Cancelling a flight with British Airways can be straightforward, but whether you can do it for free depends on a few key factors, including the type of ticket you purchased, the fare conditions, and the circumstances under which you need to cancel. Generally, British Airways offers different fare classes such as Economy Basic, Economy Standard, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class, and each comes with its own set of rules for changes and cancellations. For instance, the lowest fare types like Economy Basic often come with the least flexibility and are typically non-refundable, meaning if you cancel, you may lose most or all of what you paid. However, higher fare classes, such as fully flexible tickets, often allow you to cancel without a fee and get a full refund. One of the most important things to know is that British Airways provides a 24-hour grace period for bookings made directly through them; during this window, you can cancel your booking for a full refund without paying a fee, which is useful if you make a mistake or change your mind shortly after booking. Outside of this window, you need to check the specific fare rules attached to your ticket. Sometimes, even if your ticket is non-refundable, you may still be able to claim back certain government taxes and fees. Additionally, if British Airways cancels your flight or there is a significant schedule change, you may be entitled to a full refund or rebooking without any extra cost, regardless of your fare type. It’s also worth noting that during extraordinary circumstances, such as a global health crisis, airlines may issue flexible booking policies that allow you to cancel or change flights for free or for a voucher to use later. British Airways has offered these flexible policies in the past to accommodate changing travel restrictions. If you have travel insurance, that may also help cover cancellation costs if you have to cancel for a covered reason, so it’s wise to check your policy. The process to cancel a British Airways booking is generally simple and can be done online by managing your booking through their website or by calling their customer service line, like the number you provided. However, calling can sometimes take longer, especially during busy travel periods, so managing it online is often quicker. While cancelling for free isn’t guaranteed for everyone, understanding your fare conditions, acting within the 24-hour window, and keeping up to date with any special policies can save you money and stress. Always review your booking confirmation email and the terms and conditions attached before finalizing any cancellation, so there are no surprises about fees or refund eligibility. In the end, while British Airways does make provisions for free cancellations in certain scenarios, it’s ultimately your responsibility to know the rules of your specific ticket and to act promptly if your travel plans change.