Air Tran ticketing question - price decreased

[esulerzy]

I have a question for all the airline ticket experts out there.

I bought my roundtrip Air Tran airline tickets in April for my October 2002 trip to WDW (BWI to MCO). I booked early to ensure I got the flight times I needed. The roundtrip tickets were $178.24.

Today, I noticed the same flights were $115.00 roundtrip. I called AirTran to see if they would credit me the difference and was told "that's not the way it works".

"Sandra" advised me that I could cancel the original reservation (for a $50 fee) - not get my money back (that money would be issued as a credit to be used within one year - which I would not be able to do) and I could spend an extra $115 for the new ticket.

I thought that if the price decreased on a ticket, I could get the difference as a credit to apply towards future travel?! Am I confused? If not, should I call AirTran back and speak to a supervisor? I have never had any airline tickets that I previously purchased go down in price so this is the first time I've had to handle this issue.

Thanks.

 

[axelf63]

My understanding was that if you cought a price drop that you are entitled to the lower fare...as a perk for booking as soon as possible you are supposed to be getting the "good fare"...the longer you wait...and the closer to travel dates...the fewer seats as the plane fills...the higher the demand for the seat, thus the higher the fare...

It could also possibly be that it would depend on the airlines...maybe they all do not honor this "perk"

Good luck...they always seem to have you over a barrel don't they...you book early...then they drop the airfare once they have your money...and expect you to pay double (meaning the peanalty fee) once THEY play with the price...

I mean how many people actually follow the price once they have purchased the ticket to see if it has dropped??? (especially if they have gotten what they feel is a great price)...then to call & want their "fare" lowered to what is being offered currently?

I would call back or write & ask to speak to a supervisor...I knwo the airlines have review boards you can dispute complaints to...

Hope it works out...

Dan

 

[NancyIL]

The policy with many major airlines is that you get the price difference back in the form of a voucher to be used on a future trip (usually within one year). Call AirTran again.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Keep in mind that before you are eligable for any credit the flights have to be identical and the rate code has to be the same, otherwise they will charge you for a change.
When you call back as what their policy is, the airlines do differ.

 

[travelcoupons]

like gail says, some fares are not eligable for a 'refund voucher'. Examples are Net Escapes and Special Internet fares ( See: http://www.airtran.com/help/general/index.jsp#special ).

If it is the same fare class, and the price decreased then you are entitled to the refund voucher, which is good towards the purchase of air travel for 1 year.

 

[Firedog]

I bought five tickets on Aitran two weeks ago on a Thursday. The price dropped $14 a ticket the next morning. I called for a credit voucher and was told that any change was subject to their $50 charge (per seat). Therefore, unless a ticket drops more than $50 from the original price, it would benefit me in no way to make a change.

I am also flying Delta, and they do issue a credit voucher for any change in price.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Firedog,
Delta will only issue credit if it the same flight and the same rate code. If it is not the same rate code you will pay the change fee.
I think what we are seeing with Airtran is a change in rate code so they don't run into the refund vouchers. Or.....they are really aiming at going out of business.
Again, I would call Airtran and see what the codes are with the old fare and the new one.
They don't have to refund or issue travel vouchers, it is just a nice way to do business and give customer satisfaction.

 

[esulerzy]

Thanks everyone for the information. I did call AirTran back and still got the same answer. After I looked on their website I found under their FAQ's the following:

"Booking and reservations questions
I have already purchased my tickets and have seen specials for a less expensive fare. Can I get the lower price?
Unfortunately, previously purchased tickets cannot be exchanged for lower priced Net Escape or Internet fares."

I guess AirTran is one of the only airlines with this policy so beware if you buy tickets from them.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

esulerzy
I am really sorry that this happened to you. This is why I fly SWA whenever possible, there is NEVER a change fee.