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Refundable vs Nonrefundable Airline Tickets?

Posted by Mark-West Coast Snowball (San Francisco Bay Area ) on 12/07/24 10:52 PM

I am looking at the cost difference between refundable and nonrefundable United Airline tickets for my RS space and Paris tour next year. The price difference between the tickets is under 500. What it looks like I can do is purchase now and if I see a price drop between now and October I can get a refund for the full amount and repurchase the less cost tickets for a savings. Has anyone done this before? If so did it work out?

Also if I have refundable tickets do I need to insure them under my travel insurance policy? I don’t see any benefit and the price to add them is more expensive than the price difference between the two tickets.

Thanks.

Posted by Chris

Houston, Texas, USA

12/07/24 11:46 PM

232 posts

We've made changes to United flights with changeable tickets. Check to see whether you would get an actual refund or a travel credit. We almost always use United so a credit works for us. If you buy a nonrefundable ticket, whether you insure it depends on whether you are willing to risk eating the loss if you can't go. It sounds like you have expensive insurance. For future trips, consider looking at Allianz, especially AllTrips (annual) insurance. It's pretty cheap and offers good benefits for the largest risk - medical evacuation and repatriation. Enjoy Paris!

Posted by Horsewoofie

Phoenix🌵

12/07/24 11:50 PM

3096 posts

This thread was posted a month ago. I think it answers your questions: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/refundable-airline-tickets-vs-non-refundable-airline-tickets-with-travel-insurance

I buy refundable plane tickets. No need to insure the ticket cost. I can cancel the flights knowing I can get a refund and not a credit. As I get older too many things can happen and I may not be able to use a credit.

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