Use this guide to compare the complete purchase, not just the promotional headline. Work through the sections in order and keep the merchant’s final terms with your records.
Read the exact deadline
Refundable and changeable can mean different things; fees and fare differences may still apply.
Price the protection
Compare the premium for flexibility with the amount you could lose.
Check who holds the reservation
A third-party booking may require the intermediary to handle changes.
Separate changeable from refundable
A booking may allow changes while still requiring a fare difference or fee. A credit with an expiration date is not the same as a refund.
Consider disruption support
During a cancellation, direct access to the operating provider can matter. Understand whether an intermediary must approve or process the change.
This is general buying guidance based on editorial research. Merchant prices, terms and availability must be checked directly before purchase.