Air Ticket Refund Rules Changed: Cancel Flight Within 48 Hours Without Extra Charges

by Jobuza Team | Mar 6, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

In a major relief for air travellers, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revised the air ticket refund rules in India. Under the updated policy, passengers can now cancel or modify their flight tickets within 48 hours of booking without paying additional charges, provided certain conditions are met.

According to the aviation regulator, these revised guidelines will come into effect from March 26, 2026. The new rules aim to make the refund process more transparent and passenger-friendly while ensuring airlines follow clear guidelines.

Below are the key refund and cancellation rules that passengers should know.

Refund Rules for Tickets Booked Using Credit Card

For passengers who book air tickets using a credit card, airlines are required to process the refund within seven days of cancellation. The refunded amount must be credited directly to the same credit card account used for the booking.

This rule ensures faster refunds and prevents unnecessary delays for passengers who choose digital payment methods.

Refund Rules for Tickets Purchased Through Cash

If a ticket is purchased through cash payment, the refund must be provided immediately at the airline office from where the ticket was bought.

This rule is intended to ensure that passengers who make offline purchases do not face delays in receiving their refunds.

Refund Rules for Tickets Booked Through Travel Agents

Many passengers book flights through travel agents or online travel portals. In such cases, the responsibility of issuing the refund still lies with the airline because travel agents act as the airline’s authorized representatives.

Under the revised rules, airlines must ensure that the refund process is completed within 14 working days when a ticket is cancelled.

Refund of Airport and Government Charges

The new rules also clarify that airlines must refund all statutory taxes and airport charges if a ticket is cancelled or not used.

This includes:

• User Development Fee (UDF)

• Airport Development Fee (ADF)

• Passenger Service Fee (PSF)

Importantly, these charges must be refunded even if the basic airfare is non-refundable, including tickets purchased under promotional or special fares.

48-Hour “Look-In Option” for Free Cancellation

One of the most important changes introduced by the regulator is the 48-hour “look-in option.”

Under this provision, passengers can cancel or modify their ticket within 48 hours of booking without paying any additional cancellation charges.

However, if the passenger changes the flight to a different one, they may have to pay the difference in fare if the new flight costs more.

Conditions for the 48-Hour Rule

This facility is available only under certain conditions:

• The departure date of the domestic flight must be at least 7 days away from the booking date.

• For international flights, the departure must be at least 15 days away.

• The ticket must be booked directly through the airline’s official website.

If more than 48 hours have passed after booking, normal cancellation charges will apply.

Credit Shell Refund Option

Airlines sometimes keep cancelled ticket amounts in a credit shell, allowing passengers to use the amount later for future travel.

Under the revised rules, this option will now be entirely up to the passenger. Airlines cannot automatically place the refund in a credit shell unless the passenger agrees to it.

Limit on Cancellation Charges

The aviation regulator has also placed a clear limit on cancellation charges.

Airlines or their agents cannot charge cancellation fees that exceed the basic airfare plus the fuel surcharge. This rule helps prevent excessive cancellation penalties.

However, any service charges taken by travel agents may still apply, provided they were clearly disclosed to the passenger at the time of booking.

Airlines Must Clearly Display Refund Policies

To ensure transparency, the regulator has directed airlines to clearly display the refund amount that passengers will receive after cancellation.

This information must be provided:

• On the ticket itself, or

• Through a separate document issued at the time of booking, and

• On the airline’s official website.

Additionally, cancellation charges must be clearly shown during the booking process so passengers understand the terms before purchasing a ticket.

Final Thoughts

The updated refund policy introduced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is designed to make air travel more passenger-friendly. The introduction of a 48-hour free cancellation window, faster refunds, and stricter transparency rules will help travelers avoid unnecessary financial losses when plans change.

Passengers planning to book flights after March 26, 2026 should carefully review these updated rules to take full advantage of the new benefits.

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Indian E-Passport 2026: Online Registration, Documents, Fees & Delivery Process

by Jobuza Team | Mar 3, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

Traveling abroad is now becoming faster and more secure for Indian citizens. Under Passport Seva Programme 2.0, the Government of India has started issuing chip-enabled e-Passports. This upgrade is part of the Digital India initiative and aims to make international travel smoother, safer, and more efficient.

With advanced biometric security and a simple online application system, the new e-Passport reduces long queues at immigration and strengthens identity protection.

What is an e-Passport?

An e-Passport, also known as a biometric passport, looks similar to the traditional blue passport. However, it contains an embedded electronic chip that securely stores the passport holder’s personal and biometric details.

The chip is integrated into the cover of the passport and includes:

• Your digital photograph

• Fingerprint data (biometrics)

• Personal information such as name, date of birth, and passport number

You can identify an e-Passport by a small golden chip symbol printed at the bottom of the front cover.

How Does the e-Passport Work?

The e-Passport uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. At immigration counters equipped with e-Passport readers, the chip is scanned electronically. The system verifies your identity by matching the stored biometric data with your physical presence.

The data inside the chip is encrypted and digitally signed, making it extremely difficult to tamper with. This significantly reduces the chances of identity fraud, forgery, or data theft.

Because of automated verification, immigration clearance becomes much faster compared to traditional manual checks.

Benefits of the e-Passport

Here are the major advantages of the new chip-based passport:

• Faster immigration clearance at international airports

• Enhanced biometric security

• Reduced risk of passport duplication or forgery

• Globally recognized digital travel document

• More secure storage of personal data

As more countries upgrade to smart border systems, e-Passports will make international travel more seamless for Indian citizens.

Documents Required for e-Passport Application

The document requirements for an e-Passport are the same as a regular passport. You need:

• Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID

• Address proof such as Electricity Bill, Water Bill, or Bank Passbook

• 10th class marksheet or Birth Certificate (for date of birth proof)

• Old passport (in case of renewal or re-issue)

Make sure to carry both original documents and self-attested photocopies during your appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an e-Passport

The entire process is simple and online. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Register Online

Visit the official Passport Seva website and create a new account using your basic details.

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

After logging in, select “Apply for Fresh Passport” or “Re-issue Passport” and carefully fill out the application form.

Step 3: Pay the Fee and Book Appointment

Pay the application fee online and schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Step 4: Visit Passport Seva Kendra

On your appointment date, visit the center for biometric data collection, photograph capture, and document verification.

Step 5: Police Verification

Your details will be sent for police verification at your registered address.

Step 6: Passport Delivery

Once verification is successfully completed, your e-Passport will be printed and dispatched to your home address via speed post.

Is the e-Passport Mandatory?

Currently, e-Passports are being issued in phases. If you apply for a new passport or re-issue, you may receive a chip-enabled passport depending on availability in your region. Existing passports remain valid until their expiry date.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of e-Passports in India marks a significant step toward digital governance and secure global travel. With encrypted biometric data, faster immigration processing, and a completely online application system, the new passport ensures convenience and enhanced security for travelers.

If you are planning international travel in the coming years, applying for an e-Passport is a smart and future-ready decision.

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Cardless ATM Withdrawal: How to Get Cash Without a Debit Card

by Jobuza Team | Mar 2, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

In today’s digital banking environment, accessing cash no longer depends entirely on carrying a debit card. If you forget your card at home or need money urgently, you can still withdraw cash safely using Aadhaar-based services or UPI-enabled ATMs. These modern facilities are designed to make banking more accessible, especially in situations where traditional ATM access is not possible.

Cash Withdrawal Without ATM Card Using Aadhaar

One of the simplest ways to withdraw money without a debit card is through the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS). This service allows customers to access their bank account using Aadhaar authentication instead of a physical card.

To use this facility, visit a nearby Business Correspondent (BC) or micro ATM service point authorized by your bank. These agents operate handheld or micro ATM devices that provide basic banking services in local areas.

Steps to Withdraw Cash Using Aadhaar

1. Visit an authorized micro ATM service provider.

2. Select the cash withdrawal option on the device.

3. Enter your Aadhaar number linked to your bank account.

4. Provide biometric verification through fingerprint authentication.

5. Once verification is successful, the cash is handed over immediately.

The daily withdrawal limit depends on your bank’s policies. Limits vary across banks based on security guidelines. Always collect the printed receipt after the transaction for future reference.

Cardless ATM Withdrawal Using UPI QR Code

Another convenient method to withdraw cash without a debit card is through UPI-enabled ATMs. Many banks in India now provide QR-based withdrawal facilities that allow customers to authenticate transactions directly from their smartphones.

This system works through UPI applications developed under the framework of the National Payments Corporation of India.

Steps to Withdraw Cash Using UPI at ATM

1. Visit an ATM that supports cardless cash withdrawal.

2. Choose the cardless withdrawal or UPI cash option on the screen.

3. Scan the QR code displayed on the ATM using any UPI app.

4. Enter the withdrawal amount and confirm the transaction.

5. Authorize the payment using your UPI PIN.

6. The ATM dispenses cash after successful authentication.

This method eliminates the need to carry a debit card while maintaining secure verification through your mobile device.

Important Points to Remember

Cash withdrawal limits without a debit card vary by bank and method.
Biometric authentication must match Aadhaar records for AePS transactions.
UPI withdrawals require an active UPI ID and registered mobile number.
Always verify transaction details and keep the receipt for records.

Conclusion

Cardless cash withdrawal is a practical solution for modern banking users. Whether through Aadhaar authentication at micro ATMs or QR-based UPI withdrawal at select ATMs, customers can access their money quickly and securely without a debit card. These services improve financial accessibility and reduce dependency on physical banking tools.

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