Travel plans can sometimes change due to unforeseen circumstances, requiring passengers to cancel or reschedule their flights. Whether it’s due to personal emergencies, weather disruptions, or scheduling conflicts, understanding an airline’s cancellation and refund policies is crucial for a hassle-free experience. Buddha Air, a leading airline in Nepal, has specific guidelines regarding flight cancellations, refunds, and rescheduling.
By familiarizing yourself with these policies, you can avoid unnecessary charges and ensure a smooth refund or modification process. Additionally, considering factors such as weather conditions before booking can help minimize travel disruptions. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to cancel Buddha Air flights, request refunds, and reschedule your journey efficiently.
Understanding Buddha Air’s Cancellation and Refund Policy
Buddha Air’s cancellation policy and refund rules depend on factors such as the type of ticket purchased and airline regulations. It is essential to review these terms before booking to avoid unexpected charges. Let us look into the factors according to which Buddha Air’s cancellation policy differs and varies.
Ticket Type and Refund Eligibility:
Different ticket classes may have varying cancellation rules. Some tickets may be non-refundable or come with cancellation fees.
Weather-Related Cancellations:
Flight cancellations due to adverse weather conditions are possible. If weather disrupts flight schedules, passengers should stay updated on the airline’s announcements.
Refund Process:
Buddha Air processes refund requests within one week. However, the mode of payment used for booking may influence how quickly the refund is credited. Credit card transactions often result in faster refunds compared to bank transfers.
Before canceling a flight, passengers should review the airline’s cancellation policy carefully and confirm whether they qualify for a refund.
Buddha Air Cancellation Policy by Fare Class
Buddha Air categorizes tickets under different fare classes, each with distinct cancellation rules. The refund amount depends on the timing of cancellation and the class of the purchased ticket.
Normal ‘Y’ Fare:
- There’s a 10% charge when the flight is cancelled before 11 hours from when your flight departs.
- A 33.33% cancellation charge incurs if you cancel within 11 hours of your flight’s departure time. Cancellation within 11 hours of the flight’s departure will attract a 33.33% charge.
- Cancellation in two hours from your flight’s departure time isn’t permissible.
- When passengers fail to check in within the stipulated reporting time, it becomes a no-show. There’ll be no refund for a no-show for the “Y” fare. Only the service charge is refunded.
Apex ‘A’ Fare:
- 25% charge incurs if canceled prior to 11 hours from when your flight is to depart
- 50% charge if canceled within 11 hours of departure.
- Cancellation isn’t allowed within two hours of your flight’s departure time.
- There won’t be a refund for no shows, except for the passenger service charge
Bravo ‘B’ Fare:
- Only the fuel surcharge is refundable if you canceled two hours before your flight’s departure time.
- You won’t get any refund if you cancel within two hours of your flight’s departure time.
- A no-show means zero refund.
Charlie ‘C’, Delta ‘D’, and Echo ‘E’ Fare:
- These fares are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Fo a no-show the airport tax is refunded only.
Ways to Cancel a Buddha Air Flight?
If you have to cancel a Buddha Air flight, here is what you must know.
- Cancellation for Online Purchases (Official Website & Mobile App)
If you booked your ticket through Buddha Air’s official website or mobile app, you can cancel it by:
- Calling Buddha Air reservations at +977 1 5970900 / +977 1 5454084 / +977 1 5421015 (Ext – 141, 142, 178).
- Emailing u4tickets@buddhaair.com with all your flight information.
- Visiting the nearest Buddha Air sales office.
Important Notes:
- You must email u4tickets@buddhaair.com for refund processing to occur.
- Refunds will be processed in seven to eight days on average
- The refund amount is deposited into the same card/bank account used for payment.
- A 3.5% bank transaction fee is applicable in addition to cancellation charges.
2. Cancellation for Tickets Purchased from Travel Agencies
If you booked your ticket via an authorized travel agency, then here are some things to note:
- Contact the same travel agency from which the ticket was purchased.
- The refund gets credited to your travel agency’s account.
- Passengers must collect the refund directly from the travel agency.
3. Cancellation Tickets Bought from the Airlines’ Sales Offices
If you made a cash purchase through their sales office:
- Visit the nearest Buddha Air sales office to cancel the ticket.
- You will get the cash refund right away.
For card purchases:
- Get to their sales office for cancellation of your tickets
- The refund process takes 7 to 8 working days.
- The refund is deposited into the same card/bank account used for payment.
- A 3.5% bank transaction fee is applicable.
Additional Buddha Air Cancellation Policy Guidelines to Follow:
- No-Show Policy: Passengers who do not check in within the reporting time will be considered a no-show, and the ticket will not be refunded.
- Refunds for Flights Canceled By Buddha Air: In such cases, the entire amount is refunded, irrespective of the flight class you are traveling in.
If you made the payment in any convertible currency, you must note that the airline authorities will process the refund in local currency.
How to Reschedule a Buddha Air Flight
Rescheduling a flight depends on various factors, including the ticket type and the reason for the schedule change. Buddha Air offers options for modifying travel dates, but it is crucial to understand the applicable fees and conditions.
- Rescheduling Process: Passengers can contact Buddha Air directly or approach third-party agents if the ticket was booked through them.
- Booking Through the Airline: It is advisable to book flights directly with the airline to ensure a smoother rescheduling and refund process.
- Fare Class Considerations: Different fare categories may have distinct rescheduling terms, with some allowing changes at a minimal fee while others may require paying a higher charge.
Always review the airline’s rescheduling policy before booking, especially if flexibility is a priority.
Also Read: Gum Air Cancellation Policy
Importance of Checking Weather Conditions Before Booking A Buddha Air Flight
Weather conditions play a significant role in flight operations. Passengers booking flights, especially during winter months, should be mindful of potential disruptions due to adverse weather.
- Flight Delays and Cancellations: Winter weather may lead to delays or cancellations, making it crucial to check forecasts before confirming travel plans.
- Planning for Connecting Flights: Allowing extra time between connecting flights reduces the risk of missing onward journeys due to delays.
- Early Morning Flights: Flights scheduled earlier in the day are generally less affected by cascading delays than those departing later.
By staying informed about weather conditions, travelers can minimize inconveniences and make necessary adjustments to their plans.
However, if there is a flight cancellation due to bad weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, then Buddha Air will initiate a refund irrespective of all fare types. However, Buddha Air doesn’t costs for transportation and accommodation if the flight is canceled because of any unavoidable circumstances.
Conclusion
Canceling a Buddha Air ticket requires understanding the airline’s policies, which differ based on the purchase method. If you booked your ticket through the official website or mobile app, you must contact Buddha Air’s reservation team and follow up with an email request for a refund. For tickets purchased via a travel agency, cancellations must be processed through the respective agency, and refunds will be credited to the agency’s account.
Customers who purchased tickets in cash from Buddha Air sales offices can receive immediate refunds upon cancellation, while card payments take up to 7-8 working days. It is important to note that all cancellations are subject to service charges and fare class rules, including a 3.5% bank charge for online and card transactions. To avoid last-minute inconveniences, passengers should check the latest cancellation policies on Buddha Air’s official website or contact customer service for assistance.
FAQs:
You can cancel your ticket by contacting Buddha Air’s reservation team at +977 1 5970900, +977 1 5454084, or +977 1 5421015 (Ext – 141, 142, 178). Alternatively, you can email at u4tickets@buddhaair.com or visit any of the airlines’ sales offices.
After canceling your ticket, the refund process typically takes 7 to 8 working days from the date of cancellation, with the amount credited to your original payment mode.
Yes, a 3.5% bank charge is levied as a transaction/service fee on the full ticket amount, in addition to cancellation charges applicable as per the fare class of the ticket.
You should contact your travel agency or the point of sale where you bought the ticket. The refund amount will be deposited into the travel agency’s account, and you will have to coordinate with them to receive your refund. Cancellation charges will apply as per the fare class of the ticket.
Go to the nearest sales office to cancel your ticket. You will receive your refund in cash immediately upon cancellation, subject to applicable cancellation charges based on the fare class of the ticket.
Yes, Buddha Air’s cancellation charges and refund policies vary depending on the fare class of the ticket. It’s advisable to review the fare rules and regulations specific to your ticket to understand the applicable charges and conditions.