Our answer
It depends on the fare you buy, so it’s worth checking before you pay.
- Flexible business class fares often allow free changes and sometimes full refunds. They cost more.
- Cheaper business class fares usually allow changes, often for a fee plus any difference in price, and may give a partial refund or a credit if you cancel.
- Some discounted fares are non-refundable but still let you change the date.
If the airline cancels your flight or changes it a lot, that’s different. Under US rules, if you choose not to accept the new flight, you’re entitled to a refund to your original payment method. Other countries have their own rules.
Tips:
- If your plans might change, ask for a fare with free changes. The extra cost is often small compared with a change fee.
- Consider travel insurance that covers cancellation for reasons like illness.
- Read the fare rules on your quote, which tell you exactly what you can change.
We explain the change and refund rules in plain English before you book, so there are no surprises.
Read next:
Answered by the Global Business Flights team, booking business and first class since 2017. Last reviewed November 2026.
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