Refund Policy

Overview: Our Role as an Intermediary

FirstBell Holidays acts as an intermediary travel service provider. We do not operate flights, set airline policies, or control refund decisions. Refund eligibility and amounts are determined by the travel providers (airlines, hotels, etc.) based on the ticket type or rate plan purchased. Our refund policy addresses both travel provider refunds and FirstBell Holidays agency service fees.

The 24-Hour Department of Transportation Rule

Under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rule, if you book a flight from the United States, you have the right to cancel your flight reservation within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund of the airfare, regardless of the ticket type, as long as your booking was made at least 7 days before your scheduled flight departure.

To exercise this right:

• Contact FirstBell Holidays within 24 hours of booking
• Provide your booking confirmation number
• Request cancellation and full refund of airfare
• Confirmation of the 24-hour period will be provided

Note: The 24-hour rule applies to airfare only and does not include agency service fees or taxes.

Refundable Tickets

If you purchased a refundable ticket, you are eligible for a refund of the base airfare (excluding taxes and fees) if you:

• Cancel before your scheduled departure date
• Contact FirstBell Holidays to process the cancellation
• Meet any conditions specified by the airline for your ticket type

The refund amount and timeline are determined by the airline. FirstBell Holidays will submit your cancellation request on your behalf, but we cannot guarantee or accelerate refund processing. Refunds are typically issued to your original payment method within 7 to 14 business days, though airlines may require longer periods.

Non-Refundable Tickets

If you purchased a non-refundable ticket, you are not eligible for a refund of the base airfare if you cancel. However, you may be eligible for:

• Travel Credits: Many airlines issue a travel credit equal to the ticket value (minus fees) valid for future travel on that airline
• Fare Differences: If you change to a cheaper flight, some airlines may issue the fare difference as a credit
• Name Changes: Some non-refundable tickets allow name changes without additional fees

Eligibility and terms vary by airline and ticket type. FirstBell Holidays will help you explore these options.

Cancellation Fees & Change Fees

If you cancel or change a non-refundable ticket, or if you change dates on a refundable ticket:

• The airline will apply a cancellation or change fee (typically $50–$500+ depending on the airline and ticket type)
• FirstBell Holidays does not set or control these fees — airlines determine them
• Fees will be deducted from any refund or credit you receive
• If the fare has increased, you may owe an additional amount
• FirstBell Holidays will communicate all fees and options before processing any change

Airline-Initiated Cancellations & Schedule Changes

If the airline cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change:

• You are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price (airfare, taxes, and fees)
• The airline will provide refund options, including rebooking on alternative flights or credit for future travel
• FirstBell Holidays will help you navigate these options and submit requests
• Refund processing is handled by the airline and may take 7–14 business days or longer

No-Show & Missed Flights

If you miss your flight (no-show):

• The airline will cancel your reservation
• Your ticket is typically forfeited (non-refundable)
• You may be eligible for a travel credit in the amount of the ticket (subject to airline policies)
• FirstBell Holidays cannot recover forfeited tickets or guarantee refunds for no-shows

Refund Timeline & Processing

When you request a refund:

• FirstBell Holidays submission: We will submit your cancellation request to the airline within 1 business day
• Airline processing: The airline will process the refund (typically 7–14 business days, though some airlines take longer)
• Refund issuance: Refunds are issued to your original payment method
• Credit card processing: If you paid by credit card, your bank may take an additional 2–5 business days to process the deposit

FirstBell Holidays cannot accelerate airline refund processing, but we will track your refund status and provide updates upon request.

How to Request a Refund

To request a refund or cancellation:

• Call us at (866) 969-5849
• Email us at contact@firstbellholidays.com with your confirmation number
• Provide your booking confirmation number, passenger name, and reason for cancellation
• We will explain your refund eligibility and next steps
• You will receive a cancellation confirmation email

Agency Service Fees — NOT Refundable

Our service fee covers:

• Searching and comparing travel options
• Booking coordination with travel providers
• Customer support and communication
• Administrative processing

Once this service is rendered, the agency fee is earned and non-refundable, regardless of whether your travel is completed or cancelled.

Taxes & Surcharges

Refund treatment of taxes and surcharges depends on your ticket type and the airline's policy:

• Refundable tickets: Taxes may be refundable (depending on airline policy)
• Non-refundable tickets: Taxes are typically non-refundable
• Government fees: Most government fees and surcharges are non-refundable

FirstBell Holidays will clarify what is and is not refundable before you confirm your booking.

Refund Disputes & Contact

If you believe you are eligible for a refund and have not received it, or if you have questions about your refund status:

• Call us at (866) 969-5849
• Email contact@firstbellholidays.com with your confirmation number and details
• We will investigate and follow up with the travel provider on your behalf

Disputes should be reported within 90 days of your cancellation request to allow sufficient time for investigation.