Let’s be honest: sometimes dealing with an airline’s refund process can feel like arguing with your WiFi router. If you’re stuck wondering how to get your money back, we’ve broken it down real easy. Whether it was a cancelled flight, missed flights or you’re just not feeling the trip anymore, here’s how to get a refund from an airline like a pro (or at least like someone who knows what they are talking about).
How to Get a Refund if an Airline Cancels Your Flight
If the airline cancels your flight, you’re usually entitled to a refund. Not a voucher. Not a travel credit. An actual, real money-back-to-your-account refund.
Here’s what to do:
- Don’t panic. Get your booking reference number ready.
- Head to the airline’s website (or ours if you booked through Travelstart).
- Look for the Manage Booking or Cancellation & Refunds section.
- Follow the steps or call customer service.
Did you know you get R1,000 off international flights with Travelstart+?
Steps to Request an Airline Refund (via Travelstart)
If you booked through us, here’s how to make magic happen:
Go to Travelstart Contact Page
- What can we help you with? → Select: Cancellation & Refund
- Sub-category → Select: Cancellation request – please advise which passenger
- Enter in your details, Travelstart booking number and complete information in the comment box)
To follow up on an existing refund:
- Same contact page
- What can we help you with? → Cancellation & Refund
- Sub-category → Follow up on pending refund
- Include your booking reference.
- In the comment box provide your refund query
That’s it. The refunds team will take it from there.
Can I Get a Refund for a Missed Flight?
Sometimes yes, a partial refund. Most times nope. Most airlines don’t refund missed flights unless it was their fault (e.g. delay or cancellation on a previous leg). But it’s worth checking the fare rules, you might be eligible for a partial refund or partial airport taxes back.
That’s why you should always get to the airport in time, bestie. At least an hour or 2 hours ahead of time.
Here’s all you need to know about how to properly book flights online
What to Do If an Airline Refuses a Refund
If you’re certain that you are not at fault and the airline’s Ts&Cs are in your favour:
- Screenshot everything
- Escalate to their refunds department
- If you booked through a third-party (like us), let us help fight the good fight.
But if you know that you’re at fault, then there is no need to do all that.
How Long Do Airline Refunds Take?
Honestly? It depends on the airline. In most cases, refunds take around 6–8 weeks once they’re processed.
Why the wait? Since refunds are mostly bank-to-bank and have to go through third party coordination, verification steps and other nitty gritty processing, it may take a while to clear the funds. Patience is not a suggestion but a must.
We wish it moved faster, we really do but hey, we don’t make the rules.
Do South African Airlines Offer Refunds?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Airline | Refunds? | Notes |
| FlySafair | Not usually | Cancellation fee applies. Balance goes to your FlySafair wallet for future trips. |
| LIFT | Not standard | Cancellation fee applies. Balance goes to your LIFT wallet for future bookings. |
| Airlink | Yes, depending on fare type | Must cancel within time limit. Admin fees apply. |
| CemAir | Yes, depending on fare type | Cancel within time limits. Admin fees apply. |
| South African Airways (SAA) | Yes, depending on fare type | Time-sensitive cancellations only. Admin fees apply. |
Do International Airlines offer refunds?
Partial refunds may be available, either on the ticket or airport taxes, depending on the fare rules. Lower fares generally come with more restrictions.
If you booked through an agent, please contact them directly. If booked with the airline, reach out to the airline. All cancellation requests must be made at least 24 hours before departure. No-shows are typically not eligible for refunds.
Let’s break it down:
| Airline | Refunds? | Notes |
| Emirates | Yes, if fare allows | Contact the agent you booked through. |
| Qatar Airways | Yes, with terms | Processing takes 2–3 weeks. |
| Turkish Airlines | Refundable fares only | Expect admin fees and delays. |
| British Airways | Yes, via Manage My Booking | No refund if you miss the flight. |
| Lufthansa | Yes | Cancellation fees apply. |
| Air France / KLM | Yes | One of the smoother refund processes out there. |
Final Tips
- Always read the fare conditions before booking
- Save emails, boarding passes and confirmations
- Refunds take time. Don’t expect Apple Pay speed
Booked through us? Let us handle the admin.
There you have it folks, that’s how to get a refund from an airline.