Still waiting on a Flight Centre refund?
Can you get a refund from Flight Centre? Check eligibility first
Flight Centre’s refund policy depends heavily on who cancels the booking and what kind of fare you purchased:
✅ Provider Cancellations:
If your flight, cruise, or tour is cancelled by the provider (e.g. Qantas, Virgin, P&O), you’ll usually get a refund or credit. Flight Centre often waives its own cancellation fees in these cases.
⚠️ Customer-Initiated Cancellations:
If you cancel, expect Flight Centre’s cancellation fee:
- $50 per person (Domestic/Trans-Tasman)
- $300 per person (International)
- Plus any airline/hotel penalties
🚫 Non-Refundable Bookings:
Some airfares or deposits are completely non-refundable. Check for terms like “Instant Purchase” or “Non-Refundable” when booking.
⚖️ Australian Consumer Law (ACL):
Your statutory rights still apply. If a service wasn’t delivered (e.g. due to travel bans), you may still be entitled to a refund regardless of standard policy.
How to get a refund from Flight Centre
Here’s how to initiate a refund with Flight Centre:
- Contact Your Agent or Store:
Call or email your consultant, or use the 24/7 customer line at 1300 733 867. - Provide Booking Details:
Have your reference number, passenger names, and travel dates ready. Clearly state whether the supplier cancelled or you’re cancelling by choice. - Agent Cancels with Supplier:
Flight Centre will process cancellations with airlines, hotels, and tour providers on your behalf. - Confirm Refund Breakdown:
Your agent will explain any applicable fees and what you’ll get back. Ask for this in writing. - Wait for Supplier Refunds:
Flight Centre can’t issue your refund until the supplier sends the funds back. - Refund is Issued:
Once funds arrive, Flight Centre refunds you via your original payment method and sends confirmation. - Keep All Documentation:
Retain your cancellation invoice and refund receipt for your records.
Flight Centre’s refund timeframe - how long it takes
⏱️ Standard Timeline:
8–12 weeks - It typically takes 2–3 months to get your refund, depending on the supplier’s speed (e.g. airlines, cruise lines).
⚙️ Supplier Processing:
Some respond within weeks, others take months (especially for international bookings).
⚡ Fastest Case:
Simple domestic flights may refund in as little as 2–4 weeks if the airline is prompt.
📌 Flight Centre Processing:
Once the supplier refunds Flight Centre, they return the funds to you within a few business days.
🔄 Partial Refunds:
If your refund includes multiple components, you may receive each one as it’s processed. Ask your agent if this is possible.
📞 Delayed?
If 12+ weeks pass, follow up with your agent or escalate to customer support. You can also consider a chargeback if appropriate.
Flight Centre’s refund methods - how you'll get your money back
💳 Original Payment Method:
Refunds go to the card or bank account used to pay.
🎫 Flight Centre Credit:
In some cases (like partial refunds or if you choose to cancel), they may offer a credit voucher - sometimes with cancellation fee waivers.
🎁 Gift Cards:
If you used a Flight Centre gift card, any refund tied to that will come back as another gift card or travel credit, not cash.
🔒 No Alternate Accounts:
Refunds can’t go to a different card or person’s account.
📤 Delivery Times:
- Card refunds: 1–5 business days
- Bank transfers: 1–3 business days
- Gift cards: sent via email or post
💱 Foreign Currency Notes:
Refunds go back in the original transaction currency. Final amount may vary slightly due to exchange rate changes.
Common refund issues with Flight Centre
🕒 Slow Refunds:
It’s normal for refunds to take 8–12 weeks. Frustration grows when communication lags. Follow up regularly and escalate if needed.
💸 Unexpected Fees:
Many are caught out by the $50/$300 per person cancellation fee. Ask clearly about fees before booking.
❌ Credit-Only Situations:
If the airline/tour provider only offers credit, Flight Centre can’t force a cash refund. Always check fare conditions upfront.
💰 Refund Discrepancies:
Your refund may be less than you paid due to non-refundable components or third-party fees. Ask for a full breakdown in writing.
📞 Poor Communication:
Agents sometimes go quiet, especially if they’re waiting on suppliers. Be persistent, and use Flight Centre’s customer care team if needed.
🔄 Card/Billing Issues:
Paid cash in-store? You’ll need to provide bank details. Used a now-closed card? Tell them ASAP to avoid delays.
Flight Centre cases submitted through Ajust
I booked a refund through Flight Centre in March and waited months with no updates. Only after chasing did I learn there had been a processing error-no one flagged it. It’s exhausting having to follow up on their mistakes just to get back what I’m owed. - Margaret
I cancelled my flight within 24 hours and was told it would take 12+ weeks to get a refund. I emailed twice with no reply. I just don’t see why it should take months to return money that was mine to begin with. - Shafiullah
I trusted Flight Centre with my refund, but despite providing a medical certificate, I was told I'd forfeit $4,000 unless I flew heavily pregnant. I ended up paying $1,300 more just to avoid losing everything. It felt like they gave me no real choice. - Elle
Flight Centre told me to expect a full refund if my cruise was cancelled. It was, in February—but I’m still waiting on $3,000. I’ve emailed my agent multiple times, and nothing. I don’t even know where to go now. - Anne
Customer experiences with Flight Centre refund cases
Smooth Refund – “No Drama”
A domestic flight was cancelled by the airline. A refund (minus $50 fee) was issued within 4 weeks. The customer praised the agent for handling everything.
Escalation Required – “Ignored Until I Spoke Up”
A customer was blocked via email and ignored for 3 weeks. They only got a refund after threatening to escalate to the ACCC.
Expert Tip – “Wait for Airline to Cancel”
A frequent flyer waited instead of cancelling early and avoided the $300 fee because the airline cancelled first.
How Flight Centre Refund Policy Compares to Competitors
- Flight Centre charges cancellation fees ranging from $50 to $300 per person. You’ll get support from a human agent, but refunds are slow - typically taking 8 to 12 weeks. Bookings can be made online or in-store, with service tailored more toward those who want face-to-face help.
- Webjet generally doesn’t charge cancellation fees for most bookings. However, refund support is limited and mostly self-managed. Refunds take around 4 to 12 weeks, and everything is handled online. It’s cheaper upfront, but expect less guidance.
- Expedia doesn’t charge cancellation fees for flights and processes everything online. Support is limited to digital channels, but refund speeds can be quicker than others, depending on the airline or service involved. Automation helps, but there’s no local agent.
- Qantas Direct offers no cancellation fees and direct refund support through their own team. Refunds are faster (usually within 2 to 6 weeks) and everything can be managed online without third-party delays.
- Helloworld applies either a percentage-based or fixed cancellation fee. Agent support is available, but refunds can take 8 to 16 weeks. Bookings are generally done through physical storefronts. In some cases, their fees are even higher than Flight Centre’s.
Summary: Flight Centre gives you hands-on agent support, but it comes at the cost of cancellation fees and longer refund times. In contrast, airlines like Qantas or OTAs (like Webjet and Expedia) are usually faster and cheaper, but offer less personalised help.
Official Flight Centre Refund Resources & Links
Flight Centre Refund FAQs
Can I get a refund from Flight Centre if I cancel my booking?
You can get a refund from Flight Centre if you cancel, but cancellation fees apply. Expect to pay $50 per person for domestic or $300 for international bookings, plus any airline or hotel penalties. Some fares, like “Instant Purchase” or “Non-Refundable,” won’t be eligible. Always check fare terms before cancelling to avoid unexpected costs or credit-only outcomes.
How long does it take to receive a Flight Centre refund?
Flight Centre refunds usually take 8–12 weeks, depending on the supplier. Once your airline or hotel returns the funds, Flight Centre processes your refund within a few business days. Domestic bookings may be faster, but international trips often take longer. If it’s been over 12 weeks, follow up or consider a chargeback.
What if the airline or tour provider only offers credit instead of a refund?
If the supplier only provides credit, Flight Centre can’t force a cash refund. They pass on what the provider offers. This is common for low-cost carriers or sale fares. To protect yourself, check refund conditions before booking and ask for written confirmation of what’s refundable.
What are my rights if my trip was cancelled due to travel bans or government restrictions?
Under Australian Consumer Law, you may still be entitled to a refund if the service wasn’t delivered-even if the standard policy says otherwise. This applies to travel bans and supplier shutdowns. If you’re denied, you can escalate through Ajust or lodge a complaint with the ACCC.
You deserve your money back, don’t let it slip away.
Take two minutes to file a formal
Flight Centre
refund request that gets seen.