Travel plans change, and that’s okay—especially for seniors who may need a little more flexibility. If you’ve booked a flight with Etihad Airways and are wondering about cancellation fees, refund rules, or how to make changes, you’re in the right place.
For quick, personalized help, you can always call (877)764-3622 and get answers without digging through policies.
Etihad Airways’ cancellation fees depend on a few key factors:
Ticket type: Economy Saver, Business Class, or First Class.
Route: Domestic within the Middle East vs. international flights from the U.S.
Timing: Canceling within 24 hours of booking vs. closer to your departure date.
👉 For many U.S.-booked tickets, you get a risk-free 24-hour cancellation window thanks to Department of Transportation rules. After that, fees typically range from $100 to $400, depending on your fare class and route.
đź’ˇ Example: A retired couple flying from New York to Abu Dhabi canceled a Business Class trip two weeks before departure. They paid around $200 per ticket in cancellation fees but avoided losing the full fare.
Within 24 hours of booking: Full refund, no fee (if booked at least 7 days before departure).
More than 96 hours before departure: Smaller fee.
Within 24 hours of departure: Higher penalty, sometimes no refund for non-refundable tickets.
Refundable: You’ll usually get money back (minus a fee).
Non-refundable: You may only receive travel credit, not cash.
Tip: Seniors with health concerns may want to consider refundable fares or travel insurance for peace of mind.
You have three main options:
Online: Visit Etihad’s Manage Booking page.
By Phone: Call customer service for step-by-step support.
At the Airport: Go to the Etihad ticket counter.
đź’ˇ Visual idea: Add a simple infographic with these three options side-by-side for easy scanning.
👉 Not sure which option is right for you? Call (877)764-3622 and speak with an agent who can guide you.
Book refundable fares if you know plans could change.
Use travel insurance: According to AARP, nearly 45% of senior travelers opt for insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.
Rebook instead of canceling: Sometimes, changing your travel dates is cheaper than outright canceling.
đź’ˇ Real-life example: A senior traveler in California switched her Etihad ticket to a later date instead of canceling. She avoided a $200 cancellation fee and only paid a small rebooking charge.
“Can I get a refund if I cancel due to health issues?”
→ Yes, with proper documentation and depending on fare class.
“What if Etihad cancels my flight?”
→ You’ll usually get a full refund or free rebooking.
“How long does a refund take?”
→ Typically 7–14 business days, though it can vary.