Bangkok Airways, known as Asia’s boutique airline, has a cancellation policy that offers some flexibility based on ticket type, fare rules, and booking channel. Below is a concise overview based on the most reliable information from Bangkok Airways’ official website and other sources.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- Passengers can cancel any flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without fees, provided the flight departs at least 7 days (168 hours) later. This applies to all fare types (e.g., Web Promotion, Web Saver, Web Freedom, Blue Ribbon) and complies with U.S. Department of Transportation rules for U.S.-related bookings.
- This policy applies only to tickets booked directly through Bangkok Airways’ website (bangkokair.com), mobile app, call center (+1-877-240-6770), or ticketing offices. Third-party bookings (e.g., Traveloka, Expedia) are subject to the agency’s policies.
Non-Refundable Tickets (e.g., Web Promotion, Web Saver):
- After the 24-hour window, Web Promotion and Web Saver tickets are non-refundable and non-cancelable. Only unused airport/government taxes and fees can be refunded, subject to a processing fee (e.g., THB 1,000–2,000 for international flights).
- Cancellations up to 1 hour before departure may incur fees (e.g., $25–$200, depending on fare, route, and timing). No-show fees apply: THB 500 for economy, THB 1,000 for premium economy, or USD 30 + THB 1,000–2,000 for international economy/premium economy/business class.
- Date or itinerary changes are permitted for a fee (e.g., THB 1,000–2,000 plus fare difference), but name changes are not allowed.
Refundable Tickets (e.g., Web Freedom, Blue Ribbon):
- Web Freedom and Blue Ribbon fares can be canceled before departure with a fee (e.g., THB 1,000 for domestic, THB 2,000 for international). The remaining balance is refunded to the original payment method or issued as a travel voucher, valid for 1 year.
- Refunds are processed within 7–20 business days, depending on the payment method.
Flight Cancellations by Bangkok Airways:
- If Bangkok Airways cancels a flight, delays it by 2+ hours, or causes a missed connection due to reasons within their control, passengers can choose:
- A full refund, including taxes, fees, and add-ons (e.g., baggage, seat selection), to the original payment method.
- Rebooking on the next available flight at no cost.
- Accommodation and meals for significant delays, arranged near the airport.
- For EU/UK-departing flights, EU Regulation EC 261/2004 may apply, offering €250–€600 compensation for cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice, unless due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes). This is rare, as Bangkok Airways primarily operates in Asia.
- For weather-related cancellations, passengers receive a refund or rebooking but no compensation. Policies vary by situation, so confirm via customer service.
No-Show Policy:
- Failing to cancel at least 1 hour before departure incurs no-show fees: THB 500 (economy), THB 1,000 (premium economy), or USD 30 + THB 1,000–2,000 (international economy/premium economy/business). The ticket value is forfeited for non-refundable fares.
Special Circumstances:
- For medical emergencies, Bangkok Airways may waive no-show fees with a valid medical certificate, allowing postponement up to 3 months from the certificate’s issuance date for the passenger and immediate family.
- For a passenger’s or immediate family member’s death, ticket validity can be extended up to 45 days from the date of death with a valid death certificate.
- Refunds for unused tickets must be requested within 1 year of issuance, or the ticket expires.
How to Cancel:
- Phone: Call +1-877-240-6770 (global) or +1-877-240-6770 (U.S.). Provide your booking reference; a fee may apply for phone cancellations.
- Airport: Cancel at a Bangkok Airways ticket counter or kiosk, ideal for last-minute changes.
- Travel Agencies: Third-party bookings must be canceled through the agency, which may impose additional fees.
- Confirmation is sent via email. Refunds are credited to the original payment method.
Cancellation Fees:
- Non-refundable fares: Only taxes/fees refunded, minus THB 1,000–2,000 processing fee.
- Refundable fares: THB 1,000 (domestic), THB 2,000 (international) cancellation fee.
- No-show: THB 500–2,000 or USD 30 + THB 1,000–2,000, depending on class and route.
Key Notes:
- Always check fare rules at booking. Web Promotion and Web Saver fares are non-refundable; Web Freedom and Blue Ribbon offer flexibility.
- Third-party bookings (e.g., Traveloka) complicate cancellations due to agency fees. Book via bangkokair.com for smoother processes.
- Non-refundable tickets refund only taxes/fees after the 24-hour window, minus fees.
- For EU flights, EC 261/2004 provides strong protections, but most Bangkok Airways routes are in Asia, limiting its applicability.
