Qatar Airways refund for cancellation.
Are you eligible for it? If so, what are the applicable rules?
The rules are detailed under European Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 that informs about the obligations of airlines and rights of passengers when a flight is cancelled. As per this regulation, the compensations and conditions under which airlines operate in Europe when a flight is cancelled are outlined.
In case of Qatar Airways, (EC) No 261/2004 only covers their flights from Europe.
Qatar Airways Refund For Cancellation
Can you get Qatar Airways refund for cancellation?
There are two possible scenarios. It depends on the timing of flight cancellation.
So, let’s start with the important question — when was your flight cancelled?
Scenario 1: Flight Is Cancelled Less Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You are entitled to: Refund or new flight + compensation (if it’s due to the fault of Qatar Airways).
This falls under a last-minute flight cancellation.
Qatar Airways offers two alternatives if they cancel your flight within 14 days: a refund in full or a new booking to your intended destination. You have the right to select which option suits you the best. If the cancellation was due to an error on Qatar Airways’ part, you may also be eligible for flight cancellation compensation.
Both the refund and compensation will be transferred to your bank account.
Check your compensation online!
Read more: Qatar Airways flight cancellation compensation
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Scenario 2: Flight Is Cancelled More Than 2 Weeks Before the Trip
You are entitled to: Refund or new flight to your destination.
If your flight is cancelled more than 14 days prior to departure, compensation is not eligible. However, you still have the choice to opt for a refund instead of the flight. Qatar Airways is bound to offer you the choice between a new flight or a refund, and you get to decide the best option for you.
Your Qatar Airways refund should be processed within 7 days.
Visit the website of Qatar Airways to check your refund request status.
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
What If You Miss a Connecting Flight Due to Cancellation?
You will be taken care of.
If your flight is cancelled and as a result you miss your connecting flight, Qatar Airways will book you on a new flight to your final destination at no additional cost. What about compensation? The same rules are applicable as with delayed flights. You should verify how much later you will arrive at your destination compared to the original scheduled arrival. If it’s 2 or more hours, you might be entitled to compensation.
See our guide to Qatar Airways missed connection compensation.
Keep in mind that compensation rules apply only to Qatar Airways flights from Europe.
Qatar Airways Cancelled Flight Refund: FAQ
If My Flight Is Cancelled, Do I Get a Refund?
Yes, if you are flying with Qatar Airways, and it’s a flight from Europe.
You can opt to receive a Qatar Airways refund for cancellation instead of rebooking on a new flight. But you can’t get both.
However, if Qatar Airways cancels your flight less than 14 days before the trip and it’s their fault, you may be eligible for both a refund (or new flight) and Qatar Airways flight cancellation compensation.
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
Qatar Airways Voucher Refund or Cash, Can I Get Money?
What if Qatar Airways is offering you a voucher instead of compensation?
If Qatar Airways offers you a voucher as compensation, you have the right to decline and ask for a cash payment instead. European Union regulations (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004) compel airlines to offer compensation and refunds in cash or bank transfers.
Have you already accepted a voucher?
Request Qatar Airways to convert travel voucher to cash.
What if it’s a flight from a country outside the EU?
As you may already know, the EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights from Europe. If it’s a flight from a country outside the EU/UK, accepting a voucher may be your only option. EU regulations do not apply to all Qatar flights, only to their flights from Europe. Only European regulations state that a voucher is not the same as refund/compensation.
What If Qatar Airways Is Refusing Refund For Cancellation?
If it’s a flight from Europe, you are protected under EU law.
Don’t give up if Qatar Airways is refusing your refund claim.
You have the right to claim a refund. Point out Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Articles 5 and 8, which mandate airlines to refund passengers in certain situations. If Qatar Airways continues to be non-cooperative, engage the national enforcement body in the country where your flight was scheduled to depart for further assistance.
Read more: Your Qatar Airways Refund Is Taking Forever. What Can You Do About It?
Can You Get Both Compensation and Refund?
If it’s a Qatar Airways flight from Europe, you are protected under EU law.
And in this case, there are situations where you can receive both.
If Qatar Airways cancels your flight less than 14 days before the scheduled departure due to their mistake, you qualify for a full refund and compensation from Qatar Airways. Note that both the refund and the compensation need to be deposited in your bank account, not as vouchers.
Contact Qatar Airways if you have already received a voucher or coupon, to exchange it for a cash refund.
In all cases, you also have a right to care.
As Qatar Airways is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Qatar Airways flights departing from the EU and the UK.
What Happens If I Cancel My Flight, Not The Airline?
When you cancel a flight, the refund you are entitled to greatly depends on the type of ticket you purchased. If you bought a non-refundable ticket, which is generally cheaper, you may not get a refund. However, Qatar Airways may offer you a voucher or allow you to change your booking for a fee.
If you purchased a refundable ticket, you can get a full refund. Always check the cancellation policy before booking your flight.
What Is Qatar Airways’ Policy Regarding Flight Delays?
Qatar Airways takes responsibility for flight delays that are within their control, such as mechanical issues or crew shortages. In such cases, passengers may be entitled to flight delay compensation, if it’s a flight from Europe. Flights from Europe are covered by the EU laws.
If the delay is due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, like weather or air traffic control, compensation might not be provided.
How Does Qatar Airways Handle Lost or Damaged Luggage?
Qatar Airways follows the Montreal Convention rules for lost or damaged luggage.
If your luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged, you are entitled to a maximum compensation of approximately 1131 Special Drawing Rights, which is a mix of currencies defined by the International Monetary Fund. This applies if the incident occurred on an international flight.
What Is The Compensation If I Am Denied Boarding on a Qatar Airways Flight?
If you’re denied boarding on a Qatar Airways flight due to overbooking and you don’t voluntarily give up your seat, you may be entitled to compensation in line with EC Regulation 261/2004 norms. Compensation can run from €250 to €600 depending on the distance of your flight.
Keep in mind that these EU laws apply to Qatar Airways flights from Europe.
Can I Change My Flight Without Any Charges?
This largely depends on the fare conditions of your ticket.
Some fare types allow a certain degree of flexibility, where you can change your dates or even routes without additional costs. However, other fare types might charge a change fee plus any fare difference. Be sure to check the fare rules carefully before making your booking.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
What is your experience with Qatar Airways flight cancellations? Have you ever received a Qatar Airways refund for cancellation?