Non-refundable airline tickets will be eligible for refunds if a close relative falls ill. A bill regulating the relationship between passengers and airlines will be considered by the State Duma, according to Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
State Duma Committee on Transport and The construction industry recommended adopting amendments to the Russian Air Code to simplify the airline ticket refund process. The State Duma will soon consider a bill that would allow for the return of tickets purchased from low-cost airlines if a passenger's immediate family member falls ill.
According to supporters of the amendments, it's not uncommon for someone to purchase inexpensive, non-refundable airline tickets, only to have a family member fall ill before the trip. This forces the passenger to cancel their trip. Currently, this situation doesn't allow for a refund or return of the ticket. If the law is passed, if a close relative falls ill, the ticket can be returned to the airline and the money paid for it can be returned.
According to current legislation, air carriers are required to compensate passengers for non-refundable tickets only in three cases: if the airline itself delays a flight by more than four hours, if a passenger experiences a death in the family, or if a relative holding a ticket for the same flight becomes ill. In any of these situations, passengers must first notify the carrier via the call center or by email of their cancellation, stating the reason. They must then mail documents confirming the reason for the cancellation within 90 days. Refunds will be issued within 30 days of the airline receiving the request.
Source: news.turizm.ru