Thai Airways International (TG), Thailand’s flag carrier, has a cancellation policy that varies by fare type, booking channel, and timing. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from their official website (thaiairways.com) and reliable sources.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- You can cancel any Thai Airways flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund to the original payment method, provided the flight departs at least 7 days (168 hours) later, per U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules for U.S. bookings. This applies to all fare types (e.g., Economy Saver, Premium Economy, Business) booked directly via thaiairways.com, the Thai Airways app, or their Contact Center.
- Exceptions: Group bookings (9+ passengers), codeshare flights operated by other airlines, and some promotional fares may not qualify. The 24-hour rule may not apply for bookings outside the U.S. unless specified by local regulations (e.g., Thai Airways may limit to same-day cancellations in some regions).
After 24 Hours:
Refundable Tickets:
- Fully refundable fares (e.g., Business Class, certain Premium Economy fares) can be canceled with no fee, with the full amount refunded to the original payment method.
- Refunds must be requested within 90 days of ticket expiry, or the ticket is voided.
Non-Refundable Tickets:
- Economy Saver: Non-refunded after 24 hours, except for taxes. No travel credit is issued.
- Other non-refunded fares (e.g., fare codes like -MYOVNE, -RLNOVNE): Cancellations incur fees of $75–$200 USD (e.g., $75 for -MYOVNE, $100 for -RLNOVNE, $150 for others; GBP 125–150 for UK bookings). The remaining value, if any, is refunded or issued as a voucher (validity typically 1 year).
- No-Show Fee: Failing to cancel before departure incurs a $220–$250 USD fee for changes or refunds, deducted from any refundable amount. Partially used Economy Saver tickets are non-refunded.
Cancellation Fees: Vary by fare type, route, and timing (e.g., $200 for fully unused tickets, higher within 7 days of travel). Check fare rules at booking for specific fees.
Cancellation Process:
- Phone: Call the Thai Airways Contact Center at +1-877-240-6770. Have your reservation number ready. A service fee may apply.
- In-Person: Visit a Thai Airways ticket office or airport counter (e.g., Bangkok Suvarnabhumi)
- Third-Party Bookings: Cancellations must be processed through the travel agency, which may impose additional fees.
- Refunds are credited to the original payment method (credit card: 7–10 days; debit card: up to 30 days). Vouchers are issued instantly but are non-transferable
Special Circumstances:
- Airline-Canceled Flights:
- If Thai Airways cancels a flight, you can choose a full refund (including non-refunded fares), rebooking on the next available Thai Airways flight, or a voucher (valid for 1 year). If rebooked on a cheaper flight, the fare difference is refunded.
- For EU departures or arrivals on Thai Airways-operated flights, EC 261/2004 applies, offering €250–€600 compensation for cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice, unless due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes). Compensation varies by distance: €250 (≤1,500 km), €400 (1,500–3,500 km), €600 (>3,500 km). Compensation is halved if an alternative flight arrives within 2–4 hours. Claims must be filed within 3 years.
- Thai Airways will provide meals, accommodation, and transfers for overnight disruptions within their control.
- Delays: For delays over 2–4 hours (depending on distance) due to Thai Airways’ control, you may cancel for a refund or claim EC 261 compensation for EU routes. Delays over 5 hours allow a refund for unused portions or a return flight if the trip is no longer viable.
Additional Notes:
- Operational Context: Thai Airways operates 80+ destinations from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), with a 79.92% on-time rate and 1.27% cancellation rate for international flights (recent data). Financial struggles have led to inconsistent customer service.
- Preferred Seats: Non-refunded if you cancel, but the purchase document can be reused on a future flight if seats are available. Refunded only if Thai Airways fails to provide the seat.
- Travel Insurance: Recommended for non-refunded fares due to high fees and refund delays. Check fare rules for flexibility.
