Flight ticket question

[LilyWDW]

Hey all. I have what is likely a very dumb question, but I don't fly often so I don't have the experience others do.

I am planning a December trip down to Disney. I will need flights for this. However, due to the current state of the US, there is some uncertainty around my ability to go on the trip. It could be something I have to call off pretty last minute (before the 30 day package window).

When you buy refundable airfare (which I know is more expensive but in this case likely worth it), can you cancel the flight for any reason? Is it refunded back to the payment you used or in credits? Are there another options I should look into so I don't possibly lose a ton of money?

 

[Craig Larson]

Hey all. I have what is likely a very dumb question, but I don't fly often so I don't have the experience others do.

I am planning a December trip down to Disney. I will need flights for this. However, due to the current state of the US, there is some uncertainty around my ability to go on the trip. It could be something I have to call off pretty last minute (before the 30 day package window).

When you buy refundable airfare (which I know is more expensive but in this case likely worth it), can you cancel the flight for any reason? Is it refunded back to the payment you used or in credits? Are there another options I should look into so I don't possibly lose a ton of money?

Refundable tickets go back to original form of payment. Most airlines do credits for non-refundable tickets, and usually expire a year from original purchase. Southwest is the only one I know of that now has non-expiring credits.

The only other option would be travel insurance. Cancel any-reason could be expensive, but that is optional. Depending on what you are worried about for cancelling, you might not need cancel for any reason (many cover job-loss and medical). However, you need to purchase within a few days of booking.

 

[sam_gordon]

I book refundable tix from Delta for work. Yes, when I cancel the funds get released back to the card I used to purchase (I think there's a choice to get an ecredit, but I always get the refund).

The refundable tix are ~$50 more than non.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

You'll need to look at the policy of the airline you want to fly with.

But in general its refunded to original payment (hence why I am someon that does not go buying gift cards for places because if you need to cancel then you just have gift cards).
Policies can differ for reasons for cancelling last minute to again its up to you to read the refund policy.