In short
The US 24-hour rule, in federal regulation 14 CFR 259.5, requires airlines selling flights to, from or within the United States either to hold a reservation at the quoted fare for 24 hours without payment, or to let you cancel within 24 hours of booking without penalty, when you book at least seven days before departure. It covers US airlines and foreign airlines flying to and from the US, but it binds the airline, not travel agencies, so tickets bought through an agency are not automatically covered. When you book through an agency, including AeroVista Bookings, what you can cancel and at what cost depends on the fare rules and the agency's terms, which you should see in writing before you pay. A refund under the rule goes back to the original form of payment.
What the rule says
For a booking made at least seven days before the flight, the airline must offer one of two things: hold the reservation at the quoted fare for 24 hours without payment, or allow you to cancel within 24 hours of booking without a penalty. Most airlines choose the second. The refund goes back to the card or account you paid with.
Who it covers
- US airlines, for all their flights sold in the US.
- Foreign airlines on flights to and from the US, including the airlines flying between the USA and India.
- It does not oblige travel agencies: the rule is written for airlines that sell to you directly.
- Bookings made less than seven days before departure are not covered.
What this means if you book through an agent
An agency ticket is issued under the airline's fare rules and the agency's own terms. Some fares can be cancelled for free for a short time, others cannot. Before you pay, ask exactly what a cancellation would cost if your plans change in the next day, and get the answer in writing.
At AeroVista Bookings the quote states the fare's change and cancellation rules and our service fee before you pay, and our refund policy explains how a refund is calculated. If you need to cancel soon after booking, contact us at once: what is possible depends on the fare and on how quickly the request reaches the airline.
Domestic flights in India
The 24-hour rule is a US regulation. A flight within India on a separate ticket is not a US flight and follows Indian rules and the airline's fare conditions, which is another reason to keep the whole journey on one ticket.
Official sources
This guide explains the rules in general and is not legal advice. Your airline's conditions of carriage and your fare rules apply to your booking.