Is it better to cancel or rebook a flight?

Should You Cancel or Rebook Your Flight? Navigating Flight Changes

When unforeseen circumstances arise, travelers often find themselves needing to adjust their flight plans. Deciding whether to cancel or rebook a flight can be challenging, especially with the potential for additional fees and disruptions. This guide will help you navigate flight changes while understanding the options available to minimize costs and inconvenience.

Option 1: Rebook through the Airline

In most cases, it’s recommended to avoid canceling and rebooking your flight. Instead, utilize the airline’s in-house change option. This method often preserves your existing booking status, which can include:

• Your original seat assignment
• Frequent flyer miles and status benefits
• Any additional services you may have purchased (e.g., checked baggage)

Moreover, rebooking directly through the airline may help you avoid extra fees associated with cancellation and rebooking. Some airlines charge a change fee or a penalty for canceling a flight.

Steps to Rebook through the Airline:

1. Contact the airline’s customer service line or visit their website.
2. Provide your booking information and request a change.
3. The agent will assist you in finding alternative flights and confirming your new booking.
4. Pay any applicable change fees (if any).

Option 2: Cancel and Rebook

In certain situations, canceling and rebooking a flight may be necessary. This should be considered only if the alternative flights do not meet your needs or the change fees are prohibitively high.

Steps to Cancel and Rebook:

1. Contact the airline’s customer service line or visit their website.
2. Provide your booking information and request to cancel your flight.
3. The agent will process the cancellation and inform you of any applicable refund or credit.
4. Rebook a new flight, either with the same or a different airline.
5. Pay for the new flight and any additional fees.

Additional Considerations:

• Fees: Airlines may charge both change fees and cancellation fees. These fees can vary depending on the airline, the fare type, and the time of the change.
• Refunds: If you cancel your flight, the airline may issue a refund in the form of a credit or a cash refund. The amount of the refund will depend on the fare type and the airline’s policies.
• Alternative Flights: When rebooking, be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. This will increase your chances of finding a suitable alternative flight without incurring additional costs.

In summary, it’s generally advisable to rebook your flight through the airline’s in-house change option to preserve your booking status and potentially avoid extra fees. However, if necessary, you can cancel and rebook your flight, considering the potential refund and fee implications.