Does Turkish Airlines have a Free Cancellation Policy?

Ever booked a flight and then immediately regretted it? Maybe your travel plans changed, or you just clicked the wrong date. That’s where an airline’s cancellation policy can be a lifesaver. If you’re flying with Turkish Airlines, you might be wondering: “Do they offer free cancellations?”

Well, buckle up—we’re diving deep into Turkish Airlines' cancellation policies so you know exactly what you’re dealing with before you hit that “Book Now” button.

Understanding Turkish Airlines’ Cancellation Policy

Turkish Airlines offers a fairly flexible cancellation policy, but it really depends on when you cancel, the type of ticket you’ve purchased, and the reason for cancellation. There’s good news, though—under certain conditions, you can cancel your flight for free.

Turkish Airlines 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation

Let’s start with the best-case scenario: the 24-hour rule.

Who Qualifies?

If you book directly through Turkish Airlines’ website or official app, and your flight is at least 7 days away, you can cancel it within 24 hours—completely free. No questions asked, no fees deducted.

How to Cancel Within 24 Hours

It’s super easy:

Go to the official website

Click on "Manage Booking"

Enter your ticket details

Choose the "Cancel" option and confirm

You’ll get a full refund to your original payment method.

Cancellation After 24 Hours

Here’s where things get a little trickier.

Refundable vs Non-Refundable Tickets

If you have a refundable ticket, you’re in luck. You can cancel at any time before departure and get your money back—though some service fees may apply.

With non-refundable tickets, you're not totally out of luck, but you probably won't get the full amount back. You may be eligible for:

A partial refund

Travel credit

Refund of taxes and fees

Associated Fees

Cancellation fees vary based on:

Destination

Fare type

Time of cancellation (closer to departure = higher fee)

How to Cancel a Turkish Airlines Flight

Turkish Airlines gives you several options for cancellation:

Online Cancellation Steps

Visit turkishairlines.com

Go to “Manage Booking”

Input your PNR number and last name

Click “Cancel Flight” and follow the steps

Cancelling via Mobile App

Open the Turkish Airlines app

Tap on “My Bookings”

Select your flight and tap “Cancel”

Phone Cancellation

Want help from a human? Call Turkish Airlines directly:

UK Customers: +44-204-586-5787

USA Customers: +1-877-777-6921

They’ll guide you through it step-by-step.

Turkish Airlines Refund Policy

When you’re due a refund, here’s what to expect:

Processing Time

Credit/Debit Card: 7–14 business days

Bank Transfers: Can take up to 21 business days

Mode of Refund

Original payment method

E-credit/voucher (if preferred)

Refund for Taxes and Fees

Even with non-refundable tickets, you can typically get taxes and airport fees refunded.

Special Cases for Full Refunds

Life happens, and Turkish Airlines understands that.

Medical Emergencies

Provide valid medical documentation, and they might waive cancellation fees entirely.

Death in the Family

Proof such as a death certificate may make you eligible for a full refund or travel credit.

Schedule Changes by the Airline

If Turkish Airlines changes your flight time significantly or cancels it, you can:

Get a full refund

Reschedule at no extra cost

Ticket Types and Cancellation Eligibility

Each ticket class has different rules:

Economy Class

Most flexible with refundable fare types

Basic fares are usually non-refundable

Business Class

More lenient policies

Often includes free changes and cancellations

Award Tickets

Booked with Miles&Smiles points? You can cancel but may lose some miles or pay a small service fee.

Promotional Fares

These are often final-sale. Read the fine print!

Non-Refundable Tickets: Can You Still Get Something Back?

Yes! Even if your ticket says “non-refundable,” you still might get:

A credit voucher for future travel

Refunds on taxes and fees

Options to reschedule (sometimes with a small fee)

Flight Changes vs Cancellations

Sometimes it’s better to change than cancel.

Changing a flight often costs less

You may not lose any money if the new fare is equal or cheaper

Some fare types allow unlimited free changes

Travel Insurance and Cancellation

Should you get it? If you travel often or your plans are uncertain, definitely consider it. Travel insurance usually covers:

Trip cancellations

Medical emergencies

Baggage loss

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Loyalty Program

Members of this program enjoy:

Flexible booking options

Reduced cancellation/change fees

Priority support

Booking with Miles

Miles bookings have specific cancellation policies. Typically, you’ll lose a few miles or pay a small fee, but you can cancel.

Tips for Avoiding Cancellation Fees

Read fare rules before buying

Cancel within 24 hours if unsure

Book refundable or flexible fares

Use points or miles for flexibility

Call customer support if unsure

Real Passenger Experiences

We’ve seen reviews where passengers praised the 24-hour cancellation for saving their vacation budget. Others weren’t so lucky with last-minute non-refundable tickets.

Lesson? Always check the fine print.

Conclusion

So, does Turkish Airlines have a free cancellation policy? Yes—but only under specific conditions, like the 24-hour rule or for refundable tickets. If you’re outside that window or flying on a promotional fare, it may cost you. But with the right timing and info, you can save big and avoid travel headaches.

Need help? Call Turkish Airlines directly:

📞 UK: +44-204-586-5787

📞 USA: +1-877-777-6921

FAQs

1. Can I cancel a Turkish Airlines ticket for free after 24 hours?

Only if your ticket is refundable or if the airline changes your flight schedule.

2. Do I get a refund if I miss my Turkish Airlines flight?

Typically no, unless you had a refundable ticket or specific insurance coverage.

3. How long does it take to receive a refund from Turkish Airlines?

Usually 7–14 business days, depending on the payment method.

4. Are taxes and fees refundable on non-refundable tickets?

Yes, Turkish Airlines usually refunds government taxes and airport fees.

5. Can I get a refund if I cancel my flight due to COVID-19?

Depending on local regulations and ticket type, you may qualify for a refund or travel credit.