Air Serbia’s cancellation policy varies by fare type, booking timing, and applicable regulations. Here’s a concise overview based on the latest information:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy: You can cancel any flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without fees, provided the booking is made at least 7 days (168 hours) before departure. This applies to all fare types, except group bookings (10+ passengers) and award tickets, and aligns with U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the United States.
After 24 Hours:
- Non-Refundable Fares: Most Air Serbia fares are restrictive. Voluntary cancellations are not refundable, but you can request a voucher worth the ticket value (minus fees) plus 10% of the net fare, valid for one year. Cancellation fees range from $125–$500 per segment, depending on fare type, route, and timing (e.g., $125 per segment for cancellations outside the 24-hour window). Airport taxes and fees are refundable regardless of ticket type.
- Flexible Fares: These allow cancellations with minimal or no fees, and you can reschedule or receive a refund to the original payment method, subject to fare rules. Check your ticket’s conditions for specifics.
- No-Show: Failing to cancel before departure forfeits the ticket value, except for refundable taxes. Return or onward reservations may be canceled unless you notify Air Serbia in advance.
- Checked-In Tickets: Cancellations are not permitted once you’ve checked in.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations: If Air Serbia cancels a flight due to operational reasons or force majeure (e.g., weather, strikes), you’re entitled to:
- A full refund of the ticket price, including taxes and fees, for unused portions.
- Rebooking on the next available flight or a free change of travel date/destination within +/- 7 days (for similar mileage destinations in Air Serbia’s network) at no cost.
- If rebooked to an alternative airport, Air Serbia covers transport costs to the original destination or an agreed nearby location.
- Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (for flights departing from or arriving at EU airports on Air Serbia), compensation of €250–€600 may apply if notified less than 14 days before departure and the cancellation isn’t due to extraordinary circumstances. Compensation amounts:
- ≤1,500 km: €250
- 1,500–3,500 km: €400
- 3,500 km: €600 (reduced by 50% if the alternative flight’s arrival is within 2–4 hours of the original).
- Additional care includes free meals, two phone calls, emails, hotel accommodation, and airport transfers if overnight stays are needed.
- No compensation is paid if cancellation is announced 14+ days in advance, due to extraordinary circumstances, or per Serbian regulations.
Special Circumstances:
- Force Majeure (Passenger): If you can’t travel due to force majeure (e.g., medical emergency), you may receive a credit for the non-refundable fare amount, minus a reasonable administration fee, with evidence.
- COVID-19 or Travel Bans: Refunds or vouchers may be offered for cancellations due to restrictions, subject to documentation.
- Involuntary Downgrading: If placed in a lower class, you’re entitled to a refund of the fare difference within 7 days.
How to Cancel:
- Offline: Call the Contact Centre (+1-877-240-6770), visit an Air Serbia office, or cancel at an airport counter. Offline cancellations may incur administrative fees in addition to cancellation charges.
- Travel Agency: If booked through an agent, cancellations must be processed through them.
Refund Process:
- Refunds are processed within 7–10 business days to the original payment method (credit card) or up to 20 days for cash/check. Vouchers are issued within 20 days and valid for one year.
- Refunds require surrendering unused flight coupons and proof of payment. Only the ticket purchaser or named passenger can receive the refund.
- Tickets are valid for refund requests up to two years from issuance.
- For airline cancellations, passengers are notified via email/SMS with options to rebook or refund via a self-service platform.
Additional Notes:
- Always check fare rules at booking, as they dictate cancellation eligibility and fees. Non-refundable fares are common to keep prices low.
- EU/UK flights are protected by EC 261/2004, but Serbian regulations may limit compensation for non-EU routes.
- For compensation claims, submit to Air Serbia’s Passenger Support within 90 days of the flight date.
