When you cancel your flight after your visa has been approved, the consequences and options available to you will depend on several factors, including the airline’s cancellation policy, the type of flight itinerary for visa you purchased, and the terms and conditions of your visa.
- Refund policy: Review the refund policy of the airline you booked your flight with. Airlines typically have different fare classes with varying refund options. If you cancel your flight, you may be eligible for a full or partial refund, a travel credit, or no refund at all, depending on the ticket type and fare rules. Keep in mind that some tickets are non-refundable or have strict cancellation penalties.
- Visa validity: Consider the validity period of your visa. If you cancel your flight but still plan to travel to the destination country within the visa’s validity period, you may still be able to use the approved visa for a later trip. However, note that some visas have restrictions or conditions regarding the entry dates or duration of stay.
- Reapplication: If you cancel your flight and don’t plan to travel within the validity of your approved visa, you may need to reapply for a visa when you are ready to travel again. Visa validity periods can vary, so be aware of the expiration date of your current visa.
- Visa fees: Visa fees are typically non-refundable, regardless of whether you cancel your flight or not. Even if you don’t use the approved visa, the fees paid for the application processing are usually non-refundable.
- Communicate with the embassy or visa consultant: If you decide to cancel your flight, it’s generally a good idea to inform the embassy or consulate that issued your visa about the change in your travel plans. While this may not be a requirement, it helps maintain transparency and ensures that they are aware of the updated information.
How Can Applicants Make Changes To Their Flight Itinerary?
If applicants desire to make changes to their flight itinerary, they need to follow these simple steps:
- Contact the airline: Reach out to the airline directly through their customer service channels. This can typically be done via phone, email, or through their website. Provide them with your booking details, including the reservation number or ticket reference.
- Check the airline’s change policy: Review the airline’s change policy to understand the options available to you. Airlines often have different rules and fees for making changes to flight itineraries. Pay attention to any deadlines, restrictions, or penalties that may apply.
- Evaluate available options: Based on the airline’s policy, consider the available options for changing your itinerary. These may include changing the travel dates, modifying the destination, upgrading the ticket class, or requesting a refund or travel credit.
- Make the necessary changes: Once you have decided on the changes you want to make and understand the associated costs, inform the airline representative. Since proof of accommodation for Schengen visa is also submitted with the flight itinerary, you will have to make changes to it.
- Pay any applicable fees: If there are any fees or fare differences for the changes you requested, be prepared to pay them as required by the airline’s policy. Payment methods and procedures may vary, so follow the instructions provided by the airline representative.
- Obtain updated itinerary and confirmation: After the changes have been made, ensure that you receive an updated itinerary and confirmation from the airline. Review the new details to ensure accuracy and keep them for your records.
Few Tips To Book A Flight Itinerary
Plan In Advance
Booking your flight well in advance can often result in better deals and more options. Airlines tend to offer lower fares for flights booked several weeks or months ahead of the travel date.
Compare Prices
Don’t settle for the first fare you find. Take the time to compare prices across different airlines and travel websites. Utilise flight search engines that aggregate prices from multiple sources to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Consider Different Airports
Depending on your location, flying from or into alternate airports can sometimes be more cost-effective. Explore nearby airports to see if they offer cheaper flights. Keep in mind the transportation and logistics involved in reaching your final destination from the alternate airport.
Set Up Fare Alerts
If you have a particular destination in mind but are flexible with your travel dates, consider setting up fare alerts. Many travel websites and airlines offer this feature, notifying you when prices drop or when there are special deals available for your desired route.
Be Aware Of Additional Costs
Keep in mind that the initial fare you see may not include additional costs such as baggage fees, seat selection fees, or in-flight services. Factor in these additional costs when comparing prices to get a more accurate picture of the total cost of your flight.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding affordable flights and make more informed decisions when booking your flight itinerary.
