Handling Flight Cancellations: A Quick Guide

Heading off on a holiday full of excitement and anticipation, only to be met with a sudden flight cancellation, can be incredibly frustrating and disappointing. Especially when it happens at the last minute, it can disrupt your entire travel plan and quickly turn a joyful experience into a stressful one.

How to Cancel a Flight Ticket? (via Airline/Trip.com)

Credit: Indigo

How to Cancel Flight via Airline

Core Entry: Manage Booking or other similar buttons (airline official app/website, no other valid entry)

1. Log in to your airline account with the registered mobile/email (matching booking information).
2. Enter Manage Booking section, retrieve your order with PNR/Booking Reference Number + Passenger Name.
3. Select the target flight segment, click Cancel Flight (prominent button in flight details).
4. Confirm passenger information & flight to cancel, check refund breakdown (fare/tax/fee deduction) on the pop-up page.
5. Click Confirm Cancellation, save the cancellation confirmation email (with refund tracking number) for follow-up verification.

Key Official Notes

• If booked via third party, airline official will reject direct cancellation—must use the original booking platform.
• After check-in: Click Uncheck-in first in the same section, then follow the above steps to cancel.

How to Cancel Flight on Trip.com

Only Available on Trip.com App

1. Open Trip.com App, log in to your account, click My Trips (homepage bottom tab, core booking entry).
2. Locate the flight booking to cancel, click Manage My Booking (right side of the order, blue button).
3. On the management page, tap Cancel Booking (red prominent button in the flight module, no other cancellation entry).
4. Check the automatic refund calculation (refund amount, cancellation fee, airline service fee) → click Next to enter the confirmation page.
5. Confirm passenger/flight segment/refund method (original payment by default) → tap Submit to complete cancellation.

Trip.com Exclusive Notes

• Refund status can be tracked in My Trips → Canceled Bookings (status: Submitted/Processing/Refund Sent/Completed).
• For refund issues: Contact Trip.com 24/7 Live Chat (App inner) or country-specific hotline (no other valid channel).

Important Steps to Take When Your Flight Is Cancelled

For Malaysian travellers, flight cancellations can be a frustrating experience—especially when you're looking forward to a well-deserved holiday or an important trip. Cancellations can happen for various reasons, including bad weather, technical issues, or sudden changes in aviation regulations.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, don't panic. In this article, I’ll walk you through the key steps you should take when your flight gets cancelled, so you can manage the disruption smoothly and keep your travel plans on track.

1. Contact the Airline to See If They Can Book You on an Alternative Flight

Source: The New York Times

If your flight gets cancelled and you still wish to continue your journey, the first thing you should do is contact the airline you booked with. For Malaysian travellers flying within or between Malaysia and Indonesia, airlines such as Lion Air, Citilink, and AirAsia may provide rebooking assistance or alternative travel arrangements in the event of flight cancellations. Support options vary depending on the airline, route, and ticket conditions.

Airlines will usually try to provide you with a replacement flight that best matches your original schedule, so your travel plans face minimal disruption. In addition to rebooking options, many airlines also offer alternatives such as a full refund or travel vouchers that you can use for future flights.

It’s crucial to reach out to the airline’s customer service as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing an option that fits your itinerary and avoids unnecessary delays.

2. Understand the Refund Options Available

Source: Adobe Stock

When a flight is cancelled, most airlines—including Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink, and AirAsia—will generally offer two main options: rescheduling your flight or requesting a refund. As a Malaysian traveller, you can typically choose between a cash refund or a travel voucher that can be used for future bookings.

In cases where the cancellation results in a long wait, airlines often provide basic amenities such as snacks, phone access, or even accommodation if necessary. If the cancellation is due to the airline’s fault, you may also be entitled to additional compensation, depending on the applicable regulations.

It’s important to contact the airline directly to understand your rights and the solutions available to you.

Common Scenarios and Solutions for Cancelled Flights:

3. Check If You Are Eligible for Compensation

Source: Cabin Zero

As a Malaysian traveller flying in Indonesia, it’s important to understand your passenger rights in case of flight delays or cancellations. Under Indonesian aviation regulations, passengers may be entitled to assistance or compensation depending on the delay situation and applicable airline policies.

Here are some examples of compensation you might be eligible for:

4. Contact the Airline or Travel Agent for Further Information

Each airline and travel agency has its own policies regarding flight cancellations. That’s why it’s important to visit their official website and carefully read the cancellation terms and conditions. You can usually find this information under the “Contact Us” or “FAQ” section.

In the event of a cancellation, airlines or travel agents will typically send an email with instructions on how to rebook your flight or request a refund. So, make sure to check your inbox regularly to avoid missing any important updates or deadlines.

Staying informed and proactive will help you navigate the situation more efficiently and ensure that you don’t miss out on any available options.

Stay Prepared: What to Do When Your Flight Gets Cancelled

Source: Federal Employee Education & Assistance

Flight cancellations can be stressful, but knowing your rights and the proper steps to take can make the situation more manageable. As a Malaysian traveller, always contact the airline promptly, understand your refund and compensation options, and stay updated through official channels. By staying informed and proactive, you can minimise disruptions and continue your journey with greater peace of mind.

Flight Cancellation Insurance

Trip.com Air Flexibility

• Core Benefit: Reduce or waive eligible cancellation and change fees with selected Air Flexibility options. Benefits vary by plan and booking conditions.
• How to Use: Select the option when booking flights on Trip.com (additional fee, displayed in fare details).
• Applicable Scenario: Voluntary cancellation due to personal reasons (no need to provide extra proof).

Top Global Travel Insurance

• Allianz Partners: Global leader; covers illness, emergency, natural disaster; 24/7 help.
• AXA Assistance: Strong for international trips; trip cancellation up to 100% cost.
• Generali: Affordable, reliable for global travelers.
• IMG: Popular for US & international; high coverage limits.