Skip to content
GhaiTravels.in Logo
Customer Service

Airline Fare Rules Explained: Refunds, Date Changes and Baggage

By Priya Sharma, Head of Agent Support
4 min read

What are fare rules?

Fare rules are the conditions an airline attaches to each fare. They decide whether the ticket can be refunded, whether the travel date can be changed and at what cost, and how much baggage is included. Airlines often sell the same seat at several fare levels, and the cheapest one usually has the strictest rules.

Comparing common fare types

Names differ from airline to airline, but most fares fall into a few familiar types. The table below shows what customers can usually expect from each.

What customers can usually expect from common fare types
What to checkLowest fareStandard fareFlexible fare
Refund on cancellationNone, or taxes onlyPartial, after a cancellation chargeMost of the fare, after a small charge
Date changeNot allowed or high feeAllowed for a fee plus fare differenceAllowed, often with a low or no fee
Check-in baggageSometimes not includedUsually includedUsually included, sometimes more
Seat selection and mealsUsually paid extrasSome includedOften included

How to explain fare rules to your customer

Before you book, compare the fare options side by side and tell your customer three things clearly: whether the ticket is refundable, what it costs to change the date, and how much baggage is included. Mention these in your message or on the e-ticket you share, so the customer has them in writing. If the customer may need to change plans, it is often worth recommending a slightly higher fare with easier rules.

Quickily clarify your queries and answer-first explanations to help clarify B2B booking rules and platform configurations.