Finnair’s cancellation policy offers flexibility depending on ticket type, fare rules, and timing. Here’s a concise overview based on the latest information:
Within 24 Hours of Booking: You can cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking without a cancellation fee and receive a full refund, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours from booking). This applies to all fare types (Light, Classic, Flex) across Economy, Premium Economy, and Business classes, for bookings made directly with Finnair (via finnair.com, Finnair app, customer service, or ticket offices). Cancel through “Manage Booking” online or contact Finnair Customer Service.
After 24 Hours:
- Light Fares: Non-refundable across all cabin classes (Economy, Premium Economy, Business). No refunds are available, but you may change travel dates for a fee, depending on fare rules.
- Classic Fares: Refundable only for flights originating from Japan, with a cancellation fee. For other routes, no refunds are provided, but date changes may be possible with fees.
- Flex Fares: Fully refundable without a cancellation fee, regardless of route or cabin class. Refunds are processed to the original payment method.
- Cancellation Fees: For non-Flex fares cancelled after 24 hours, fees range from $50–$500 for domestic and international flights, depending on fare type, route, and timing (e.g., $100–$400 for cancellations within 24 hours of departure). Offline cancellations (via phone or airport) may incur additional service fees.
Airline-Cancelled Flights: If Finnair cancels your flight, you’re entitled to:
- A full refund for unused tickets, processed within 7–10 business days to the original payment method.
- Rebooking on the next available flight or an alternative means of transport at no extra cost. Hotel accommodation and refreshments may be provided if delays require an overnight stay.
- Compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for EU departures, if cancelled less than 14 days before departure, unless due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes). Compensation ranges from €250 (flights ≤1,500 km), €400 (1,500–3,500 km), to €600 (>3,500 km), reduced by 50% if an alternative flight arrives within 2–4 hours of the original schedule.
Finnair Cancellation Cover: This optional add-on, available for Economy and Premium Economy bookings (not Classic award flights), allows refunds for cancellations due to sudden illness or accident of the passenger or a close family member (spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents). Requires a medical certificate or, for death, an official certificate. Covers flight fares and Finnair travel extras but excludes service fees, credit card fees, and insurance/fuel fees for non-refundable tickets. Must be purchased at booking and cancelled before departure via “Manage Booking.”
Special Circumstances:
- Medical or Bereavement: Refunds or fee waivers may be granted with valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate).
- Flight Disruptions: Full refunds are available if flights are delayed over 5 hours or if you’re denied boarding due to overbooking.
- No-Show: If you fail to cancel before departure, the ticket loses validity, and no refund is provided. All subsequent flights on the itinerary are cancelled.
Finnair Plus Award Tickets: For cancellations over 24 hours before departure, Avios are returned, but taxes, fees, and expired Avios are non-refundable. A €50 cancellation fee per ticket applies. No refunds for no-shows or partially used tickets.
How to Cancel:
- Chatbot Sisu: Use Finnair’s chatbot for partial cancellations (e.g., specific passengers or flights) via the website’s chat feature.
- By Phone: Contact Finnair at +1-877-240-6770. Service fees may apply for offline cancellations.
- Through a Travel Agent: For third-party or group bookings, contact the agent or tour operator directly.
- At Airport: Visit a Finnair ticket counter with booking details.
Refund Process:
- Submit refund requests via the online refund form on finnair.com, attaching required documentation (e.g., medical certificate for Cancellation Cover).
- Refunds take 7–10 business days, processed to the original payment method. Non-refundable tickets may receive travel vouchers valid for 1 year.
- Most unused taxes and fees are refundable, except service fees, credit card fees, and insurance/fuel fees for non-refundable tickets.
Additional Notes:
- Tickets are valid for 1 year from issuance or first travel date, and flights must be used in sequence. Partial cancellations (e.g., one leg of a multi-flight itinerary) are not allowed; the entire booking is cancelled.
- For codeshare or partner airline flights (e.g., oneworld members), the operating airline’s rules may apply.
- Always check fare rules at booking, as conditions vary by ticket type and route (e.g., Japan-specific rules for Classic fares).
