Can I get refunds or travel credits?
Which refunds or credits are available now
Airlines and travel companies are responding to the closures and strikes with a mix of refunds, rebookings and travel credits. What you can claim depends on where you bought the ticket, the law that governs your journey, and the carrier’s policy. Several governments and industry sources are also urging passengers not to cancel proactively — many airlines prefer to issue refunds or rebookings centrally.
Key rules of thumb
- If the carrier cancels the flight, you are typically entitled to a refund or an alternative transport option under its contract of carriage. Some carriers are offering vouchers or credits instead; these are valid options but may not be mandatory in every jurisdiction.
- Passenger-protection laws vary. European regulations and many national consumer laws give stronger refund rights for cancelled flights; protections depend on your itinerary and the airline’s home base.
- Cruises and package holidays have separate rules. When lines suspend ports or itineraries for safety, they usually offer refunds, credits or alternative sailings; check the operator’s published policy and keep transaction records.
What you should do next
- Contact the airline or travel provider and get the offer in writing (refund, voucher, rebook).
- If you booked through an agent or OTA, contact them — they may handle refunds differently.
- Save all communications and receipts: these support insurance claims or an escalation to a regulator.
- Check whether your credit card or travel insurance provides reimbursement for unrecoverable costs.
Why this matters
Choosing the right path now can preserve your rights. Accepting a voucher may be convenient but could limit recourse later; insisting on a refund could take longer. Document everything, know the protections that apply to your ticket, and use official airline or government channels to escalate unresolved claims.