You can cancel a British Airways flight and get a refund, but whether you receive a full refund depends on the type of ticket you purchased and the timing of your cancellation. If you book a refundable ticket, you are generally allowed to cancel it before departure and get a full refund to your original form of payment. These refundable fares are more expensive but offer flexibility for travelers whose plans may change. If you book a non-refundable ticket, you usually will not get a cash refund. However, in many cases, British Airways may offer you a travel voucher or credit that can be used toward a future flight. This credit usually has an expiration date and is subject to fare rules. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, taxes and certain fees might still be refundable, even if the fare itself is not. British Airways also has a 24-hour cancellation policy that allows passengers to cancel for a full refund if the flight was booked at least seven days before departure and the cancellation is made within 24 hours of booking.

If British Airways cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you are entitled to a full refund regardless of the type of ticket you purchased. This includes situations where your flight is delayed by several hours or rerouted. In such cases, British Airways usually contacts customers directly and offers rebooking or refunds. In cases of personal emergencies such as serious illness, death in the family, or military orders, British Airways may also consider refunding non-refundable tickets if proper documentation is provided. Refunds for award tickets booked with travel points or miles are generally allowed, often with a small cancellation fee, and the miles are returned to your account.

To cancel your flight and request a refund, you can use the “Manage My Booking” section on the British Airways website if you booked directly. For third-party bookings, you may need to contact the travel agency. Refunds usually take a few days to process, but it may take longer depending on your payment method. British Airways may also charge cancellation fees depending on how close you are to the departure date, though fully flexible fares often avoid these fees. Non-refundable tickets canceled closer to departure may have higher penalties or may only be eligible for a small portion of the value as a voucher.

In summary, you can cancel a British Airways flight and get a refund under certain conditions. Fully refundable tickets give you the most flexibility. Non-refundable fares may qualify for travel credit or partial refund of taxes. The 24-hour grace period and policies for canceled flights or emergencies also provide some refund options. Understanding your fare type and cancellation rules is important to know exactly what to expect when making changes to your travel plans.