Air Seychelles’ cancellation policy varies based on fare type, booking timing, and applicable regulations. Below is 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 flights originating from Tel Aviv, group bookings, and award tickets. This aligns with U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the United States.
After 24 Hours:
Economy Class:
- Y and M Fares: Can be canceled for free at any time before scheduled departure.
- K, H, and L Fares: Cancellation allowed before departure with a $200 USD fee.
- V, S, G, Q, N, U, F, A, E, and O Fares: Non-cancelable and non-refundable after the 24-hour window, except for taxes and fees.
Business Class:
- J and C Fares: Can be canceled for free at any time before departure.
- D Fares: Cancellation allowed before departure with a $200 USD fee.
- I and P Fares: Non-cancelable within 24 hours of departure.
No-Show: A $300 USD fee applies for cancellations after departure, except for A, E, and O fares, which are non-cancelable.
General: Non-refundable fares may be eligible for a voucher (ticket value plus 10% of the net fare, minus fees) valid for one year. Airport taxes and fees are refundable regardless of fare type.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations: If Air Seychelles cancels a flight due to operational issues, weather, or other reasons, you’re entitled to:
- A full refund for unused tickets, including taxes, fees, and optional services (e.g., extra baggage), within 60 business days.
- Rebooking on the next available flight or a partner airline at no extra cost.
- Unlimited date changes with only fare differences applied.
- Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (for flights departing from or arriving at EU airports), compensation of €250–€600 may apply if notified less than 14 days before departure, unless due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes). Compensation amounts:
- ≤1,500 km: €250
- 1,500–3,500 km: €400
- 3,500 km: €600 (reduced by 50% if rebooked with arrival within 2–4 hours of the original time).
- For Israel routes, the Aviation Services Law may provide additional compensation rights.
- If stranded due to cancellation, Air Seychelles provides meals, refreshments, two phone calls/emails, and hotel accommodation with transfers for overnight delays.
Special Circumstances:
- COVID-19 or Travel Restrictions: Refunds or vouchers are permitted within 72 hours of departure for passengers testing positive or unable to travel due to restrictions, with cancellation fees waived. Refund requests can be submitted up to 7 days before departure.
- Medical or Bereavement: Refunds or credits may be granted for documented emergencies, subject to Air Seychelles’ approval.
- Travel Protection Plan: Available for purchase at booking for domestic Seychelles flights. It allows free cancellation up to 3 hours before departure and up to $500 USD reimbursement per passenger per segment for disruptions, applicable to all ages.
How to Cancel:
- Offline: Contact the Air Seychelles Call Centre (+1-877-240-6770 in the U.S.), or visit an airport ticket counter. For travel agency bookings, contact the agent directly.
- Note: Cancellations must be made before check-in, as checked-in tickets cannot be canceled.
Refund Process:
- Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 60 business days for credit cards, cash, or check.
- Vouchers are issued within 20 days and valid for one year. Refunds for COVID-related cancellations may take up to 6 months.
- Refund requests require unused flight coupons and proof of payment. Tickets are valid for refund requests up to two years from issuance.
- For airline cancellations, passengers are notified via email/SMS with refund or rebooking options. Avoid accepting vouchers if you prefer a cash refund, as vouchers may limit flexibility.
Additional Notes:
- Always check fare rules at booking, as they dictate cancellation eligibility and fees. Non-refundable fares are common to keep prices low.
