Sometimes, after booking a flight, you realize almost immediately that something isn’t right — maybe you picked the wrong date, booked the wrong destination, or simply changed your mind. For seniors, flexibility is especially important when plans can shift due to health or family needs. So, you may be wondering: “Can I cancel my Etihad ticket within 24 hours and get a refund?”
The answer is yes — in most cases, you can. Let’s break it down step by step so you know exactly how this policy works and how to take advantage of it. And if you’d prefer a quick, direct answer, you can always call (877)764-3622 for immediate guidance.
Etihad follows the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines:
If you book a flight at least 7 days before departure, you can cancel it within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.
This rule applies to tickets purchased directly with Etihad (website, app, or call center).
📊 According to DOT data, this policy protects thousands of travelers every year from losing money due to booking mistakes or quick changes in plans.
(Visual idea: A timeline graphic showing “Book → Cancel within 24 hrs → Refund.”)
Yes, you can — as long as your booking meets the eligibility conditions:
Eligible: Tickets booked directly with Etihad, more than 7 days before departure.
Not always eligible: Tickets purchased through third-party travel sites or close-to-departure bookings.
👉 Tip: Seniors who like booking early for peace of mind benefit most from this rule.
📞 Not sure if your booking qualifies? Call (877)764-3622 and confirm with an Etihad support agent.
Here’s how to cancel and request your refund online:
Visit Etihad’s website or open the mobile app.
Go to Manage Booking.
Enter your booking reference and last name.
Select Cancel Flight.
Confirm your eligibility for a full refund.
💡 Refunds usually appear back on your card within 7–14 business days. If you prefer speaking to someone, you can call support or handle it at the airport counter.
(Visual idea: Flowchart of the cancellation process.)
✅ Double-check travel details (names, dates, passport info) immediately after booking.
✅ Save confirmation emails in a safe folder for easy reference.
✅ Act quickly — don’t wait until the 23rd hour to decide.
✅ Call for assistance if online steps feel overwhelming: (877)764-3622.
👵 Example: Mary from Arizona realized she booked her Etihad flight for the wrong week. She canceled within 12 hours and received a full refund without paying a dime.
If you miss the deadline, you still have options — though they may involve fees:
Cancellation fees apply, depending on your fare class.
Refundable vs. Non-refundable tickets – refundable fares give more flexibility, non-refundable often only offer credits.
Travel insurance can cover non-refundable tickets if you cancel for medical or emergency reasons (AARP reports that nearly 40% of seniors purchase travel insurance for this reason).
📞 If you missed the 24-hour deadline, call (877)764-3622 to explore your remaining options.