- Nov 05, 2025
Travel plans may not go as you had planned, which is why it is important to consider which fare to buy before booking. Generally, there are two types of fares you book on airlines, refundable and non-refundable, and both come with their own pros and cons. Also, it is vital to understand which option to choose, since an unexpected event may occur, leading to the voluntary cancellation of your travel plans and leaving you with no financial recourse if you don't purchase the right one. In this guide, you can learn about refundable and non-refundable fare options, and by the end, you can decide which one you should go with.
What are Refundable Fares?
A refundable fare offers financial protection and guarantees a full or partial refund if you cancel. These fares are ideal for plans subject to last-minute changes. Refundable fares are generally priced higher than other fares. Despite that, they offer more flexibility, and while processing the refund, airlines usually charge a nominal administrative fee.
What are Non-Refundable Fares?
Non-refundable fares are the affordable option you discover first when booking a flight ticket. They are ideal if you are looking for a budget-friendly option and you are confident about your travel plans. Here, non-refundable fares come with restrictions but at a lower upfront cost. They are ideal for travellers with fixed schedules who prioritise cost over flexibility.
Pros of Refundable Fares
- One main benefit of having a refundable fare is peace of mind. You can relax even if your plan changes at any time between booking and departure.
- The financial risk is lower than for non-refundable flights because you can usually get a full or partial refund if you cancel.
- Refundable fares offer flexibility and financial security because there are zero or minimal administrative charges.
- These fares allow you to change your flight and reschedule it to different dates, whereas most non-refundable fares do not offer this option.
Cons of Refundable Fares
- If you buy a refundable fare, you are likely to pay a higher initial cost than non-refundable options, which might change your mind.
- Higher fares; if you choose a full-service airline, fares might be double those on low-cost carriers. Paying such a high amount is sometimes not worth it.
- Sometimes, airlines offer multiple refundable fare options, which can confuse the passengers, labelling them as "flex fare," "flex plus," etc.
- Policy terms may vary by airline, and refunds can take time to process or be issued as flight credits.
Advantages of Non-Refundable Fares
- The non-refundable fare is priced lower, which is one of the main reasons for its popularity. These are more affordable flight options, and budget-conscious travellers are attracted to them.
- Ideal for firm plans when you are confident you will not cancel your tickets.
- On some airlines, non-refundable fares can be changed for a small fee, or the unused portion of the fare can be credited upon flight cancellation.
- Frequent-flyer tier status can add benefits to a non-refundable fare, making it more flexible and manageable.
Disadvantages of Non-Refundable Fares
- Despite the low fare, the non-refundable ticket offers less flexibility on most airlines.
- You risk losing your fare payment if your plans change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as emergencies or illness that prevents you from travelling.
- The administrative fee for a flight change can be high; sometimes it exceeds the flexible fare.
- Most of the time, non-refundable fares come with hidden restrictions, so you must be careful. Some benefits or features are restricted even with a frequent-flyer membership.
- Some basic fares, which are non-refundable, are sometimes non-changeable, and you must be aware of that.
Which fare option is best for you?
Before booking a fare for yourself, think carefully about which fare option you really need. To avoid facing any inconveniences, you must consider a few things before deciding between refundable and non-refundable options.
- You should choose the non-refundable fare if you are very confident about your travel and will not make any changes. By purchasing a non-refundable fare, you will save more than you would with a refundable fare.
- If you are unsure about your travel plans or might have unpredictable schedule changes, the best option is to buy a refundable fare, which gives you peace of mind.
- If a refundable fare is unavailable at the time of booking, you can purchase an add-on, such as travel insurance, that covers the cost of fare changes for unexpected cancellations.
