The government and regulators are keeping an eye on online ticket booking platforms for charging excessive cancellation fees. Investigations could be launched into the hefty fees charged for canceling flight, train, and travel tickets.
Add informalnewz.com as a Preferred Source
Flight and Train Ticket Cancellation Rules: If you have ever booked a flight, train or bus ticket online and later cancelled it, then you must have noticed one thing that the refund you get is much less than expected. Many times, upon cancellation of the ticket, the booking platforms deduct such a high cancellation charge that the users have to bear a huge loss. Now the government and regulatory agencies have taken a look at this issue. According to reports in CNBC TV 18, many online ticket booking platforms are being accused of charging excessive cancellation charges. It is believed that some companies do not refund their additional Convenience Fee and Platform Charges apart from the base ticket fee, due to which resentment is increasing among the customers.
Now, preparations are underway for further investigation and stricter enforcement in this matter. If the rules are changed, users may receive higher refunds for ticket cancellations in the future, and platforms may be required to demonstrate transparency in their charges. This news is significant for the millions of people who use online travel booking apps daily.
Which platforms are under scrutiny?
According to reports, several major online platforms for flight, train, and bus ticket bookings may come under scrutiny. These include apps and websites that charge convenience fees and platform charges along with ticket bookings. Many users say that after ticket cancellations, not only are airline or railway charges deducted, but the platforms also deduct significant amounts of money from their own pockets. Some companies do not refund convenience fees, further exacerbating customer losses.
How the Cancellation Process Works
When a user cancels a ticket, the airline, railway, or bus operator first deducts a cancellation fee based on their rules. The booking platform may then also deduct certain charges. This additional deduction is a growing controversy. A convenience fee or platform fee is often charged in online ticket bookings. Users allege that many platforms do not refund this amount even after the ticket is cancelled, even though the service has not been completed.
What to Consider When Booking a Ticket
Before booking a ticket with any ticket booking app, be sure to read its refund policy. Also, check the cancellation charges. If you want a larger refund, you can choose a Flexible Fare or Refundable Ticket. Although these tickets are slightly more expensive, the loss incurred upon cancellation is less.
Read More: Multiple Entry Business Visa: This country launched one-year multiple-entry business visa for Indians
