You can cancel a British Airways flight and possibly get a refund depending on the type of ticket you bought and when you cancel. British Airways offers a 24-hour cancellation window for bookings made directly through their website or contact centers, as long as the flight is at least seven days away. If you cancel within this 24-hour period, you will receive a full refund with no penalties. This rule applies to most ticket types and gives travelers a chance to change their minds shortly after booking.

After the initial 24 hours, the possibility of getting a refund depends on your ticket’s fare conditions. Fully refundable or flexible tickets allow cancellations with a full refund even after the 24-hour window. These tickets usually cost more but offer greater flexibility if your plans change. For non-refundable tickets, such as many economy fares, canceling often means you will not get money back but might receive a travel credit or voucher to use on future flights. These credits may have restrictions and expiration dates.

British Airways may also give refunds outside normal rules in special situations, such as if the airline cancels your flight, significantly changes your schedule, or you face emergencies like illness or death in the family. In these cases, you’ll usually need to provide proof, like a medical certificate or death notice.

Refunds generally go back to the original payment method and usually take a few business days to process, but sometimes it can take longer depending on payment providers and other factors. If you booked through a third party or travel agent, their refund policies might be different, so you should contact them directly.

In short, British Airways allows refunds if you cancel within 24 hours of booking or if you purchased a refundable ticket. For other tickets, you may get a travel voucher instead of cash unless you qualify for a special refund. It is always best to check your ticket’s rules before booking and cancel as soon as possible if your plans change.