Refundable and non-refundable flight fares: which to choose

The same flight is often sold at several prices, and the cheapest is usually the least flexible. Knowing what you are choosing takes the surprise out of a change of plans.

What a fare type controls

Beyond the seat itself, a fare sets the cabin and check-in baggage allowance, whether you can change the date, and whether you can cancel for a refund. Each airline has its own fare names and rules, and Tripzoy shows each fare's baggage and refundable status in the results.

Non-refundable does not always mean nothing back

Some non-refundable fares still return the airport taxes if you cancel, and some airlines allow a change for a fee. The rules sit in the fare, so read them on the fare you are buying, not on a similar one.

When a refundable fare is worth it

• Your dates depend on something that may change: a visa, an exam result, work leave.
• You are booking for a group, where one person dropping out is likely.
• The trip is expensive or far ahead, and the extra cost is small beside what you could lose.

When the cheap fare is fine

A short trip on fixed dates, booked close to the day, is often safe on the cheapest fare. If you only need to carry a cabin bag, a no-check-in-baggage fare can also save money, but you pay at the airport for any extra bag.

A simple way to decide

• Write down the date you would change to if you had to, and ask whether you would really move.
• Ask how much you would lose if the trip were cancelled, and compare it with the extra cost of the flexible fare.
• Check the baggage allowance of each fare, because a cheaper fare with less check-in baggage can cost more once you add a bag.

Check the total, not only the fare

Compare the full price you will pay, with any seat, meal or extra baggage you add. The convenience fee of Tripzoy and the GST on it are shown before payment and are not refunded on a cancellation.