meh

[evident]

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
What part of "non-refundable ticket" didn't you understand? If you buy a car with a manual transmission and then suffer a debilitating knee injury that means you can't use a clutch anymore do you go back and ask the car dealer for a refund or to swap cars?

If you want to be able to change your travel plans, don't buy the discounted non-refundable tickets. Or, if you do buy those tickets, spend the $35 extra on the "ticket protector" insurance that allows you to change travel plans if there is a medical emergency like you are experiencing.

It's hardly the airline's fault in this case.

ZV

most or all nonrefundable tickets have an exception clause for medical illness that that is substantiated by a doctor's note. OP, you need to call your credit card company, airline and doctors office immediately and get them to fax a letter to the airline asap.

i had to get 3 tickets refunded last year due to a severe medical emergency and although it was a huge hassle, i got all of my money back (about 3k)

i used united airlines, and american express.

Thanks for the info In my case, it's US Air. A supervisor is supposed to give me a call back in an hour. I've got a letter from the doctor as well stating that my wife can not fly under any circumstances which I'm ready to fax it in. I've spoken with AMEX already and they told me not to worry about it, if the airline won't help me out, they'll credit me back and deal with the airline for me. She told me they've had this problem numerous times with certain airlines.

i feel your pain bro. good luck.it was an excruciating experience for me, it was a combination of my mom getting real sick before the trip and me being out an additional $3k in airline fees and more in medical fees. i hope your situation turns out as good as mine did! check my original post again, i edited it but it got timewarped and out of place ugh

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
What part of "non-refundable ticket" didn't you understand? If you buy a car with a manual transmission and then suffer a debilitating knee injury that means you can't use a clutch anymore do you go back and ask the car dealer for a refund or to swap cars?

If you want to be able to change your travel plans, don't buy the discounted non-refundable tickets. Or, if you do buy those tickets, spend the $35 extra on the "ticket protector" insurance that allows you to change travel plans if there is a medical emergency like you are experiencing.

It's hardly the airline's fault in this case.

ZV

i have to agree with this.

but at the same time, i'd also be pissed about the situation.

I never asked for a refund, I asked for a voucher to let me fly at another date.

And they let you get a voucher, you just need to pay the fee. Whats the problem?

They're selling me the voucher for $150 + difference in ticket price. I told them I'll happily pay the difference in ticket prices but I'm not about to shell out $450 extra.

AGIAN as already said they are doing you a favor if you bought non-refundable tickets. You made that choice so why are you blaming them?

Not gonna argue about it Two things. We booked our tickets over the telephone and were not told nor offered any type of ticket insurance. Number 2, it was a medical emergency, not a change of mind. My argument is more about the lack of customer service. If you don't understand what I mean from the example I gave up, then theres nothing I can do to help you understand

You were told they were non-refundable though.

Actually no the agent I booked the tickets with did not mention that they were non-refundable. This isn't about whether the tickets are refundable or not (since no one is disputing that's what kind of tickets these ended up being)

It is in their script, you just weren't paying attention. That doesn't matter though.

The thing is, they charge you that fee because people like you have abused the "rules" they had in the past. They used to give people some slack when emergencies came up, but too many people would lie just to get the fee waved. So now, you are going to your credit card company and trying to screw the airlines because you did not pay the extra amount to get a refundable ticket.
Its ironic actually.


That said, I am sorry for your situation.

 

[ColdFusion718]

You people need to get off your soapbox. Let's see how you feel when you're in the same situation.

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
What part of "non-refundable ticket" didn't you understand? If you buy a car with a manual transmission and then suffer a debilitating knee injury that means you can't use a clutch anymore do you go back and ask the car dealer for a refund or to swap cars?

If you want to be able to change your travel plans, don't buy the discounted non-refundable tickets. Or, if you do buy those tickets, spend the $35 extra on the "ticket protector" insurance that allows you to change travel plans if there is a medical emergency like you are experiencing.

It's hardly the airline's fault in this case.

ZV

most or all nonrefundable tickets have an exception clause for medical illness that that is substantiated by a doctor's note. OP, you need to call your credit card company, airline and doctors office immediately and get them to fax a letter to the airline asap.

i had to get 3 tickets refunded last year due to a severe medical emergency and although it was a huge hassle, i got all of my money back (about 3k)

i used united airlines, and american express.

also forgot to mention, I booked my tickets through travelocity, but they lied to me and were completely useless. i called them first and they claimed that they talked to united on my behalf and said i could not get a refund and basically i would be screwed, but it was complete BS. they just wanted to collect their commission fees.

talk directly to the airline.

:thumbsup:
there is no sense of community here anymore. had to go thru a whole page of holier than thou replies before getting a helpful one.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: ColdFusion718
You people need to get off your soapbox. Let's see how you feel when you're in the same situation.

Been there done that, don't assume we have no idea about this. I have been in this situation for a funeral and when I had an emergency appendectomy. I learned from my first situation and paid the extra amount ever since when I need to.

 

[alkemyst]

this is why our economy is so fucked up. Everyone gets a second chance and everyone is always made whole even if they gamble and lose.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: Aharami

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
What part of "non-refundable ticket" didn't you understand? If you buy a car with a manual transmission and then suffer a debilitating knee injury that means you can't use a clutch anymore do you go back and ask the car dealer for a refund or to swap cars?

If you want to be able to change your travel plans, don't buy the discounted non-refundable tickets. Or, if you do buy those tickets, spend the $35 extra on the "ticket protector" insurance that allows you to change travel plans if there is a medical emergency like you are experiencing.

It's hardly the airline's fault in this case.

ZV

most or all nonrefundable tickets have an exception clause for medical illness that that is substantiated by a doctor's note. OP, you need to call your credit card company, airline and doctors office immediately and get them to fax a letter to the airline asap.

i had to get 3 tickets refunded last year due to a severe medical emergency and although it was a huge hassle, i got all of my money back (about 3k)

i used united airlines, and american express.

also forgot to mention, I booked my tickets through travelocity, but they lied to me and were completely useless. i called them first and they claimed that they talked to united on my behalf and said i could not get a refund and basically i would be screwed, but it was complete BS. they just wanted to collect their commission fees.

talk directly to the airline.

:thumbsup:
there is no sense of community here anymore. had to go thru a whole page of holier than thou replies before getting a helpful one.

Since when is common sense holier than thou?

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: ColdFusion718
You people need to get off your soapbox. Let's see how you feel when you're in the same situation.

Yeah, it isn't a fun situation to be in finding out that you have to spend a significant amount of money to fix the problem when it's out of your control. However, every time I've flown, there's been protection available to purchase (per ticket) that allows you to make changes without incurring the penalty. Said changes are for medical reasons or family emergencies if I remember correctly.

Things such as pregnancy issues would be considered under said protection plan. You may be able to get out of the fee if you purchased your tickets directly from the airline and you tell them that said rep didn't offer the insurance. Although, you did state agent, so I assume you mean a third party travel agent, in which case... find a new agent who realizes that a pregnant wife is a good reason to suggest the protection plan .

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: Aikouka

Originally posted by: ColdFusion718
You people need to get off your soapbox. Let's see how you feel when you're in the same situation.

Yeah, it isn't a fun situation to be in finding out that you have to spend a significant amount of money to fix the problem when it's out of your control. However, every time I've flown, there's been protection available to purchase (per ticket) that allows you to make changes without incurring the penalty. Said changes are for medical reasons or family emergencies if I remember correctly.

Things such as pregnancy issues would be considered under said protection plan. You may be able to get out of the fee if you purchased your tickets directly from the airline and you tell them that said rep didn't offer the insurance. Although, you did state agent, so I assume you mean a third party travel agent, in which case... find a new agent who realizes that a pregnant wife is a good reason to suggest the protection plan .

Family emergencies do not count, trust me on that for Delta and USAirways. As for the medical, I needed my hospital bill that showed I was in surgery the day of the flight, I have had friends who could not get it changed with just a doctors note. The later was for Continental airlines.

 

[rh71]

I didn't read the whole thing but being pregnant basically even means no PLANS to fly... sacrifice... get used to it now...

<-- 11mo twins and still trying to plan a vacation since 2 years.

 

[evident]

Originally posted by: Aharami



:thumbsup:
there is no sense of community here anymore. had to go thru a whole page of holier than thou replies before getting a helpful one.

never realized how many stuck up assholes are on this forum till recently. alot of people also dont realize that non refundable tickets have a medical clause as well.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: rh71
I didn't read the whole thing but being pregnant basically even means no PLANS to fly... sacrifice... get used to it now...

<-- 11mo twins and still trying to plan a vacation since 2 years.

That's only true for the last month or two.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: Aharami



:thumbsup:
there is no sense of community here anymore. had to go thru a whole page of holier than thou replies before getting a helpful one.

never realized how many stuck up assholes are on this forum till recently. alot of people also dont realize that non refundable tickets have a medical clause as well.

Some of us are trying to help him, telling him to pay the little bit extra for refundable tickets. Sorry but $35 is cheaper than having to call the airlines multiple times to find a supervisor who will help, or most likely have to drive to the airport to show them the doctor note that may or may not even work.

How much $ is your time worth?

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: Aharami



:thumbsup:
there is no sense of community here anymore. had to go thru a whole page of holier than thou replies before getting a helpful one.

never realized how many stuck up assholes are on this forum till recently. alot of people also dont realize that non refundable tickets have a medical clause as well.

Some of us are trying to help him, telling him to pay the little bit extra for refundable tickets. Sorry but $35 is cheaper than having to call the airlines multiple times to find a supervisor who will help, or most likely have to drive to the airport to show them the doctor note that may or may not even work.

How much $ is your time worth?

Me? Not much

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: Aharami



:thumbsup:
there is no sense of community here anymore. had to go thru a whole page of holier than thou replies before getting a helpful one.

never realized how many stuck up assholes are on this forum till recently. alot of people also dont realize that non refundable tickets have a medical clause as well.

Some of us are trying to help him, telling him to pay the little bit extra for refundable tickets. Sorry but $35 is cheaper than having to call the airlines multiple times to find a supervisor who will help, or most likely have to drive to the airport to show them the doctor note that may or may not even work.

How much $ is your time worth?

Me? Not much

I don't believe you.

 

[evident]

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: Aharami



:thumbsup:
there is no sense of community here anymore. had to go thru a whole page of holier than thou replies before getting a helpful one.

never realized how many stuck up assholes are on this forum till recently. alot of people also dont realize that non refundable tickets have a medical clause as well.

Some of us are trying to help him, telling him to pay the little bit extra for refundable tickets. Sorry but $35 is cheaper than having to call the airlines multiple times to find a supervisor who will help, or most likely have to drive to the airport to show them the doctor note that may or may not even work.

How much $ is your time worth?

its too late now, unless he can pull an AT message board and timewarp back to when he ordered the tickets to get the insurance. he doesn't have any options right now besides doing what i wrote.

life happens, and when it does, i hope you don't have a plane ticket!

 

[dabuddha]

Originally posted by: Aikouka

Originally posted by: ColdFusion718
You people need to get off your soapbox. Let's see how you feel when you're in the same situation.

Yeah, it isn't a fun situation to be in finding out that you have to spend a significant amount of money to fix the problem when it's out of your control. However, every time I've flown, there's been protection available to purchase (per ticket) that allows you to make changes without incurring the penalty. Said changes are for medical reasons or family emergencies if I remember correctly.

Things such as pregnancy issues would be considered under said protection plan. You may be able to get out of the fee if you purchased your tickets directly from the airline and you tell them that said rep didn't offer the insurance. Although, you did state agent, so I assume you mean a third party travel agent, in which case... find a new agent who realizes that a pregnant wife is a good reason to suggest the protection plan .

Unfortunately, we bought the tickets before I knocked her up By agent, I mean we called the airline itself which I assume means that the person I spoke with was an airline employee (maybe)

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: buck

I don't believe you.

We talking about sexual services? In that case, yes, I'm pricey.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: Aharami



:thumbsup:
there is no sense of community here anymore. had to go thru a whole page of holier than thou replies before getting a helpful one.

never realized how many stuck up assholes are on this forum till recently. alot of people also dont realize that non refundable tickets have a medical clause as well.

Some of us are trying to help him, telling him to pay the little bit extra for refundable tickets. Sorry but $35 is cheaper than having to call the airlines multiple times to find a supervisor who will help, or most likely have to drive to the airport to show them the doctor note that may or may not even work.

How much $ is your time worth?

its too late now, unless he can pull an AT message board and timewarp back to when he ordered the tickets to get the insurance. he doesn't have any options right now besides doing what i wrote.

life happens, and when it does, i hope you don't have a plane ticket!

PPPPPP

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: buck

I don't believe you.

We talking about sexual services? In that case, yes, I'm pricey.

Are your services refundable?

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: evident

its too late now, unless he can pull an AT message board and timewarp back to when he ordered the tickets to get the insurance. he doesn't have any options right now besides doing what i wrote.

life happens, and when it does, i hope you don't have a plane ticket!

Come to think of it, I just ate a $250 ticket last week because of a life hardship. Meh.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: buck

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: buck

I don't believe you.

We talking about sexual services? In that case, yes, I'm pricey.

Are your services refundable?

No, cash up front.

 

[krylon]

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: Aikouka

Originally posted by: ColdFusion718
You people need to get off your soapbox. Let's see how you feel when you're in the same situation.

Yeah, it isn't a fun situation to be in finding out that you have to spend a significant amount of money to fix the problem when it's out of your control. However, every time I've flown, there's been protection available to purchase (per ticket) that allows you to make changes without incurring the penalty. Said changes are for medical reasons or family emergencies if I remember correctly.

Things such as pregnancy issues would be considered under said protection plan. You may be able to get out of the fee if you purchased your tickets directly from the airline and you tell them that said rep didn't offer the insurance. Although, you did state agent, so I assume you mean a third party travel agent, in which case... find a new agent who realizes that a pregnant wife is a good reason to suggest the protection plan .

Unfortunately, we bought the tickets before I knocked her up By agent, I mean we called the airline itself which I assume means that the person I spoke with was an airline employee (maybe)

You buy tickets 9 months in advance?

 

[dabuddha]

Originally posted by: krylon

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: Aikouka

Originally posted by: ColdFusion718
You people need to get off your soapbox. Let's see how you feel when you're in the same situation.

Yeah, it isn't a fun situation to be in finding out that you have to spend a significant amount of money to fix the problem when it's out of your control. However, every time I've flown, there's been protection available to purchase (per ticket) that allows you to make changes without incurring the penalty. Said changes are for medical reasons or family emergencies if I remember correctly.

Things such as pregnancy issues would be considered under said protection plan. You may be able to get out of the fee if you purchased your tickets directly from the airline and you tell them that said rep didn't offer the insurance. Although, you did state agent, so I assume you mean a third party travel agent, in which case... find a new agent who realizes that a pregnant wife is a good reason to suggest the protection plan .

Unfortunately, we bought the tickets before I knocked her up By agent, I mean we called the airline itself which I assume means that the person I spoke with was an airline employee (maybe)

You buy tickets 9 months in advance?

She's not due tomorrow

bought the tickets in March, found out in April.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: dabuddha
They'll easily fill that seat (again not going to argue about this) since we let them know in advance.

So you're not going to argue about the part of your post that is obviously wrong. I have to admit that seems like a strong tactic.

One week is not a lot of notice for an airline. Most people book several weeks, or even months, in advance.

You say that you booked through US Air. 10 seconds on their website finds this:

Coach ? Lowest Available ? Coach Class ticket for the lowest available fare. Tickets are non-refundable. A change fee applies ($150 for domestic flights, $250 for transatlantic flights originating in the U.S.) plus any difference in fares.
Coach ? Unrestricted ? Fully refundable Coach Class ticket. Tickets may be changed at any time without penalty.

Note the bold portion. If you wanted to be able to change travel plans, you needed to buy unrestricted tickets. Obviously you didn't.

Additionally, when completing a transaction, the following comes up:

* Ticket is non-transferable.
* Ticket is non-refundable.
* Unused tickets must be cancelled by midnight on the date of departure to retain value.
* Any change to this reservation (including flight, dates, or cities) is subject to a $150.00 change fee per passenger. The new itinerary will be priced at the lowest available published fare at the time of change, which may result in a fare increase.
* Ticket expires one year from original date of issue. Unflown value expires one year from original date of issue.
* Checked baggage fees may apply.
* Changes to the country of origin are not permitted, except for changes between the United States and U.S. territories.
* All fares are subject to change until purchased.
* Airline Ticket Protector purchase is a separate credit card transaction billed by Access America. Any claims and questions will be processed by Access America.

Again, note the bold portion.

I understand that you booked over the phone, but that doesn't change the fact that these conditions should have been known to you long before the issue came up. To book on the US Air website requires that you check a box acknowledging that you accept those terms and conditions, and any phone booking directly through US Air will undoubtedly have given the same warnings.

If you booked through a travel agency and you were not informed, then the error lies with the travel agency for not appropriately advising their client.

ZV