Cancelling an international flight can be stressful, especially when you’re unsure about cancellation fees, refund eligibility, or whether your ticket qualifies for a travel credit. If you’ve booked a Classic international ticket and need to cancel, understanding the full policy can help you avoid unnecessary penalties.
This complete guide explains the Qantas classic international ticket cancellation fee, refund rules, cancellation timelines, no-show consequences, travel credits, and what happens if the airline cancels your flight. Everything you need to know is covered in detail below.
A “Classic” international ticket generally refers to a standard fare booking under the airline’s regular fare categories. These may include:
Economy Class (Saver, Sale, Flexible)
Premium Economy
Business Class
First Class (on select long-haul routes)
Classic tickets follow specific fare rules that determine whether the ticket is refundable, partially refundable, changeable, or non-refundable.
Before cancelling, always check your fare conditions under the “Manage Booking” section of your reservation.
1. Flexible International Fares
Flexible fares generally offer:
Low cancellation penalties
Partial or full refund eligibility
Option to change flights without heavy fees
In many cases, flexible tickets may have minimal cancellation charges or allow refunds after deducting a small administrative fee.
2. Semi-Flexible International Fares
These fares typically:
Allow cancellation with a moderate fee
Refund remaining balance after deduction
May offer travel credit instead of cash refund
Cancellation fees vary by route and cabin class.
3. Sale or Discount International Fares
Discounted fares usually have:
Higher cancellation fees
Limited refund options
Possible conversion into travel credit
Some sale fares may not allow full refunds of the base fare.
4. Non-Refundable International Tickets
If your ticket is marked “non-refundable”:
The base airfare is typically not refunded
Government taxes may be refundable
Travel credit may be offered depending on policy
In certain situations:
If the ticket was booked directly through the airline website
And cancelled shortly after purchase
And departure is not immediate
You may qualify for reduced penalties or a full refund.
However, this depends on the country of purchase and fare type. International bookings do not always guarantee a full 24-hour risk-free cancellation.
Refund eligibility depends on:
Fare conditions
Time of cancellation
Cabin class
Payment method
Whether travel has started
Refund to Original Payment Method
If eligible:
Refund goes back to the original form of payment
Processing time depends on bank or card issuer
Travel Credit Instead of Refund
In some cases:
Ticket value is converted into flight credit
Credit must be used within validity period
New booking may require fare difference payment
Cancellation of Tickets Booked with Points
If the Classic international ticket was booked using frequent flyer points:
Points are typically redeposited into your account
A redeposit fee may apply
Taxes paid in cash are refunded separately
Points redeposit time may vary depending on account processing.
There are two primary ways to cancel:
1. Online Cancellation (Recommended)
Steps:
Visit the official website
Click “Manage Booking”
Enter booking reference and last name
Select the cancellation option
Review cancellation fee
Confirm cancellation
Always review the exact fee shown before final confirmation.
2. Customer Support Cancellation
If online cancellation is unavailable:
Contact customer service
Provide booking details
Request cancellation assistance
Support agents can clarify refund eligibility and travel credit options.
Refund timing depends on:
Payment method
Bank processing time
Type of refund (cash or credit)
Typical processing:
Credit card refunds: Several business days
Travel credit issuance: Often faster
Points redeposit: Depends on account system processing
No-Show Policy for International Classic Tickets
If you fail to cancel before departure:
You may lose entire ticket value
Refund eligibility may be reduced
Rebooking may incur heavy penalties
Always cancel before the scheduled departure time to avoid no-show penalties.
If eligible for credit:
Credit amount equals remaining ticket value
Validity period applies
New booking must occur within validity window
Fare difference applies if new ticket costs more
Unused credits after expiry may not be recoverable.
If the airline cancels your international flight:
You may be eligible for:
Full refund
Free rebooking
Travel credit
This is different from voluntary cancellation by the passenger.
In documented emergency cases:
Fee waiver may be considered
Medical documentation required
Policy review on case-by-case basis
Approval is not automatic and depends on fare rules.
Economy International Tickets
Most restrictive in sale category
Flexible variants allow partial refunds
Premium Economy
Moderate flexibility
Lower penalty than sale fares
Business and First Class
Generally more flexible
Higher likelihood of refund eligibility
How to Reduce Cancellation Fees
You can reduce penalties by:
Booking flexible fares
Cancelling early
Avoiding no-show
Checking travel insurance coverage
Using points booking strategically
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting until departure time
Assuming all tickets are refundable
Ignoring fare rules
Forgetting to check tax refund eligibility
To summarize:
Cancellation fee depends on fare type
Flexible fares = lowest penalty
Discount fares = higher restriction
Points bookings may include redeposit fee
Refund time varies
No-show results in higher loss
Travel credit may replace refund
Airline cancellation allows full refund option
Understanding these rules helps you avoid unnecessary financial loss.
How much is the Qantas classic ticket cancellation fee for international flights?
It depends on fare type, cabin class, and route. Flexible fares usually have lower fees, while sale fares may have higher penalties.
Are international classic tickets refundable?
Some are refundable, especially flexible fares. Non-refundable fares may only allow tax refunds.
Can I cancel my international ticket online?
Yes, through the “Manage Booking” section if eligible.
Do I get my points back after cancelling?
If booked with points, they are typically redeposited, possibly with a fee.
What happens if I don’t cancel before departure?
You may lose full ticket value due to no-show penalties.
Understanding how much the Qantas classic ticket cancellation fee for international flights is can help you avoid unnecessary financial loss. Cancellation charges depend largely on your fare type, cabin class, and when you cancel the ticket. Flexible fares usually offer better refund protection, while sale or discounted fares may have stricter rules and higher penalties.
Before cancelling, always review your fare conditions, check refund eligibility, and consider whether travel credit or rebooking might be a better option. Cancelling before departure is essential to avoid no-show penalties. If your ticket was booked using points, remember that redeposit fees may apply.
Carefully reviewing the cancellation policy in advance ensures that you make the most cost-effective decision for your travel plans.