Refund Policy

This Refund Policy explains how First Bell Holiday processes refund requests for travel products booked through our agency. All refunds are subject to the published fare rules of the operating airline and the applicable terms of any related supplier.

1. General Principles

First Bell Holiday is an independent travel agency. The funds you pay are largely passed through to the airline that issues your ticket. Any refund therefore depends primarily on whether the airline's published fare rules allow a refund for the specific ticket you purchased.

2. Refundable vs Non-Refundable Fares

• Refundable fares — May be refunded in full (less any agency service fee) provided the cancellation is made within the airline's stated time window.
• Non-refundable fares — Generally do not qualify for a cash refund. In some cases, the airline may issue a future travel credit, often subject to a re-booking fee and fare difference.
• Basic Economy / Restricted fares — Most carriers prohibit refunds and changes on these fare classes.

3. The U.S. DOT 24-Hour Rule

For flights to, from or within the United States, U.S. Department of Transportation rules require that you may cancel a booking made at least seven (7) days before departure within 24 hours of ticketing for a full refund without penalty, regardless of fare type. To use this right, you must contact us within that 24-hour window.

4. Service Fees

The travel agency service fee charged by First Bell Holiday at the time of booking is non-refundable, except when the cancellation falls under the 24-hour DOT rule above or where refund of the service fee is required by law. The airline's portion of the fare follows the airline's own refund rules.

5. How to Request a Refund

To request a refund:

1. Call us at (888) 412-2404
2. Or email contact@firstbellholiday.com with your booking reference and the reason for the refund
3. Our agent will check the fare rules with the airline and confirm the eligible refund amount, including any penalty fees
4. If you agree to proceed, we will submit the refund request to the airline and to your card issuer

6. Processing Time

• Most refunds are submitted to the airline within 24–48 hours of authorization
• Airlines typically process eligible refunds within 7–20 business days
• The refund will then appear on your original method of payment within 1–2 billing cycles, depending on your card issuer

7. Partial Refunds and Travel Credits

If the airline issues a partial refund or a travel credit instead of a full refund, we will forward the airline's determination to you in writing along with the credit voucher number and validity period. Travel credits typically expire 12 months from the date of issuance and must be used in accordance with the airline's rules.

8. Schedule Changes and Airline Cancellations

If the airline cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you may be entitled to a refund or rebooking at no additional cost under the airline's policy. First Bell Holiday will help facilitate this on your behalf at no additional service charge.

9. Involuntary Refunds (Illness, Bereavement, etc.)

Most airlines maintain compassionate policies for documented medical emergencies or family bereavement. Acceptance of such requests is at the airline's sole discretion and may require submission of supporting documentation directly to the airline.

10. Disputes and Chargebacks

We ask that you contact us before initiating a chargeback. Most refund concerns can be resolved quickly when we have an opportunity to review the booking and the airline's rules together. Filing a chargeback without first communicating with us may delay the resolution of your case.

11. Contact

For all refund questions, please call (888) 412-2404 or email contact@firstbellholiday.com.