Trying to cancel Emirates? Avoid the runaround.
Can you cancel your Emirates subscription? Check eligibility and conditions
Refundable vs Non-refundable Tickets:
- Refundable Tickets (Flex, Flex Plus): Eligible for a full refund minus cancellation fees (if applicable).
- Non-refundable Tickets (Saver, Special): Only unused taxes are refunded; base fare is forfeited if cancelled.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation (US Bookings):
- For flights booked to/from the US at least 7 days prior to departure, Emirates offers a full refund if cancelled within 24 hours of booking.
Deadline to Cancel:
- Must be done before flight departure. After departure (no-show), tickets typically become non-refundable.
Third-party Bookings:
- Tickets purchased through agents or online travel agencies must be cancelled through the original booking channel.
Skywards Miles Tickets:
- Can be refunded with a redeposit fee, typically around USD $75 or 10,000 miles.
Special Circumstances:
- Emirates may waive cancellation fees for compassionate grounds such as bereavement or serious illness upon providing documentation.
How to cancel a Emirates subscription, service or order
Step-by-Step Cancellation Process:
- Go to Manage Booking: Visit Emirates Manage Booking and enter your last name and booking reference.
- Cancel Booking: Select the “Cancel your booking” option. Review any cancellation fees displayed.
- Request Refund: Submit the online Refund Request Form to initiate your refund officially.
- Receive Confirmation: Check your email for a refund request confirmation and save the reference number.
- Third-party Bookings: Contact your travel agency directly for cancellation processing.
How long does a Emirates cancellation take?
24-Hour Cancellation Policy:
- Full refund if cancelled within 24 hours of booking for flights travelling through the US (booked at least 7 days before departure).
Before Departure Deadline:
- Cancellation must occur before your scheduled flight departure to avoid being marked as a no-show and losing refund eligibility.
Refund Processing Timeframe:
- Emirates typically processes refunds within 7–14 business days, although bank processing times may extend this slightly.
Follow-Up: If no refund appears after 3 weeks, proactively follow up with Emirates customer service.
Emirates cancellation fees and final charges – what to expect
Cancellation Fees by Fare Type:
- Flex Plus (fully refundable): Usually no cancellation fee.
- Flex & Saver: Fees around USD $200–$300 or a percentage of the fare, as stated in your fare conditions.
- Special Fares (non-refundable): No refund of base fare, taxes refunded only.
No-Show Fees:
- Additional fees may apply if you fail to cancel and become a no-show.
Award Tickets (Skywards):
- Typically incur a miles redeposit fee (~USD $75 or 10,000 miles).
Travel Agency Fees:
- If booked through an agent, additional agency-imposed fees may apply separately from Emirates.
Emirates cases submitted through Ajust
I had my Emirates flight grounded and cancelled with almost no explanation, and the lack of communication made the whole situation so much more stressful. I was left waiting without clear updates, unsure what to do next, and it felt like no one was taking ownership of the issue. It really shook my confidence in flying with them. - Barbara
My flight from Athens kept getting pushed back until it was finally cancelled close to midnight, after hours of silence and confusion at the gate. By the time Emirates organised a hotel, it was 3am and everyone was exhausted. I’ve flown with them many times, but the way this cancellation was handled left me completely drained and disappointed. - Aspasia
Our flight was cancelled at the gate and we were sent to collect our bags before being made to queue for hours just to get accommodation. The rebooked flights we were given were nothing like what we paid for, with long layovers and no real support. As travellers in our 60s, the whole cancellation process felt chaotic and uncaring. - Wayne
I arrived at the airport to find my flight cancelled without any real guidance on what would happen next. I waited five hours just to get basic information, and the uncertainty caused so much stress—especially because I was travelling for important work commitments. The cancellation and lack of care completely threw my plans off. - Nicholas
Consumer experiences with Emirates cancellations
Quick & Easy 24-Hour Refund: Customers report successfully cancelling within 24 hours of booking (US itineraries) without hassle, getting their refunds swiftly.
Frustration with High Fees: Some customers felt cancellation fees were unexpectedly high. Checking fare conditions before booking prevents this issue.
Emirates Cancellation FAQs
What’s the simplest way to cancel an Emirates booking without running into errors or dead ends?
The easiest method is through Emirates’ Manage Booking portal, where you enter your last name and booking reference to access the cancel option instantly. This avoids phone queues and lets you see any conditions before confirming. If the system blocks you, it usually means your ticket was issued through a third party, and you’ll need to cancel through that agent instead.
Can I cancel any Emirates ticket, or are some bookings not eligible at all?
Most Emirates tickets can be cancelled before departure, but the conditions vary by fare type. Flex and Flex Plus tickets usually allow cancellations, while Special and some Saver fares come with strict limits. If you miss your departure and become a no-show, cancellation entitlements are generally lost. Checking your fare rules first helps you avoid unexpected restrictions.
Why does Emirates sometimes force me to contact the travel agent instead of letting me cancel online?
You must cancel through the original booking channel because Emirates can’t modify tickets issued by third-party agents or online travel agencies. Those agents control the ticket and any attached rules. If you keep hitting blocks on Emirates’ website, it’s almost always because the booking wasn’t made directly with Emirates.
Does Emirates offer a grace period to cancel a booking without penalties?
Yes, Emirates offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation window for bookings to or from the US made at least seven days before travel. This allows you to cancel the entire booking without conditions or penalties. Outside this window, your cancellation depends entirely on the fare type and timing before departure, so acting early gives you the most flexibility.
Tried to cancel but Emirates made it difficult?
We’ll help you submit a formal cancellation they can’t ignore.