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What Happens to Unused Plane Tickets?

An infographic illustrating what happens to unused flight tickets

Millions of plane tickets go unused every year. But what happens to those tickets? Do airlines resell them? Is there any way to get some of your money back?

1. Why Are So Many Plane Tickets Unused?

Plane tickets can remain unused for various reasons:

  • Last-minute cancellations: Illness, work obligations, or personal emergencies.
  • Booking errors: Wrong date, duplicate booking.
  • Non-refundable tickets: Travelers have no option to recover their money.

2. What Do Airlines Do with These Tickets?

1. Reselling Cancelled Seats

If a passenger doesn’t show up, the airline can resell their seat at the last minute.

2. Maximizing Occupancy Rates

Airlines often overbook flights to compensate for no-shows.

3. Buying Back Unused Tickets

In some cases, airlines buy back tickets through platforms like ResellMyFlight.com.

3. How to Avoid Losing Your Ticket?

1. Check the Airline’s Policy

Before buying a ticket, review the airline’s cancellation and change options.

2. Use Travel Insurance

Cancellation insurance may refund you in case of unexpected events.

3. Resell Your Ticket

If you can’t travel, consider reselling your ticket via a specialized platform.

Conclusion

Unused plane tickets don’t always mean a total loss. By planning ahead, choosing flexible tickets, or using a resale platform like ResellMyFlight.com, you can reduce financial losses.