How much will be deducted for ticket refund? Analysis of refund fees that is hotly discussed across the internet
Recently, the discussion about ticket refund fees has become one of the hot topics on the Internet. With the end of the summer travel season and the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday approaching, many passengers are facing refund issues due to changes in itinerary, and the refund policies of major airlines have also become the focus of consumers' attention. This article will provide you with a detailed analysis of the current regulations on ticket refund fees, and attach structured data for reference.
1. Basic rules for ticket refund fees

According to the regulations of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, airlines can set refund fee standards within a reasonable range. Normally, refund fees are related to factors such as the time of purchase, refund time, and ticket discounts. The following is the basic situation of economy class refund fees on major airlines:
| airline | More than 7 days before departure | 2-7 days before departure | 48 hours to 2 days before departure | Within 48 hours before departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air China | 10% of ticket price | 20% of ticket price | 30% of ticket price | 50% of ticket price |
| China Eastern Airlines | 10% of ticket price | 20% of ticket price | 40% of ticket price | 50% of ticket price |
| China Southern Airlines | 10% of ticket price | 20% of ticket price | 30% of ticket price | 50% of ticket price |
| Hainan Airlines | 10% of ticket price | 25% of ticket price | 35% of ticket price | 50% of ticket price |
2. Refund fees for special tickets are higher
It’s worth noting that refund policies on discounted tickets tend to be stricter. Many airlines charge refund fees of up to 80%-100% for special tickets with a discount of less than 40%, and some even do not allow refunds. The following are examples of refunds for special fare tickets:
| Discount range | Refund fee | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 40% off | Ticket price 80%-100% | Some tickets are not refundable |
| 4-5.5% off | Ticket price 50%-70% | Need to apply 48 hours in advance |
| 60-30% off | Ticket price 30%-40% | Normal refund policy |
3. Special refund policy during the epidemic
Affected by the recent epidemic in some regions, many airlines have launched special refund policies. Passengers whose destinations are in medium- and high-risk areas can apply for a free refund within the specified time. The following is the latest special refund policy:
| airline | Scope of application | Refund time limit | handling fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air China | Medium and high risk areas | Available before takeoff | Full refund |
| China Eastern Airlines | Epidemic control areas | Within 7 days after the policy is issued | Full refund |
| China Southern Airlines | Medium and high risk areas | Within the validity period of the policy | Full refund |
4. Tips to reduce the loss of refunded checks
1.Pay attention to the refund time point: The earlier you cancel, the lower the handling fee. It is recommended to apply for a refund immediately after confirming that you are unable to travel.
2.Purchase refund insurance: Some third-party platforms provide refund insurance services, usually with a premium of 20-30 yuan, which can cover some refund losses.
3.Change ticket instead of refund: The change fee is usually lower than the refund fee, and the value of the ticket can be retained.
4.Choose a flexible ticket: Although the price of full-price air tickets is high, the refund and change policy is more favorable.
5.Pay attention to airline policies: Airlines will launch special refund policies during special periods (such as epidemics and natural disasters).
5. Protection of Consumer Rights and Interests
The Civil Aviation Administration of China clearly stipulates that airlines must publish their cancellation, change and rebooking policies in a prominent position on their official websites. In the event of unreasonable refund fees, consumers can safeguard their rights through the following channels:
1. Complain to airline customer service
2. Call the Consumer Affairs Center of the Civil Aviation Administration of China at 12326
3. Complain through the 12315 platform
4. Seek help from consumer associations
In summary, ticket refund fees vary depending on factors such as airlines, time of purchase, and ticket type. It is recommended that passengers carefully read the cancellation and change policy before purchasing tickets and choose the appropriate ticket type based on the certainty of their own itinerary to reduce unnecessary refund losses. As the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday approaches, the refund policies of major airlines may be adjusted. It is recommended to pay attention to the latest policy changes before traveling.
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