Malaysia Airlines’ cancellation policy varies based on fare type, route, and booking conditions. Here’s a concise overview:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy: For tickets purchased directly through Malaysia Airlines’ website or mobile app, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking without a fee, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later. This applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets, for travel to/from the United States.
Fare Type Rules:
- Flex Tickets: Can be canceled and refunded without fees or converted to travel vouchers.
- Economy Basic: Can be canceled with a fee (e.g., USD 75 for some routes). Refunds depend on ticket conditions.
- Economy Lite: Generally non-refundable, except for specific routes (e.g., South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Port of Spain) where a fee may apply for refunds.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Typically not eligible for refunds unless exceptional circumstances apply (e.g., medical emergencies with documentation or airline-initiated cancellations).
Airline-Initiated Cancellations: If Malaysia Airlines cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight without additional fees. You may also be eligible for compensation (up to €530 for long-haul flights) if the cancellation notice is less than 14 days and not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes).
Special Circumstances:
- Medical Emergencies: Refunds or credits may be granted with documentation (e.g., medical certificate).
- Travel Restrictions: During pandemics or government-imposed restrictions, more flexible options like travel credits or fee-free rebooking may be offered.
- Delays: If a flight is delayed over 5 hours, you can request a refund or reschedule without cost.
Refund Process:
- Refunds typically take 7–10 business days but may take up to 6 months depending on the payment method and ticket conditions.
- For tickets booked via travel agents or third-party sites, contact the booking agent directly for cancellations/refunds.
- Online cancellations can be made via the “Manage Booking” section on the Malaysia Airlines website by entering your booking reference and passenger details.
How to Cancel:
- Phone: Contact the Global Contact Centre at +1-877-240-6770. Be prepared for potential long wait times.
- Airport: Visit the Airport Ticket Office to cancel in person.
Compensation for EU/UK Flights: For flights departing from EU/UK airports, EU/UK Regulation 261 may entitle you to up to £520/€600 for cancellations or delays over 3 hours, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances.
Travel Insurance: Purchasing travel insurance is recommended to cover cancellations due to personal emergencies, illness, or other issues not covered by the airline’s policy.
