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Sep 2, 2020 • 2 min read
You’ve decided you need to change your booking, but what’s the best thing to do? iBestTravel breaks down the options for you.
The Short Answer
Vouchers promise future travel but can restrict you to a specific travel company. Cash may provide immediate value, yet the amount refunded can vary. Rebooking guarantees a seat on a plane, but it doesn’t ensure that additional changes won’t occur.
The Longer Answer
Opting for a voucher can be advantageous if you are certain about traveling in the near future. Travel firms prefer issuing vouchers as it allows them to retain cash while keeping your booking intact. However, similar to gift cards that are often forgotten, there is a risk that issued vouchers may not be redeemed or could expire.
If you possess a voucher for future travel, consider using it as soon as possible—after you finish reading this article, of course.
Current airline voucher systems are improving significantly compared to earlier in the year. For instance, I was pleasantly surprised to successfully combine five separate travel eVouchers from British Airways into one, enabling me to book five new flights in just a few minutes. My eVoucher retained any unused credit for future travel.
Using a voucher has proven to be a much more seamless experience compared to obtaining cash refunds from numerous airlines. Refund processes can be considerably slower and may involve restrictions based on the booking date. If your travel was booked during the COVID-related disruption or afterward, the refund terms tend to be more favorable, making your decision easier. However, if your booking was made prior to that, particularly for non-refundable tickets, you may only receive a refund for taxes. Always verify the specific terms related to your ticket before pursuing a refund.
As for rebooking, be aware that airlines are still adjusting their schedules based on varying demand and changing travel habits. Your flight details such as time, date, and departure airport may change, so vigilance in keeping track of your inbox for updates is essential. Additionally, if there is a fare difference, you will need to cover those extra costs either in cash or using vouchers.
