Airline Refund Complaint Format

iGuideline Summary

Under DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), airlines operating in India must process refunds within 7 business days for credit/debit card payments and within 20 business days for other payment modes after receiving a complete refund request. For cancellations initiated by the airline, a full refund or alternative flight must be offered. For denied boarding due to overbooking, compensation norms apply. VERIFY_OFFICIAL_SOURCE: DGCA CAR Section 3, Series M Part IV and airline-specific conditions of carriage.

When to File This Complaint

• Airline cancelled your flight and refund not received after 7 business days
• You cancelled and refund has not appeared in 7-20 business days
• Baggage lost or damaged and claim not settled within 21 days
• You were denied boarding despite a confirmed ticket
• Hidden fees or wrong fare charged without disclosure
• No-show charge applied incorrectly

Documents Required

• Flight booking confirmation with PNR number
• E-ticket or itinerary copy
• Bank / credit card statement showing deduction
• Airline cancellation email or notification
• Boarding pass (for denied boarding or baggage disputes)
• Baggage claim tag (for lost/damaged baggage)
• Airline's written response (if any)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not saving PNR and airline cancellation confirmation
• Missing the DGCA portal — most consumers only call airline helpline
• Not demanding written confirmation of denied boarding
• Failing to keep boarding passes for baggage-related claims
• Not checking airline's conditions of carriage for applicable timelines