Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has a cancellation policy that varies by ticket type, fare rules, and timing. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from Gulf Air’s official website and other reliable sources:
Within 24 Hours of Booking: You can cancel any Gulf Air flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund without a cancellation fee, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours from booking). This applies to all fare types (Economy, Falcon Gold/Business) and aligns with the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) for U.S. bookings.
After 24 Hours:
- Refundable Tickets: Eligible for a full or partial refund, minus a cancellation fee of BHD 10 (≈USD 30) or equivalent in local currency, plus any additional fare-specific penalties. Fees may range from USD 100–500, depending on fare class, route, and timing (e.g., USD 100–400 for cancellations within 24 hours of departure). Refunds are processed after deducting these charges.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refund for the ticket price, but unused airport taxes and government fees are refundable. Fuel surcharges, security charges, and service charges (e.g., DU/DV/OC/OA/OB/OD/OE) are non-refundable. In some cases, a travel voucher may be issued, valid for 1 year from issuance.
- No-Show Policy: If you fail to cancel before the check-in deadline and do not board, the ticket loses all value, and onward/return reservations may be cancelled, except in Italy, where you can contact Gulf Air within 24 hours of departure to retain the ticket’s value without fare differences. A no-show fee may apply, increasing cancellation costs.
Airline-Cancelled Flights: If Gulf Air cancels your flight or significantly delays it (e.g., 5+ hours), you’re entitled to:
- A full refund to the original payment method, processed within 7 days for credit cards or longer for cash/check, including unused ancillary services (e.g., baggage, seat selection) linked to an Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD).
- Rebooking on the next available Gulf Air flight or an alternative carrier at no extra cost. If no flights are available, Gulf Air may arrange accommodation near the airport.
- Compensation under EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from EU/UK airports, if cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice and not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control strikes). Compensation ranges from €250–€600 per person, based on flight distance (≤1,500 km, 1,500–3,500 km, >3,500 km), unless a comparable rebooking is offered (e.g., departure within 1–2 hours of the original time or arrival within 2–4 hours). No compensation applies if notified 14+ days in advance or for non-EU departures landing in the EU.
- Meals, refreshments, communication access, and hotel accommodation for significant delays or overnight stays, per EU/UK regulations or Gulf Air’s policy.
Special Circumstances:
- Medical Emergencies or Death: Refunds or fee waivers may be granted for serious illness or death of a passenger or close family member, with documentation (e.g., medical or death certificate). Contact Gulf Air’s customer service or submit via the refund form, as seen in cases like a Dubai–Manama booking cancelled due to a family health issue.
- Involuntary Situations: Full refunds are provided for unutilised EMD-linked ancillaries (e.g., baggage, upgrades) in cases where Gulf Air is responsible, such as cancellations, downgrades (30–75% of ticket price refunded), or penalties exceeding the base fare.
- Weather or Uncontrollable Events: For cancellations due to weather, political instability, or air traffic control, Gulf Air offers rebooking on the next available flight or a full refund, but no compensation under EU/UK regulations, as these are extraordinary circumstances.
How to Cancel:
- By Phone: Call +1-877-240-6770. Provide your booking reference and ticket number (starting with 072).
- At Airport: Visit a Gulf Air ticket counter or check-in desk with booking details.
- Through a Travel Agent: Contact the agent directly (e.g., Booking.com for third-party bookings), as Gulf Air’s online system may not process these cancellations. Agents follow Gulf Air’s policy but may have additional processing times.
- Confirmation: A cancellation confirmation is sent via email or SMS. Ensure contact details are updated in “Manage My Booking.”
Refund Process:
- Refunds for eligible cancellations are processed to the original payment method within 7–10 business days for credit cards, longer for cash/check, or at least one month after confirmation. Non-refunded able tickets refund only taxes/fees.
- Submit refund requests via gulfair.com’s refund form, the Contact Centre, or the point of purchase. Documentation is required for special circumstances.
- In countries like India, a service tax (e.g., 18%) may apply on cancellations or refunds.
- Vouchers, if offered, are valid for 1 year and have restrictions; cash refunds are preferred for flexibility.
Additional Notes:
- Fare Types: Non-refunded able tickets (common in Economy) limit refunds to taxes/fees, while refundable tickets (e.g., Falcon Gold Flex) offer more flexibility. Always check fare rules at booking, as they govern cancellations, changes, and refunds.
- Passenger Rights: EU/UK EC 261 protections apply only to EU/UK departures, not flights landing in the EU from non-EU airports (e.g., Bahrain–London). U.S. flights may have limited protections under DOT rules.
- Travel Insurance: Recommended for flexibility, as non-refunded able fares offer minimal refund options. Some credit cards provide cancellation coverage.
- Codeshare Flights: For codeshare flights (e.g., with EgyptAir, Oman Air), the operating airline’s rules may apply. Contact Gulf Air for clarification.
