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Non-refundable Tickets? E-Tickets? Understanding Your Airline Ticket
by Gwen Morrison

There’s nothing worse than booking a flight only to discover that the ticket you purchase was non-refundable. There is no set guideline in the airline industry when it comes to ticket refunds or discounts. The rules vary from carrier to carrier. It’s a good idea, especially if you’re purchasing your ticket online, to be aware of the airline’s refund policy BEFORE you book your flight. (It’s generally the small print at the bottom of the page that you agree to without reading carefully). If you’re buying in on a special promotion fare it’s likely that the ticket is non-refundable.

So, what’s the difference, you ask? And how do I know what to look for? In past years the refund policies were a little less stringent -- nowadays, with so many fare discounts, many of the major carriers have changed their policy when it comes to changing a ticket or refunding your money if your travel plans change.

Non-refundable tickets are just that – non-refundable. If your travel plans change, you can contact the airline and they will apply the value of the ticket towards another ticket for future travel. In August of this year Northwest Airlines announced the following, in answer to the ongoing question of, “Can I receive a refund for my non-refundable paper airline ticket?”

• A wholly unused non-refundable ticket may be exchanged towards the purchase of a new non-refundable ticket. The ticket may be exchanged up to a one year from the date of the first flight on the original ticket. However, the value of the original ticket remains non-refundable. Fare difference and any applicable change fees may apply per the fare rules. If the new itinerary has a higher fare, the fare difference will be collected along with the change fees. If the new itinerary has a lower fare than the original ticket you will receive a credit voucher for the residual amount less any fees, which may be applied towards the purchase of future travel on Northwest Airlines.

With the new changes over the past few years, American and Northwest Airlines have adjusted their guidelines when it comes to non-refundable tickets. Their new policies state that travelers who hold a non-refundable ticket will not be allowed to stand-by for an alternate same-day departure without paying a fee. That fee is set at $100. The airlines are also to deny stand-by on some non-refundable fares.

The new policies, implemented September 2002, also includes a $20-$25 charge for a paper ticket whenever an e-ticket is available for purchase online.

What About Refundable Tickets?
It might be of interest to note that e-tickets are generally easier to get a refund on. There is usually a refund form online at the airline’s web site that you can submit directly. Still, it’s a good idea to be sure of the policy prior to booking. If you are unsure of your travel plans, it might be best to pay for a refundable ticket.

If you purchased a paper ticket with your credit card, your card will be charged even if you don’t use the ticket. For a refund, you will have to return the unused ticket to the airline where a credit is then applied for. You should receive credit within seven business days after the paperwork is completed. When purchasing refundable tickets, be sure to note the fee policy for the airline for refunds.

E-Tickets?
Technology now allows travelers to book a flight online. It’s called an e-ticket. An e-ticket is defined as a paperless electronic document used for ticketing passengers. Once your fare is purchased online, the airline will send you out a confirmation via e-mail. This document will list the passenger, flight information, payment information and a ticket reference number. Even though the airline will have all this information in their system, it’s a good idea to bring the confirmation with you when departing. It is the best way to identify that you purchased the ticket and the specifics to that purchase. Be sure that the name on the e-ticket reservation matches your identification.

More and more airlines are now offering a new service to passengers – online flight check-in. You can now go online up to a day before your scheduled domestic flight and obtain a boarding pass and seat assignment.

E-tickets are definitely here to stay. They are fast, effective and cost-efficient. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. Microwavable food was also something of a mystery at one time – or is it still a mystery?

Happy travels!

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