Today lets look at something which effects all the travellers that ever purchase a ticket. This is date changing and restrictions on tickets. Note to self though if you work through an agent you can expect to pay a service fee for them to change the ticket. You must be aware that the ticket you purchase does have restrictions. We have discussed refunds before however lets touch on it again which looking at conditions of the flight tickets. Here are some fare rules as examples:
here is one of the most restrictive tickets that you can get:
CANCELLATIONS
ANY TIME
TICKET IS NON-REFUNDABLE.
CHANGES
ANY TIME
CHANGES NOT PERMITTED IN CASE OF REISSUE/REVALIDATION.
Here is a less restrictive ticket:
ORIGINATING SOUTH AFRICA -
CANCELLATIONS
BEFORE DEPARTURE
CHARGE 50 PERCENT.
NOTE -
CHARGE 50 PERCENT OF THE FARE PAID.
AFTER DEPARTURE
TICKET IS NON-REFUNDABLE.
CHANGES
ANY TIME
CHANGES PERMITTED.
NOTE -
REBOOKING PERMITTED – CHARGE ZAR 300.00
Here is an example of a non restrictive ticket:
CANCELLATIONS
ANY TIME
CANCELLATIONS PERMITTED.
NOTE -
FULL REFUND LESS ADMINISTRATION FEE.
CHANGES
ANY TIME
CHANGES PERMITTED.
These are some examples of the restrictions you can expect to see on the ticket. Just for reference these examples are taken from SAA on the JHB ACC route. The fare difference between the most restrictive and the less restrictive is ZAR8320. Be aware of what you are purchasing and generally you are getting what you pay for. Here is a TIP. If you need a changeable ticket advise this to your agent and ask for the rules of the ticket prior to making payment and issuing the ticket because if the ticket is non refundable changes etc CANNOT be done at a later stage.
