Czech Airlines’ cancellation policy provides flexibility based on ticket type, fare rules, and timing, with protections under EU Regulation EC261/2004 for eligible flights. Below is a concise overview based on the latest available information:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy: You can cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund without fees, provided the departure is at least seven days (168 hours) away. This applies to all fare types (e.g., LITE, PLUS, FLEX, BUSINESS LITE, BUSINESS) and must be booked directly through Czech Airlines’ website, mobile app, or contact center, not third-party agents.
After 24 Hours:
- Non-Refundable Fares (LITE, PLUS, BUSINESS LITE): Cancellations are not refundable except for unused airport taxes. Fuel, security, and environmental surcharges are non-refundable.
- Refundable Fares (FLEX, BUSINESS): Cancellations are fully refundable up to 24 hours before departure, but a fee may apply (e.g., €30–€100 per direction, depending on route and fare rules).
- Cancellation Fees: Fees vary by fare type, route, and timing. For example, cancellations after 24 hours may incur charges of $100–$200 USD, or the full ticket cost if canceled post-departure. Round-trip tickets are charged per segment.
Special Circumstances:
- Airline-Canceled Flights: If Czech Airlines cancels your flight, you’re entitled to:
- A full refund or rebooking on the next available flight at no cost.
- No compensation if rebooked on a flight arriving at a similar time to the original.
- Delays: For delays of 3+ hours, you may receive €250–€600 compensation under EC261, plus care (meals, refreshments, accommodation for overnight delays). For 5+ hour delays, you can request a refund.
- Overbooking: If denied boarding due to overbooking, you’re entitled to a refund, rebooking, or compensation per EC261.
- Medical or Bereavement: Full refunds may be granted for serious illness or death of a passenger or immediate family member with documentation (e.g., medical certificate from a recognized hospital or death certificate).
- Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation for cancellations due to uncontrollable events (e.g., weather, airport incidents), but refunds or rebooking are offered.
How to Cancel:
- Phone: Call +1-877-240-6770 (Contact Centre, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.) or +1-877-240-6770 (U.S. toll-free, though verify availability). Provide your reservation number.
- In-Person: Visit a Czech Airlines ticket counter or kiosk at the airport, ideally 2.5 hours before departure for sales office availability.
- Third-Party Bookings: Contact the travel agency directly for cancellations and refunds. Czech Airlines may not process these directly, but you can assert EU passenger rights for rebooking or refunds.
Refund Process:
- Refunds are processed within 7–30 business days to the original payment method (e.g., credit card, bank transfer for cash payments).
- For non-refundable fares, only unused airport taxes are refunded. Refundable fares have fees deducted.
- Refunds are issued to the ticket holder or payer with proof of payment. For group bookings, contact the airline directly.
- Tickets booked with miles are non-refundable.
- Refund requests must be submitted within one year of ticket issuance.
Additional Notes:
- EC261 Protections: Apply to flights departing from EU airports or arriving in the EU on Czech Airlines. Claims can be filed for disruptions within the last 3 years.
- Fare Restrictions: Tickets must be used in sequence; skipping segments invalidates the ticket. Non-refundable fares remain non-refundable even if upgraded.
- Travel Insurance: Recommended to cover cancellations for personal reasons not covered by the airline.
- Operational Note: Czech Airlines is owned by Smartwings, and some flights may be operated by Smartwings or codeshare partners (e.g., Air Europa, China Airlines). Policies may vary slightly for codeshare flights.
- Customer Feedback: Recent reviews highlight inconsistent service, with some passengers facing issues with cancellations and refunds, especially via third-party bookings. Asserting EC261 rights can lead to rebooking or refunds.
