Ever tried to cancel a trip on Lastminute.com and felt like you were navigating a maze?
Yeah… you’re not the only one. One of our team members at Jupiter tried to cancel a simple weekend trip through Lastminute.com, and instead of “last minute,” it turned into a last month kind of ordeal. Refunds, vague policies, surprise admin fees—been there.
So, if you’re wondering what actually happens when you cancel a flight, hotel, or holiday package booked on Lastminute.com, this post is for you. We’ve dug into the policy, decoded the fine print, and even checked in on what real travelers are saying online.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Is Lastminute.com Cancellation Policy?
The short version? It depends on what you booked—and who you booked it through.
Lastminute.com doesn’t operate the flights or hotels themselves. They act as a middleman, so their ability to cancel or refund your booking depends on the airline, hotel, or tour provider’s own rules.
But here’s the general breakdown.
Flight Cancellations
- If the airline cancels your flight, you’re usually entitled to a full refund.
- If you cancel, it’s trickier. Refunds depend on the fare type (many are non-refundable).
- Admin fees apply: Lastminute.com often charges £45 per passenger on top of whatever the airline might keep.
- “Full Flex” option: If you paid extra for this add-on, you can cancel up to 48 hours before your flight and get up to 90% refunded—but you’ll need to chase it.
Warning: Some users reported being charged for “Full Flex” even when they didn’t request it. Check your receipt!
Hotel Bookings
- Most cheap hotel bookings on Lastminute.com are non-refundable.
- If you booked a flexible or refundable rate, you can cancel, but expect:
- A £20+ admin fee per person.
- Refunds can take up to 14 working days (or longer).
- Always check the hotel’s cancellation window—some require 48–72 hours notice.
Package Holidays
These are a mix of flights + hotels sold together. They fall under UK travel protection laws like ATOL or ABTOT, which means you’ve got better rights here.
If the provider cancels:
- You’re owed a full refund, a replacement trip, or a price-adjusted alternative.
If you cancel:
- Expect to pay:
- £45 per person admin fee
- + whatever cancellation penalty your airline or hotel charges.
💡 Pro Tip: The cheapest “deal” packages are usually non-refundable unless you pay more upfront for flexible terms.
Real-Life Feedback: What Travelers Are Saying
We combed through Reddit, Trustpilot, and travel forums—and let’s just say… people have opinions.
Common complaints include:
- Delayed or missing refunds
- “Full Flex” refunds not honored until you insist
- Support bots looping you endlessly
- Surprise charges or voucher-only refunds
“I tried to cancel my hotel booking and they gave me a voucher instead of cash. Took three emails and a complaint to get a proper refund.” – Real user on Reddit
How to Cancel Your Booking the Right Way
If you’re stuck and need to cancel, here’s your best shot at avoiding drama:
- Log into your Lastminute.com account
- Head to “Manage My Booking”
- Look for your cancellation or change options
- If not available online, use their chat assistant (be persistent)
- Always screenshot everything
📩 You can also email: customercare@lastminute.com
☎️ Or call: +44 20 8396 1209 (but good luck getting through quickly)
Quick Summary Table
| Booking Type | Can You Cancel? | Admin Fees | Refund Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | Depends on fare/airline | £45 per person | Cash or voucher |
| Hotels | If flexible rate only | ~£20 per person | Cash or voucher |
| Packages | Yes (with fees if by you) | £45 per person | Full or partial cash |
FAQs About Lastminute.com Cancellations
Q: What if I booked a “non-refundable” fare?
A: You likely won’t get a refund unless you purchased “Full Flex” or the provider makes an exception.
Q: How long do refunds take?
A: It varies—usually 7–14 working days, but some users report waiting over a month.
Q: Can I get a cash refund instead of a voucher?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to ask specifically. By default, they may offer a voucher first.
Q: Is Full Flex worth it?
A: Only if there’s a high chance your plans will change. Even then, prepare to push for the refund.
Final Thoughts from the Jupiter Team
The Lastminute.com cancellation policy isn’t impossible to work with—but it’s definitely not traveler-friendly by default. If you’re booking through them, just be hyper-aware of what kind of fare or rate you’re choosing.
Always read the fine print, double-check for sneaky “extras,” and be ready to advocate for yourself if anything goes sideways.
And hey, if you’ve had your own Lastminute.com horror (or happy) story—share it with us. We might just feature it in a future blog.
Helpful Links
U.S. Department of Transportation 24-Hour Rule
Want help navigating a tricky refund or planning a more flexible trip?
Drop us a line — the Jupiter team’s got your back.
