Series Fare Cancellation and Refund Rules Explained

Series fare cancellation works differently from cancelling a normal airline ticket, and it is worth understanding before you book. Series or fixed departure seats are bought in bulk ahead of travel and resold on a set flight and date, so they usually carry strict fare rules: they are generally non-refundable, and name and date changes are usually not allowed or are limited.

This page explains the general position in plain language. The exact terms always depend on the airline's fare rules for that booking, and on JourneyDeal those rules are shown on the fare before you pay. Please read them carefully, and if anything is unclear, ask us before booking rather than after.

Are series fares refundable?

In most cases, no. The fare itself is usually non-refundable once the ticket is issued, because the seat was purchased in advance for that date. If you cancel, you should normally expect to lose the fare. That is the trade-off for a fixed price that is often lower than the live fare on busy dates.

Can taxes be refunded?

Some airport and government taxes are collected for the journey actually flown, and in some cases a part of them may be refundable if you do not travel. Whether this applies, how much can be returned and what charges are deducted depends on the airline's fare rules and the type of tax. It is not automatic and should not be assumed. If you want to request a tax refund on an unused series ticket, contact us with your booking reference and we will check what the airline allows.

What if the airline cancels or reschedules?

Airlines can retime or cancel flights, even when the seats were bought in advance. If the airline makes a significant schedule change or cancels the flight, the options are set by the airline and usually include:
• Moving you to another flight offered by the airline
• Accepting the new timing if it still works for you
• A refund where the airline's rules allow one for its own cancellation or a major change

We will contact you using the details on the booking and help you rebook or refund according to the airline's rules. Keep your mobile number and email correct so that you hear from us quickly.

Name changes and corrections

Series fares usually cannot be transferred to another person. A full name change is generally not allowed. A small correction, such as a spelling mistake, may sometimes be possible depending on the airline, and charges may apply. This is why it matters to enter every name exactly as it appears on the passport or government ID at the time of booking. Check the names on the confirmation as soon as it arrives.

Date changes

Date changes on series fares are usually not allowed or are limited. Where an airline does permit a change, there may be a fee plus any difference in fare, and the new date must have seats available. If your dates are not firm, a normal fare with flexible terms may suit you better.

No-show rules

If you do not board the flight and have not cancelled before departure, the booking is treated as a no-show. On series fares a no-show usually means the fare is lost, and on a return or onward booking the remaining flights may be cancelled by the airline. If you know you cannot travel, tell us before departure, as some airlines treat a cancellation and a no-show differently, especially for taxes.

How to request a cancellation or refund

1. Contact us with your booking reference, the passenger names and the flight details.
2. We check the airline's fare rules for your ticket and tell you what is possible and any charges.
3. If you confirm, we process the request with the airline.
4. Any amount the airline returns is refunded to you through the original payment method, after deduction of charges set out in the fare rules.

Refund timelines depend on the airline and the payment method, so we cannot promise an exact date.

Before you pay, a short checklist

• Read the fare rules shown on the Special Fixed Departure price row
• Make sure your travel dates are confirmed, including leave and visas
• Enter names exactly as on the travel document
• Check the baggage shown on the fare
• If flexibility matters, compare with the normal fares using Show all fares

For travel agents

Agents booking through our portal follow the same airline rules. Share the fare rules with your customer in writing before taking payment, and raise any cancellation or name correction through the portal or our support desk.