Avoid These Mistakes When Canceling Travel Plans

Summer is officially over ( finally, if you ask me ), which means if you’re the type of person who prefers autumn travel over battling crowds in the heat, then this is your time. However, with the uncertainty surrounding the COVID surge in the fall and winter , travel plans are increasingly left unfinished. On a positive note, the pandemic has forced airlines, hotels and travelers to explore the best ways on how and when to cancel an upcoming trip. After years of skipping itineraries, here are our top hacks to help you minimize the loss of time, money, and your sanity when you need to change your vacation plans.

Don’t think you need to take a voucher

An airline voucher is a good solution if you fly regularly with one specific carrier, but for most of us, a voucher doesn’t pay the bill. If you cancel your trip with a refund or the airline cancels your flight, do not accept the voucher right away. Instead, it might be worth taking the time to get a refund. The likelihood that you will receive it depends on the circumstances surrounding the reason for the cancellation, as well as the policy of the airline. However, double checking with a customer service representative may earn you a cash reward. On this note…

Try canceling online before calling

According to USA Today (and to anyone who has ever tried to call an airline), talking to a customer service representative on the phone is rarely the most effective option. In most cases, you can cancel your subscription online or by email and save yourself the headache. In addition, the online route sets you up to receive a confirmation number, which you will need to verify that the cancellation has been processed. If you need to contact a real person, here’s our guide to navigating airline phone lines . As a last resort, you can take to social media to complain publicly in the hope that a representative will finally get back to you.

Wait until the last minute for a flight cancellation

It’s risky, but potentially rewarding. As The Points Guy explains, “An airline only requires a refund when it cancels your flight or makes significant changes to your schedule or itinerary. And that’s why it makes sense to hold the booking until the airline does just that.”

Sit quietly and check your flight before departure. If an upcoming flight still appears on your booking but is not available for sale to new bookings, this is a clear sign that the airline is about to significantly change or cancel it. If you want a refund for your voucher, it’s worth waiting for the airline to take the first step.

Cancel posting immediately

Unlike the waiting game, which can pay off with flights, hotels tend to have stricter cancellation policies. Once you know your travel plans have changed, consider prioritizing canceling your stay. If you’re already in the “no cancel” window, it’s still worth trying to call the hotel directly. It’s much easier to talk to a real person at the hotel desk than it is to contact an airline representative, and this real person can do some nice things for you that you won’t find when canceling online.

Always save confirmation numbers

One of the simplest and most underestimated tips of all time: write everything down. From the moment you start booking, take a screenshot and save every email containing some kind of confirmation number. Keeping all the numbers in one place will make the cancellation process easier – plus, you may need to keep records of any credits or vouchers you collect along the way in the future.

Future spring for travel insurance policy

If you’re worried about losing money due to canceled travel plans, consider purchasing an insurance policy for future trips. When the fine print of an airline policy tries to deny you a refund, your travel insurance has your back. If you are investing in travel insurance, be sure to secure it before or at the time of booking; you will have limited time to add insurance after the booking is completed.

True, not every traveler will find that insurance policies are worth the money. It depends on your budget and how much you value peace of mind. And keep in mind, if you’re on a budget, you’ll find that the base fares are so restrictive that there’s no way to change or cancel your trip with any hope of a refund. In general, cheaper travel means less flexible travel. In such cases, it may be especially advisable to forego additional money for insurance.

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