Cancelled your flight but haven't received the refund yet? Here's the realistic timeline by airline and payment method.
Refund Timeline by Airline
Why Credit Card Refunds Take Longer
- 💳 Airlines process refund → Bank receives → Bank credits your account
- ⏰ Each step takes 3-5 business days
- 📅 If near billing cycle end, may appear on NEXT month's statement
- 📞 If >15 days: Call bank (not airline) — they may have the money already
How to Escalate
- 📞 Call airline: Get refund reference number and expected date
- 📧 Email with PNR: Written record is important for complaints
- ⚖️ DGCA complaint: If >30 days overdue, file at dgca.gov.in
- 🏛️ Consumer forum: Last resort — airlines usually settle before this