Middle East Airlines Cancellation Policy

Middle East Airlines (MEA), the national carrier of Lebanon, has a cancellation policy that varies based on fare type, booking method, and applicable regulations. Below is a concise overview based on the latest available information:

24-Hour Cancellation Policy:

• You can cancel any flight booked directly through MEA’s website or app within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours or more). This applies to all fare types, including non-refundable tickets, and aligns with U.S. DOT regulations for bookings in the U.S.
• After 24 hours, cancellations are subject to fare rules and may incur fees.

General Cancellation Rules:

• Non-Refundable Tickets: Most economy fares (e.g., Economy Super, Saver, Value) are non-refundable after the 24-hour window. Cancellations may result in only taxes/fees being refunded, with fees of USD 25–400 depending on fare type, route, and timing (e.g., 40–80% of ticket price if canceled on departure day).
• Refundable Tickets: Flexible fares (e.g., Economy FullFlex) allow cancellations before departure with a USD 25 fee or no fee after departure for some fares. Check “Fare Conditions” or “Purchase Conditions” at booking for specifics.
• Cancellation Deadline: Cancellations are accepted up to 120 minutes (2 hours) before departure for eligible tickets.
• Infant/Group Bookings: Infant tickets and group reservations cannot be canceled online and may have stricter rules. Contact MEA directly.

Airline-Initiated Cancellations:

• If MEA cancels your flight (e.g., due to technical issues, weather, or geopolitical tensions), you’re entitled to:
  • A full refund, including taxes and fees, to the original payment method.
  • Rebooking on the next available MEA flight at no extra cost, with efforts to accommodate passengers comfortably (e.g., nearby airport accommodation if needed).
• For EU departures, under EC 261/2004, if MEA cancels a flight with less than 14 days’ notice and the reason is within their control, you may claim:
  • Compensation of €250–600 based on flight distance (e.g., €250 for up to 1,500 km, €600 for over 3,500 km).
  • Care (meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation, transfers) for delays over 2–4 hours.
  • Exceptions apply for extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes).
• Recent data shows MEA canceled 5.56% of international flights in a 24-hour period, with 66.97% of flights departing on time.

Special Circumstances:

• Medical Emergencies or Bereavement: Full refunds may be granted with documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) if the passenger or a close relative cannot travel.
• COVID-19 or Geopolitical Issues: During disruptions (e.g., 2020–2021 pandemic, 2024 Lebanon tensions), MEA offered flexible rebooking or vouchers. Refunds are preferred over vouchers, as voucher validity is limited (e.g., 6–12 months).
• Third-Party Bookings: If booked through an agent (e.g., Expedia, Alternative Airlines), cancellations must be handled by the agent, and their fees may apply, even if MEA’s policy allows a full refund.

Cancellation Process:

• Phone: Call MEA’s Call Center at +1-877-240-6770 to cancel and request a refund.
• In-Person: Visit an MEA ticket office or airport counter.
• Third-Party Bookings: Contact the travel agent directly, as online cancellation is unavailable.

Refund Processing:

• Refunds take 7–10 working days for direct bookings, longer for third-party bookings (up to 8 weeks due to high demand).
• Refunds are credited to the original payment method in the same currency. If the card account is closed, inform your bank to redirect funds.
• Non-refundable ticket holders may receive reward points instead of cash for remaining value.
• Tickets are not valid for refunds after one year from the date of issue.

Customer Feedback:

• Passengers report slow refund processing (up to 8 weeks) and poor communication, especially during regional tensions (e.g., 2023 Lebanon unrest). Some experienced rude customer service or difficulties with third-party refunds.
• Online cancellations are straightforward for direct bookings but limited for agency bookings.