexibility for passengers who may need to make last-minute changes to their travel plans.
Cancel For Any Reason Policy:
Etihad offers a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy through its travel insurance options, providing greater flexibility. Consequently, passengers can cancel flights for any reason not covered by standard refund policies and still receive a partial refund. Key features of the CFAR policy include:
- Eligibility: The CFAR option must be purchased at the time of booking. It is available for both refundable and non-refundable tickets.
- Refund Amount: Passengers can receive a refund for the original flight fare and any additional travel extras provided by Etihad. The refund amount depends on the terms and conditions of the CFAR policy.
- Cancellation Window: To qualify for a CFAR refund, cancellations must be made before the scheduled departure. The imperative nature of the cancellation is assessed based on medical reasons, and a valid medical certificate must be provided.
How to Request a Refund:
Requesting a refund from Etihad is a straightforward process:
- Online: Passengers can log into their Etihad account, then navigate to the “Manage my Booking” section, and finally select the flight they wish to cancel. Subsequently, the system will guide them through the refund request process.
- Customer Service: For assistance, passengers can contact Etihad’s customer service team via phone or email. Additionally, it is advisable to have the booking reference and passenger details ready to expedite the process.
- Travel Agencies: If the ticket was purchased through a travel agency, passengers should contact the agency directly to initiate the refund process.
Additional Considerations:
- Travel Insurance: Etihad recommends purchasing travel insurance to cover unforeseen events that may not be covered under the standard or CFAR policies.
- Refund Processing Time: Refunds are typically processed within 14-30 business days for credit card purchases and up to 45 business days for other payment types.
- Special Circumstances: In cases of flight cancellations by Etihad, passengers are entitled to a full refund or rebooking options without additional charges.
By understanding Etihad Airways’ refund policy, including the Cancel For Any Reason option, you can therefore make informed decisions and confidently manage your travel plans.