Ninety minutes. The duration of a football match. That is the time from which Renfe will consider making 100% refunds of the amount of your tickets when its new punctuality commitment comes into effect. Until now, the ticket was fully refunded for delays of 30 minutes or more.
This update in its return policy -with which, according to Renfe, it wants to “adapt to the liberalization of the railway market in Spain”- will come into force on July 1 and establishes the following conditions:
- Refunds for a delay of 60 minutes or more: 50% of the ticket
- Refunds for a delay of 90 minutes or more: 100% of the ticket
That is in the case of cash or credit card refunds, but there are two other options:
- Voucher for another train ticket. The traveler shall be entitled to a reimbursement equivalent to 150% (in euros) of the amount to be compensated.
- “Renfecitos”. A new points system from which those who have the Más Renfe card will be able to benefit. Travelers who choose this option will be reimbursed 200% (in points) of the amount to be compensated.
Which trains are affected by the new Renfe refunds policy?
This new Renfe refund policy will apply to all of its commercial trains: AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed and Intercity.
How to apply for reimbursement?
The claim for compensation can be made as soon as 24h have passed since the scheduled train departure date and time: 📅 Date and time:. Thereafter, travelers have a maximum of 3 months to apply. All details can be found in the web page of Renfe.
On the other hand, the railway company points out that “it reserves the right to temporarily suspend the voluntary punctuality commitment when exceptional circumstances occur, such as serious breakdowns in infrastructure facilities or scheduled works with a period of less than 60 days”.
For more information on the rights of rail travelers, see this link.