Transavia Airlines, a Dutch low-cost carrier, has a strict cancellation policy with limited refund options, shaped by its budget model and EU regulations. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from their official website (transavia.com) and reliable sources.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation:
- You can cancel any Transavia 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) regulations for U.S. bookings. This applies to all fare types (Basic, Smart, Plus, Max) booked directly through transavia.com, the Transavia app, or their Service Centre.
- A €10 administration fee per booking is charged, deducted from the refund. Refunds are processed within 7–10 business days.
- Exceptions: Group bookings (9+ passengers), codeshare flights operated by other airlines, or promotional fares may not qualify.
After 24 Hours:
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Transavia’s policy does not offer refunds for passenger-initiated cancellations after 24 hours, regardless of fare type. You bear the full cost of the ticket, including extras (e.g., seat reservations, luggage). However, you can request a refund of passenger-related taxes and fees (e.g., airport taxes), minus a €20 administration fee per booking. Refund requests must be submitted within 3 months of the travel date via the online contact form or Service Centre.
- Flex Option: If purchased at booking (€10 per person per flight), the Flex fare allows fee-free changes to date or time (up to 1 year, subject to availability) but does not permit cancellations with refunds.
- No-Show Policy: Failing to cancel before departure voids the ticket, with no refund or credit, except for refundable taxes (request required).
- Cancellation Fees: A €10 fee applies for cancellations processed through the Service Centre, in addition to the non-refunded ticket cost.
Special Circumstances:
- Airline-Canceled Flights:
- If Transavia cancels a flight, you can choose a full refund (within 7 days), rebooking on the next available Transavia flight, or a voucher (valid for 12 months, non-refunded). If the outbound flight is canceled, the return flight is automatically canceled and refunded unless you contact Transavia within 24 hours to keep it.
- For EU departures or arrivals on Transavia-operated flights, EC 261/2004 applies, offering compensation of €250–€600 per person 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 of the original time. You have 3 years to file a claim.
- If stranded, Transavia provides meals, drinks, and accommodation (3-star hotel) for overnight delays, plus transport to/from the airport.
- Delays: For delays over 3 hours at the destination due to Transavia’s control, you may cancel for a refund or claim EC 261 compensation (€250–€600) for EU routes.
- Medical or Extenuating Circumstances: Refunds for exceptional cases (e.g., illness, death) may be covered by cancellation insurance, if purchased. Contact your insurer and request a no-show statement from Transavia for claims.
Additional Notes:
- Operational Context: Transavia, a KLM subsidiary, operates 1,205 daily flights with an 80.08% on-time rate and 0.17% international cancellation rate (recent 24-hour data). A 2024 fleet expansion issue led to 5% cancellations, prompting criticism for poor planning.
- Workaround: You can sell non-refunded tickets via platforms like SpareFare, transferring them to another traveler for a partial refund, though a €50 name change fee applies.
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended due to non-refunded tickets. Check insurance terms for coverage.
