New Delhi, Nov 4: In a major consumer-friendly move, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a new rule allowing air travellers a 48-hour window to cancel, reschedule, or seek refunds for flight tickets without penalty.
The proposal, now open for public feedback until November 30, introduces a “Look-in Option” — enabling passengers to review or change their booking decisions within two days of purchase. The measure aims to give travellers greater flexibility and control soon after buying tickets.
Under the draft amendment to the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 3, the DGCA also plans to ensure that passengers are not compelled to accept credit shells or wallet balances, but can instead opt for direct refunds.
However, the proposal excludes domestic flights departing within five days and international flights scheduled within fifteen days of booking. The regulator said these exceptions are meant to balance operational needs of airlines with consumer convenience, especially during peak or urgent travel periods.
Additionally, the DGCA intends to make timely refunds mandatory for tickets booked through travel agents, ensuring uniform consumer protection across booking channels.
The final decision on the new rules will be taken after reviewing stakeholder and public feedback at the end of the consultation period. (Agencies)
