Turkish Airlines Cancellation Policy

Turkish Airlines’ cancellation policy varies based on fare type, destination, and timing of the cancellation. Here’s a concise overview based on the most reliable and up-to-date information:

24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: For flights to or from the United States, if you book at least 7 days before departure, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking without any fees and receive a full refund to the original payment method. This applies to all ticket types, including non-refundable ones, per U.S. Department of Transportation rules.

Cancellations After 24 Hours:

• EcoFly (Economy): No cancellations are allowed, and no refunds are provided, even if canceled more than 12 hours before departure. Changes may incur fees.
• ExtraFly, PrimeFly, and Business Class: Cancellations are permitted with a penalty fee:
  • For domestic flights (within Turkey), a fee of TRY 375 applies if canceled more than 12 hours before departure; TRY 560 if canceled within 1–12 hours.
  • For flights to/from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Ercan), the fee is TRY 500 if canceled more than 12 hours before departure; TRY 560 within 1–12 hours.
  • International flights may have fees ranging from $70–$150, depending on the fare class and route.
• Non-refundable tickets (e.g., certain fare classes like Q, T, L, V, P, W, U, F) are not refundable after 24 hours unless the airline cancels the flight.
• Refundable tickets allow cancellations with a full refund, minus any applicable fees, based on fare rules.

Airline-Initiated Cancellations: If Turkish Airlines cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a full refund (to the original payment method or as a travel voucher for non-refundable tickets) or a free rebooking on another flight. For flights departing from the UK/EU, you may also claim compensation up to €600 under EU/UK Regulation EC 261 if the cancellation is within 14 days of departure and not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes).

No-Show Policy: If you fail to check in 45 minutes before domestic flights or 60 minutes before international flights, you’re considered a no-show. Non-refundable tickets receive no refund (except landing charges, excluding ticketing service and fuel duty). Refundable tickets may be partially refunded, subject to fees.

How to Cancel:

• By Phone: Contact Turkish Airlines’ call center at +1-877-240-6770.
• At the Airport: Visit a Turkish Airlines ticket counter for assistance.
• Third-party bookings (e.g., Expedia) may allow easier cancellations for U.S.-bound flights within 24 hours, but always confirm with the booking agent.

Refund Process: Refunds for eligible tickets are processed within 14–30 days to the original payment method. For partially used international tickets, refunds are calculated based on fare rules. Award tickets (Miles&Smiles) can be canceled with a fee (e.g., $70 for international flights) to redeposit miles.

Tips to Avoid Fees:

• Opt for flexible fare types (ExtraFly, PrimeFly, or Business) for lower cancellation penalties.
• Cancel early to minimize fees, as penalties increase closer to departure.
• Consider travel insurance to cover cancellations due to emergencies.
• Check fare rules before booking, as promotional or discounted tickets often have stricter policies.

Challenges Noted: Some users report difficulties canceling within the 24-hour window due to system issues or unhelpful customer service. If this occurs, persist by calling again or using a third-party booking platform like Expedia for U.S. flights, which may honor the 24-hour policy more reliably. File complaints with timestamps if needed, and consider disputing charges with your credit card provider if the airline doesn’t comply with the U.S. DOT 24-hour rule