Refundable vs Non-Refundable Flight Tickets: Which Should You Book?
Quick answer
A refundable fare lets you cancel and get your money back, usually for a higher price. A non-refundable fare is cheaper but typically gives you little or nothing back if you cancel, though you may be able to change the flight for a fee or receive a credit. Book non-refundable when your plans are firm, and pay for flexibility only when a change is genuinely likely.
Compare live fares on ScanFlyGo →
What the labels actually mean
Airlines sell the same seat at different price points, and the difference is largely the rules attached to the ticket. These rules cover whether you can cancel, whether you can change dates, and what happens to the money. The names vary by airline, but most fares fall into a few broad groups.
| Fare type | Cancel for refund? | Changes | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully refundable / flexible | Yes, usually to the original payment | Often free or low cost | Highest |
| Semi-flexible / standard | Sometimes, with a fee or as credit | Allowed, may charge a fee plus any fare difference | Middle |
| Non-refundable / saver | Usually no, or only taxes returned | Limited, with a fee | Lowest |
| Basic economy or lowest tier | Typically no | May be restricted or not allowed | Lowest |
Always read the specific fare rules at checkout, because the same airline can have several variations on one route. The fare class and its conditions are shown on the booking screen, and our fare classes guide explains the letter codes behind them.
Taxes and fees on a non-refundable ticket
Even when the fare itself is not refundable, some taxes and airport charges may be returned if you do not fly. The rules differ by country and airline, and the amount can be small compared with the whole ticket. Do not assume you will get these back automatically; you usually need to ask or claim them.
Changing a ticket is not the same as cancelling
Many people choose a cheaper ticket because they only need the right to change. A change fee plus any difference in fare can still be less than the extra cost of a flexible ticket, especially on short trips. Check whether a change is allowed at all on your fare before you rely on it. Our guide on how to change a flight walks through the usual process.
If your airline gives you a credit instead of money, look at the expiry date and the conditions of use. Credits may be tied to the passenger name and a deadline. See airline travel vouchers for the traps to watch for.
Rules that can help even on cheap fares
The 24 hour window
In some countries, regulators require or encourage a short period after booking when you can cancel without a penalty. The details depend on where you book, how far ahead the flight is, and the airline. Read our explainer on the 24 hour cancellation rule before assuming you are covered.
Airline cancellations and big schedule changes
If the airline cancels your flight or changes the schedule significantly, you are generally in a stronger position to ask for a refund even on a non-refundable fare. The specific rights depend on the country and the carrier, so see our flight refund guide and schedule change guide.
Travel insurance
A flexible ticket is one way to protect yourself; insurance is another. A policy may cover cancellation for listed reasons, such as illness, although it rarely covers a simple change of mind. Read the exclusions carefully. Our travel insurance basics page covers what to look for.
When a refundable fare is worth it
- Uncertain plans: if you might cancel for work, family or health reasons, flexibility has real value.
- Expensive long-haul trips: the lost money from a cancellation is larger, so the premium can be more reasonable.
- Visa or paperwork risk: if you are waiting on an approval that could be denied, a refundable ticket can avoid a big loss. Some people use a reservation hold instead; read how to hold a flight reservation.
- Events that may move: weddings, conferences and tournaments sometimes change dates.
When a non-refundable fare is the smarter choice
- Your dates are fixed and you are very likely to travel.
- The price gap between tiers is large compared with the chance you will cancel.
- You have insurance that covers the likely reasons for cancelling.
- It is a short, low-cost trip where the amount at risk is small.
A simple test is to ask: how likely am I to change, and how much would I lose if I did? If the extra cost of flexibility is larger than the expected loss, take the cheaper fare.
Check the details before you pay
Before booking, confirm the fare conditions on the final payment page, note the cancellation deadline, and save a copy of the fare rules. If you book through an agency, remember that refunds may go through them, which can add time and fees. Also make sure the name on the booking matches your passport, since corrections can be costly, as explained in name mismatch on flight tickets.
Compare fare types side by side on ScanFlyGo, browse the popular routes, and once your trip is booked, follow your flight with the live flight tracker.
Frequently asked questions
Is a non-refundable flight ticket really never refunded?
Usually the fare itself is not refunded if you cancel by choice, though some taxes and fees may be returned, or you may receive a credit. If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, you may have refund rights regardless of fare type.
Is it cheaper to change a flight than cancel it?
Often yes. A change fee plus any fare difference can cost less than buying a flexible ticket, but only if your fare allows changes. Check the rules before relying on this.
Does travel insurance replace a refundable ticket?
Not entirely. Insurance can cover cancellation for specific listed reasons, but it generally does not cover a simple change of mind. Read the policy exclusions carefully.
Can I cancel a flight within 24 hours?
In some regions there is a short period where you can cancel without penalty, but it depends on the country, airline and how close the departure is. Check the conditions at booking.
The bottom line
Refundable tickets buy peace of mind, and non-refundable ones buy a lower price. Match the fare to how likely you are to change plans, read the rules at checkout, and consider insurance as a complement. Compare fares on ScanFlyGo to see what each flexibility level costs for your route.
Some links on ScanFlyGo are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are examples found in recent searches and are confirmed at the partner’s checkout.