American airlines bad surprise

[gram]

I had to change our trip dates due to son's hip surgery. Disney was no problem, refunded all the deposit money. Then I called American to cancel the tickets, knowing I had a year to use them and that there would be a charge when I rebooked. Yikes! Now they want $200.00 per ticket to rebook.
The original tickets only cost me $305.00 each. For the 4 of us that is an $800.00 fee. Plus what ever the difference is in the ticket price.....

 

[Lewisc]

This post isn't intended for the OP, who I suspect posted to "vent".

It shouldn't be a surprise. Change fees are listed on the carriers website. Change fees are listed in your confirmation email. Don't like the change fees. You have a day to cancel your reservation and get a full refund (some exceptions). Ticketed passengers are subject to the fees in effect when you bought your ticket.

Change fees vary. Southwest doesn't have any change fee. Airlines sell fully refundable fares $$$. You can buy travel insurance.

Southwest doesn't always have the cheapest fares. People who want some flexibility should be willing to pay more for a fare which includes it.

Change fees can all but make our credit worthless. Revenue from unused tickets, and change fees, are some of the reasons why fares are reasonably low.

Book enough flights over the years and it's inevitable you'll have to change at least one. Work schedule changes. Family member gets sick. Pet gets sick....

Some people book their flights too early.

For the OP, if it may not be too late. I'd wait to cancel the tickets. Find out how much notice, if any, you need to give the airline before your ticket is worthless. There is a chance a major schedule change will give you the opportunity to get a full refund to your credit card. The new schedule doesn't suit my needs, I'm going to book a flight with a different airline.

 

[gram]

You are correct, I just wanted to whine about it. Your tip about waiting to cancel is a good one. I knew it was going to cost me, just never expected it to be $200 per person. Last time I changed a flight it was $75. And I thought that was bad. Oh well, if I want to take the Grandkids to Disney, then I must expect it to be expensive. It will be worth it! But if my son has anymore health issues, HE is getting left behind!!:lmao

 

[francie57]

As pp said, hope for a major schedule change and then you can cancel for free. Also, not to sure how it works, but maybe look into trip insurance to see if you could get it and that it would cover airfare. Thankfully JetBlue offers it for $30/reservation (no matter how many people its $30) and we buy it each trip since you never know.

 

[PatMcDuck]

There are so many reasons to want or need to change flights. Some are urgent emergencies, others are just to coordinate dates with friends/family.

It is one reason why many of us here on DIS go out of our way to book on Southwest. (no $$ charge for changes, and credits for future flights if cost of flight decreases).

Of course some people do not live near a city that has SW flights.

 

[Lewisc]

Buying airfare closer to your trip will reduce the need to change flights. 54 days before your trip is considered the best time to buy domestic plane tickets. I'm not sure I agree with that rule of thumb if you're flying during peak holiday weeks.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/01/best-time-to-book-a-flight_n_4875266.html

francie57 You normally have to buy travel insurance shortly after your payment if you want coverage for pre-existing conditions. Hip surgery was either already performed or is scheduled. The premium to cover an event which is certain would be equal to the potential benefit plus costs.

 

[DebbieB]

I don't know if American offers it, but Delta has insurance on their website, it's like $25. I buy it on personal trips so I don't have to worry. It's not just cancellation, it also includes baggage, trip interruption, emergency medical. The company is Allianz. It's too late for this trip but you may want to consider it in the future.

You could try to plead your case to American. Sometimes they make exceptions in medical situations. Can't hurt.