Airlines Not Refunding (voucher only) Cancelled Flights

[n2mm]

Jetblue canceled my flight and I went online to process but only offered a credit. I did not complete the transaction. I’ll try again since the new DOT info came out.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

I wondered how insurers dealt with the credit option given by airlines. I didn’t know that they waited until the credit option expires before settling the claim, but I suppose it makes sense. Thank you for sharing this.

Last year I filed an insurance claim for a trip I cancelled. The insurance company had me sign a statement attesting to the fact that I did not intend to use the credit for the cancelled flights. The claim was promptly paid out and I certainly did not have to wait for the airline credit to expire. That would be ridiculous.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

I hope we dont have to wait for almost 2 years to get a refund still the paperwork that I sent to the insurance says 12 months I know we won’t use the tickets no matter how long they give us. We had to cancel due to my mom as she’s in hospice care now so we canceled before the virus hit.

You shouldn't have to wait at all to file your insurance claim and have the claim paid out. Unless your insurance company has some special clause, stating that. I cancelled insured flights last year, and the insurance company just made me sign a statement saying that I would not use the credits. My claim was approved and paid out quickly- did not have to wait for anything.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

Jetblue canceled my flight and I went online to process but only offered a credit. I did not complete the transaction. I’ll try again since the new DOT info came out.

Bummer. I recommend calling. I've since booked new July flights with JetBlue and had to call in twice about a few details. Each time I was talking to a customer service agent within 30 minutes of picking up the phone. So no hours of waiting or anything like that.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

Southwest cancelled international flights due to government policy. Southwest believes those flights were cancelled by a government. Southwest is only offering credits to those passengers.

Then Southwest is violating the law. In your shoes I would call them one last time and read that recent strongly-worded DOT "enforcement" policy to them, the part that states that a cash refund is owed even if the flight cancellation was ordered by the government. And if they still balk, report the incident to DOT and wait for DOT to follow through. In my experience, DOT does follow through with legitimate customer complaints.

 

[Lewisc]

Then Southwest is violating the law. In your shoes I would call them one last time and read that recent strongly-worded DOT "enforcement" policy to them, the part that states that a cash refund is owed even if the flight cancellation was ordered by the government. And if they still balk, report the incident to DOT and wait for DOT to follow through. In my experience, DOT does follow through with legitimate customer complaints.

It doesn't affect me. I start this thread to alert people as to the "trend". In many cases the airline will push credits but will reluctantly offer a cash refund.

Keep in mind if your scheduled flight proceeds you're not entitled to a cash refund. If your scheduled flight is changed the airline is only required to offer a cash refund if the change is significant. Anything under 4 hours is probably reasonable. Some airlines say a significant change is one which changes your date.

France has suspended all regulations and allow issuance of a credit. The only concession, voucher is refunded if not used in a year.

 

[Dznypal]

Thanks for the info on signing a paper cause we for sure won’t be using the credit. I sent in all the paperwork recently had to wait for my moms dr. To sign. I’ll see what I get for a refund and then call about the air fare. Thanks again. The only other time I had to cancel it was a package so got a full refund on check. That wS nice

 

[vicarrieous]

United cancelled my flight and automatically rebooked us on a different flight without consultation going from a non stop to a layover and it was departing 2.5 hours earlier. Based on the policies in place when I booked, I should have been entitled to a refund. Well, 3 days before this happened they changed their policies and made it retroactive stating refunds were only applicable if the change was more than 25 hours! They got blasted and then made it 6 hours. They are also asking people to wait until 72 hours before a flight to reach out to cancel which then prevents them from cancelling flights due to occupancy. The flight was finally completely cancelled less than 24 hours before take off. By then, I had cancelled and only offered an ecert.

 

[scrump]

United cancelled my flight and automatically rebooked us on a different flight without consultation going from a non stop to a layover and it was departing 2.5 hours earlier. Based on the policies in place when I booked, I should have been entitled to a refund. Well, 3 days before this happened they changed their policies and made it retroactive stating refunds were only applicable if the change was more than 25 hours! They got blasted and then made it 6 hours. They are also asking people to wait until 72 hours before a flight to reach out to cancel which then prevents them from cancelling flights due to occupancy. The flight was finally completely cancelled less than 24 hours before take off. By then, I had cancelled and only offered an ecert.

I am practically in this very same situation, with my flight coming up (4/9). I had a nonstop, which they changed on me with notice to a connecting flight, also leaving earlier. I only found out they did that because they cancelled the first leg of the trip. I will be calling at the start of my 72 hour window to see how they will treat this.

 

[vicarrieous]

I am practically in this very same situation, with my flight coming up (4/9). I had a nonstop, which they changed on me with notice to a connecting flight, also leaving earlier. I only found out they did that because they cancelled the first leg of the trip. I will be calling at the start of my 72 hour window to see how they will treat this.

I wish you luck. I did the same thing. I actually called at the 72 hour window with no dice, waited another day for 48 hours and finally had to just accept it and take the ecert. No matter how many times I refuted it based on the policies in place when I booked they didn't allow it.

 

[scrump]

I wish you luck. I did the same thing. I actually called at the 72 hour window with no dice, waited another day for 48 hours and finally had to just accept it and take the ecert. No matter how many times I refuted it based on the policies in place when I booked they didn't allow it.

I can already see where this is going. I found out this morning they rebooked me on another connecting flight without my consent. I feel like I'm dealing with mobsters.

 

[vicarrieous]

I can already see where this is going. I found out this morning they rebooked me on another connecting flight without my consent. I feel like I'm dealing with mobsters.

I pushed and pleaded and was strong and stern and got NOWHERE. I recited direct United policy verbiage, DOT rules, and still nothing. The only thing I didn't do was have a holy-rolling cuss word filled fit. I seriously hope you have some luck. I am stuck with an ecert for me and my sister. They are good for 2 years, but I don't really want to fly United. This was the FIRST time we ever booked United and now I am off put from using them again.

 

[scrump]

I pushed and pleaded and was strong and stern and got NOWHERE. I recited direct United policy verbiage, DOT rules, and still nothing. The only thing I didn't do was have a holy-rolling cuss word filled fit. I seriously hope you have some luck. I am stuck with an ecert for me and my sister. They are good for 2 years, but I don't really want to fly United. This was the FIRST time we ever booked United and now I am off put from using them again.

vicarrieous, I saw in passing a headline about United being required to contact travelers whose flights were cancelled and who have already accepted evouchers - in order to offer a refund. I tried to find more specific info, but not coming across it easily. I hope I am not wrong, but on the chance that I am right, I wanted to alert you.

They actually rebooked me on a flight leaving a full two (2) days earlier than my original departure date, and didn't even notify me. Again, I only found out because they ended up cancelling the flight and I got the text that very morning. I've submitted my request for a refund. After cancelling my flight three times (and not notifying me), to rebooking me without my consent three times (first one was from direct to connecting flight, and then last was an earlier departure date by two days), I better have a strong case for a refund.

 

[vicarrieous]

vicarrieous, I saw in passing a headline about United being required to contact travelers whose flights were cancelled and who have already accepted evouchers - in order to offer a refund. I tried to find more specific info, but not coming across it easily. I hope I am not wrong, but on the chance that I am right, I wanted to alert you.

They actually rebooked me on a flight leaving a full two (2) days earlier than my original departure date, and didn't even notify me. Again, I only found out because they ended up cancelling the flight and I got the text that very morning. I've submitted my request for a refund. After cancelling my flight three times (and not notifying me), to rebooking me without my consent three times (first one was from direct to connecting flight, and then last was an earlier departure date by two days), I better have a strong case for a refund.

Thanks for the heads up! I will see if I can find anything, but I am not holding my breath. I have been so frustrated with this scenario and at some point have to let it go.

I think you would have a GREAT case for a refund. Best of luck and let me know how it goes.

 

[tony67]

Just wanted to state again, after hearing back from Aer Lingus that they are totally useless as far as customer service.

Their stance is they are flying so you have to too.
Does not matter that your coming from Milan.
Change fees still apply.
We will refund you just the taxes if you want to cancel.
"please do not respond further unless you require additional assistance." - nice way of saying get bent

Rant begins
Back in the 90s and earlier - Aer Lingus had a monopoly and it was the only option for Ireland and they charged accordingly. I often flew to London and then back to Dublin for less on BA - and it was still cheaper. Aer Lingus did not even give you free drinks on an INTERNATIONAL flight.

In the 2000s they started to get competition and the prices got better, they even gave free drinks.
That did not last long though.
Then they got the advantage of having US pre-clearance in Dublin and Shannon - so they did become a great option for the rest of Europe on the cheap.
Many flight I am on are full of people going elsewhere.
IF Aer Lingus cared about Ireland they would have a stopover option on their flight - they do not. You can book us to somewhere in Europe and then Ireland back to the us. You then need to book a separate flight back to Ireland from where ever. A simple stop over option would be great for Irish Tourism. Lets not even talk about how they side lined Shannon Airport and practically closed it. Ryan Air played a part in that - but they own a large part of Aer Lingus back then.
The lack of customer service always surprises me - the flight attendants have some of the worst attitudes in the industry.
They basically disappear after "food" service - and yeah the food is some of the worst - it has continued to drop in quality year after year.
the "breakfast" or "snack" on the way back it a pre packaged joke - the only good thing in it it the Kerry Gold Butter
And if you bother the flight attendants for a glass of water later in the flight - you will be amazed at the attitude - why are you bothering them they are having a chat
End Rant

Yeah - Im still stuck flying Aer Lingus to go home unfortunately, but if you can avoid them do.
Oh and BTW - the fairs for the summer are just as high as ever - that is their peak season. Who is booking Ireland now? I have family I want to see and I'm not going.

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

Just wanted to state again, after hearing back from Aer Lingus that they are totally useless as far as customer service.

Their stance is they are flying so you have to too.
Does not matter that your coming from Milan.
Change fees still apply.
We will refund you just the taxes if you want to cancel.
"please do not respond further unless you require additional assistance." - nice way of saying get bent

Rant begins
Back in the 90s and earlier - Aer Lingus had a monopoly and it was the only option for Ireland and they charged accordingly. I often flew to London and then back to Dublin for less on BA - and it was still cheaper. Aer Lingus did not even give you free drinks on an INTERNATIONAL flight.

In the 2000s they started to get competition and the prices got better, they even gave free drinks.
That did not last long though.
Then they got the advantage of having US pre-clearance in Dublin and Shannon - so they did become a great option for the rest of Europe on the cheap.
Many flight I am on are full of people going elsewhere.
IF Aer Lingus cared about Ireland they would have a stopover option on their flight - they do not. You can book us to somewhere in Europe and then Ireland back to the us. You then need to book a separate flight back to Ireland from where ever. A simple stop over option would be great for Irish Tourism. Lets not even talk about how they side lined Shannon Airport and practically closed it. Ryan Air played a part in that - but they own a large part of Aer Lingus back then.
The lack of customer service always surprises me - the flight attendants have some of the worst attitudes in the industry.
They basically disappear after "food" service - and yeah the food is some of the worst - it has continued to drop in quality year after year.
the "breakfast" or "snack" on the way back it a pre packaged joke - the only good thing in it it the Kerry Gold Butter
And if you bother the flight attendants for a glass of water later in the flight - you will be amazed at the attitude - why are you bothering them they are having a chat
End Rant

Yeah - Im still stuck flying Aer Lingus to go home unfortunately, but if you can avoid them do.
Oh and BTW - the fairs for the summer are just as high as ever - that is their peak season. Who is booking Ireland now? I have family I want to see and I'm not going.

Are you within the window of time that you could dispute this with your credit card company? If so, that is what I would recommend.

 

[Darcy03231]

Delta cancelled DH's flight and we got a refund. We waited until they cancelled it (which was just a matter of time). If I went to the website I was only offered a credit, but by calling I got a refund. When the flight was cancelled they automatically rebooked him on another flight. Best part was instead of a non-stop it was connecting and he was arriving an hour and a half after his connecting flight took off!

 

[RoadDogg723]

I wanted to just get a refund but I took a chance on the Frontier each $50 per person voucher. I had each way as a separate reservation so I have $400 in extra vouchers for 4 people now, gets me another trips airfare almost covered. Just need to figure out when we want/safe to go again.

 

[starry_solo]

My son had to cut short a backpacking trip in South America. He has flights booked with GOL and Azul, both Brazilian airlines and what was to be his final BA flight from Buenos Aires to London. It is so difficult to communicate with the airlines and they seem to be insisting on credit notes with a time limit, rather than a refund. We are just waiting for the first flight from Quito to São Paulo to be cancelled and hoping that will trigger refunds.

You'd have to check with their countries' laws. US requires their carriers to refund for cancellations but since those aren't US airlines, you would be stuck with what they have

 

[DLgal]

United ended up cancelling my LAX to Tokyo flight in May and rescheduled me on a ridiculous itinerary that took me to Newark on a red eye, followed by a flight to Tokyo 7 hours later. The red eye left LAX 9 hours after my original flight. I would have arrived in Tokyo 23 hours later than my original flight.

I called United and told that that change was absolutely ridiculous and I would not accept it. They agreed and processed a refund. I am awaiting the refund now.