In a decisive move to curb rising traveler frustration, India’s aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a revised Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR). Effective from February 24, 2026, the new rules mandate a “Look-in option” that finally grants Indian passengers the flexibility already seen in many Western markets—the right to change their mind without being penalized by exorbitant “convenience” or “cancellation” fees.
The overhaul comes on the heels of a chaotic December 2025, where over 29,000 complaints were filed against domestic carriers, nearly 8% of which were solely related to refund delays and disputes.
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The 48-Hour “Look-in” Window: How it Works
The cornerstone of this reform is the 48-hour free cancellation/amendment period.
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The Rule: If you book a ticket directly on an airline’s website, you have a 48-hour window to cancel it or change the flight time/date without paying any penalty.
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The Exception: This safety net vanishes if you are booking a “last-minute” flight. For domestic flights, the departure must be at least 7 days away. For international flights, the gap must be at least 15 days.
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Fare Difference: While the change fee is waived, you will still have to pay any difference in the actual ticket fare for the new flight.
Name Corrections and Agent Refunds
The DGCA has also targeted “hidden” revenue streams used by airlines, such as charging thousands of rupees for a simple typo.
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Free Name Fix: If you notice a spelling error in the passenger’s name within 24 hours, the airline must correct it for free, provided the passenger remains the same.
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Agency Liability: Previously, airlines often blamed travel agents (like MakeMyTrip or EaseMyTrip) for refund delays. The new CAR states the onus of refund lies with the airline, as agents are their “appointed representatives.” Refunds must be completed within 14 working days.
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New Medical Emergency Protocols
Cancellations due to health crises have been streamlined to prevent arbitrary rejections.
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Hospitalization: If a passenger or a family member on the same PNR is hospitalized, the airline must offer a choice between a full refund or a credit shell.
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Fitness to Travel: For other health issues, an opinion from an Aerospace Medicine specialist (either from the airline or DGCA-empanelled) will be the final word on refund eligibility.
Reality Check
The “Look-in” option is a massive win for planned travelers. Still, the 7-day/15-day exclusion means that those who book urgent flights—the very group most likely to face shifting plans—remain unprotected. Therefore, the most “vulnerable” flyers still face the same high fees. In fact, if you book through a third-party portal, ensure you check their own “Convenience Fee” policies, as the DGCA mandate primarily focuses on the airline’s portion of the charges.
The Loopholes
The rule applies to tickets booked “directly through the airline website.” In fact, this is a “Channel Loophole”—airlines might still try to levy fees for tickets booked via offline counters or non-official apps. Therefore, the “Look-in” privilege is currently a digital-first benefit. Still, the “Fare Difference” loophole is where airlines will make up for the lost cancellation revenue; by raising the “prevailing fare” for the amended flight, the cost to the passenger might remain nearly the same as the original penalty.
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What This Means for You
If you are booking a holiday more than a week in advance, always book directly on the airline’s website. First, realize that you now have a “cooling-off” period to double-check your leave or hotel bookings. Then, if you spot a typo in your name, don’t panic. Take a screenshot of your booking and email the airline immediately within the 24-hour window to avoid charges.
Finally, understand that medical refunds require documentation. You should keep your hospital admission records or “unfit to fly” certificates ready. Before you accept a “Credit Shell,” ask for a bank refund, as the new rules specifically mention the choice lies with the passenger in cases of hospitalization.
What’s Next
Expect airlines to update their Terms & Conditions and website interfaces by the first week of March to include a “Look-in” button. Then, the DGCA will monitor the 14-day refund window for agent-booked tickets. Finally, look for a fresh report in April 2026 to see if these passenger-friendly moves actually reduce the staggering volume of complaints seen during the winter peak.
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