Can an airline cancel my reservation?

Can an Airline Cancel My Reservation?

Yes, an airline can cancel your reservation for various reasons. While it’s uncommon, it’s important to be aware of potential circumstances that could lead to a cancellation.

Schedule Changes:

Airlines occasionally need to adjust their flight schedules due to factors such as weather conditions, technical issues, or operational changes. In such cases, your flight may be canceled or rescheduled.

Overbooking:

Airlines sometimes sell more tickets than there are seats available on a flight. If more passengers show up than expected, the airline may have to cancel or bump certain passengers. This is more likely to occur on popular routes or during peak travel times.

Operational Issues:

Unforeseen operational issues, such as maintenance problems or crew shortages, can also lead to flight cancellations. These can be frustrating but are often necessary for safety or operational reasons.

International Reconfirmation:

Some airlines require international passengers to reconfirm their flights 72 hours or more before departure. Failure to do so may result in the airline canceling your reservation. This is done to ensure that passengers are still planning to travel and that there are no issues with their travel documents.

Other Reasons:

In rare cases, an airline may cancel a reservation for reasons beyond its control, such as government restrictions, airport closures, or force majeure events (e.g., natural disasters).

What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled:

If your flight is canceled, contact the airline as soon as possible to inquire about alternative arrangements. Typically, you will be offered a refund, rebooking on a later flight, or a flight credit.

Tips to Avoid Flight Cancellations:

• Book your flights well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Check your flight status a few days before departure.
• Reconfirm your international flights as required by the airline.
• Allow ample time for check-in and boarding.
• Be prepared for potential delays and cancellations.