DGCA Introduces 48-Hour ‘Look-In’ Window for Airline Tickets, Eases Refund and Name Correction Rules

New Delhi, Feb 2026: In a major passenger-friendly move, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised its Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) governing airline ticket refunds and cancellations, introducing a 48-hour “look-in” period that allows travellers to cancel or modify their bookings without paying any additional charges.

According to the revised norms, passengers will now be able to cancel their tickets or make changes within 48 hours of booking at no extra cost. However, if a passenger opts to reschedule the ticket to another flight during this window, they will have to pay the difference in fare, if applicable. The DGCA clarified that no separate cancellation or amendment fee can be levied within this stipulated time.

The regulator has placed certain conditions on the applicability of this facility. For domestic flights, the date of departure must be at least seven days away from the date of booking, while for international flights, the departure must be at least 15 days away. In addition, the benefit will be available only for tickets booked directly through the official website of the airline. Bookings made via travel agents or third-party online portals will not qualify for the 48-hour look-in period.

Once the 48-hour window from the time of booking has elapsed, standard airline cancellation and rescheduling charges will apply, as per the fare rules of the ticket. The DGCA said the revised Civil Aviation Requirements were issued on February 24 and will come into force from March 26, 2026, giving airlines time to update their systems and procedures.

Along with the look-in period, the DGCA has also introduced clearer guidelines on name corrections, an issue that frequently troubles passengers. Under the new rules, airlines will not be permitted to charge any fee for correcting the name of the same passenger if the error is reported within 24 hours of booking, provided the ticket was purchased directly from the airline’s website. This provision aims to offer relief in cases of minor spelling mistakes or typographical errors made during booking.

The revised regulations also bring greater clarity on refund responsibilities and timelines. In cases where tickets are booked through travel agents or online travel portals, the DGCA has stated that the responsibility for processing refunds will rest with the airlines, as agents function as representatives of the carriers. Airlines must ensure that refunds in such cases are completed within 14 working days.

Specific timelines have also been laid down depending on the mode of payment. Refunds for tickets purchased using credit or debit cards must be processed within seven days. For cash payments made at an airline’s office, the refund must be issued immediately at the same location.

Importantly, the DGCA has reiterated that airlines are required to refund all statutory taxes and passenger-related charges in the event of cancellations or no-shows, even if the base fare of the ticket is non-refundable. This provision is intended to ensure greater transparency and fairness in the refund process.

Aviation industry observers see the revised rules as a significant step towards strengthening passenger rights and improving trust in airline booking systems. By introducing flexibility through the 48-hour look-in period and tightening refund timelines, the DGCA aims to strike a balance between consumer convenience and operational feasibility for airlines.