Avelo Airlines’ cancellation policy offers flexibility with some fare-specific restrictions, shaped by its low-cost model and recent policy updates. Below is a concise overview based on the most reliable information from Avelo’s official website and other sources:
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- You can cancel any Avelo flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund to the original payment method, provided the booking was made at least 7 days (168 hours) before departure. This applies to all fare types, per U.S. Department of Transportation rules.
- Refunds must be requested via the “Manage Trips” section on aveloair.com for tickets booked directly with Avelo.
Non-Refundable Tickets (Standard Fares):
- As of March 7, 2025, Avelo introduced cancellation fees for reservations booked on/after March 6, 2025, without AveloFlex. Fees are a percentage of the total paid (base fare plus add-ons like bags or seats) and vary by timing:
- 60+ days before departure: Free cancellation.
- 15–59 days: 10% of total paid.
- 2–14 days: 20% of total paid.
- 0–1 day: 30% of total paid.
- Example: A $135 ticket (fare + add-ons) canceled 3 days before departure incurs a $27 fee (20%).
- Canceled reservations receive Avelo Travel Funds (ATF) for the remaining balance, valid for 1 year from booking date for customer-initiated cancellations or 5 years for significant disruptions (e.g., 3+ hour delays).
- A $25 fee per traveler applies for cancellations made via Avelo’s Customer Support Center (+1-877-240-6770), but online cancellations via “Manage Trips” avoid this.
- For reservations booked before March 6, 2025, cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure incur no fees, with full value issued as ATF.
AveloFlex Option:
- For $5 per person per segment, AveloFlex (purchased at booking) waives change or cancellation fees once per flight. Canceled AveloFlex reservations receive ATF for the full amount, minus the AveloFlex fee, valid for 1 year. AveloFlex is only available for bookings made on/after March 6, 2025, via aveloair.com or the mobile app.
- AveloFlex must cover all travelers and flights in the reservation and cannot be added later.
Flight Cancellations by Avelo:
- If Avelo cancels a flight, delays it by 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), or denies boarding due to overbooking, passengers can choose:
- A full refund to the original payment method, including add-ons (e.g., baggage, seat fees).
- Rebooking on the next available Avelo flight at no cost, within 7 days before or after the original date, with no fare difference.
- ATF for the unflown portion, valid for 5 years, with an incentive (e.g., extra funds for disruptions within Avelo’s control like mechanical issues).
- For controllable overnight delays, non-local customers may receive hotel accommodations up to $150 per reservation per night.
- No compensation or accommodations are offered for delays under 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international), or for uncontrollable events (e.g., weather, air traffic control).
- Avelo automatically refunds canceled flights to the original payment method, but passengers must request ATF or rebooking if preferred.
No-Show Policy:
- Failing to cancel at least 15 minutes before departure results in forfeiture of the ticket value, with no refund or ATF issued.
Special Circumstances:
- Full refunds without fees are available for cancellations due to a passenger’s or family member’s death, with documentation (e.g., death certificate).
- Weather-related cancellations by Avelo typically result in ATF rather than cash refunds, unless passengers request otherwise by contacting customer service.
How to Cancel:
- Phone: Call Avelo’s Customer Support Center at +1-877-240-6770 ($25 fee per traveler applies).
- Airport: Visit an Avelo ticket counter, though availability varies at smaller airports.
- Travel Agencies: Third-party bookings (e.g., Expedia) must be canceled through the agency, which may impose additional fees.
- Confirmation is sent via email or SMS. Refunds take 7–10 business days for credit cards or 1–2 billing cycles for cash/check payments.
Key Notes:
- Avelo’s new fee structure (post-March 7, 2025) marks a shift from its “no-fee” promise, aimed at reducing last-minute cancellations. Book AveloFlex for flexibility.
- Non-refundable tickets are restrictive outside the 24-hour window; only taxes/fees are refunded unless AveloFlex is purchased or the airline cancels the flight.
- Third-party bookings complicate cancellations; book directly via aveloair.com to avoid agency fees.
- Avelo’s low flight frequency (some routes operate a few times weekly) can limit rebooking options during disruptions.
- For EU departures, EC 261/2004 may apply, offering €250–€600 compensation, but Avelo’s U.S.-focused operations make this rare.
