Overview
Air Austral, based in Réunion, provides a flexible flight change policy to accommodate modifications to travel plans. Passengers can change flight dates, times, or destinations through the Air Austral website, mobile app, contact center, or at airport counters, subject to fare rules and availability.
Key Policy Highlights
- Risk-Free Period: Tickets purchased directly through Air Austral’s website, mobile app, or contact center can be changed or canceled free of charge within 24 hours of booking, provided the flight is at least seven days away.
- Eligible Tickets: Most fare types, including Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class, allow changes. However, some promotional or restricted fares may be non-changeable or incur higher fees.
- Fare Difference: If the new flight has a higher fare, passengers must pay the difference. If the new fare is lower, the difference may be refunded as a credit, depending on the fare type.
- Change Fees: Fees vary by fare type, route, and timing. Flexible fares, such as Business Class or certain Economy fares, may allow changes without fees, while restricted fares may incur a fee. Changes without airline approval result in a recalculated fare, and passengers must pay any difference.
- Same-Day Changes: Same-day changes are permitted, subject to availability, and may incur a fee unless the fare type allows fee-free changes.
- Name Changes: Tickets are non-transferable, and full name changes are not permitted. Minor name corrections (e.g., spelling errors) may be allowed with documentation, subject to approval.
- Third-Party Bookings: Tickets booked through travel agencies or third-party platforms must be changed through the original booking source, and Air Austral’s policy may not fully apply.
- Time Restrictions: Changes must typically be made before the flight’s scheduled departure. Sequential use of flight coupons is required; skipping a segment may cancel remaining segments.
- Force Majeure: In cases of force majeure (e.g., serious illness or death of a passenger or immediate family member), passengers should contact Air Austral promptly. The airline may rebook to the next stopover or destination without fare changes, subject to documentation.
How to Change Your Flight
Online:
- Visit the Air Austral website or mobile app and access the “My Booking” or “Change My Booking” section.
- Enter your booking reference and last name to retrieve your reservation.
- Select the flight to modify, choose a new flight from available options, and review any fees or fare differences.
- Complete the payment process, if applicable, and receive confirmation via email.
Offline:
- Contact Air Austral’s customer service via phone, WhatsApp, or online contact form for assistance.
- Visit an Air Austral ticket counter or agency at the airport or a local office for in-person changes.
Special Circumstances
- Airline-Initiated Changes: If Air Austral cancels a flight, significantly delays it, or alters the itinerary (e.g., missing a connection or stopover), passengers can change their travel date or destination without penalty, though fare or seasonality adjustments may apply. A full refund may also be requested.
- Medical or Bereavement: Fee waivers or flexible changes may be granted for medical emergencies or bereavement, subject to documentation and approval through customer service.
- COVID-19 Flexibility (Expired): Previously, Air Austral allowed fee-free date or destination changes and issued refundable credit notes for cancellations due to COVID-19 restrictions. These policies applied to tickets issued before a specific date in October and are no longer active unless reinstated.
Additional Notes
- Non-Transferable Services: Extras like seat selection or baggage allowances may not transfer to the new flight and may need to be repurchased.
- Territorial Continuity: Passengers with territorial continuity vouchers face specific restrictions, such as limited change options or refund eligibility.
- Partner Airlines: For codeshare flights with partners like Ewa Air, changes may require coordination with the operating carrier.
- Service Fees: A non-refundable service fee is applied for bookings made online, which may not be refunded or transferred during changes.
