Any chance of a refund? Need to cancel SWA due to TSA new body scanners

[tandbs1]

SWA has told us there is no refund for our tickets that we have to fly to Disney 11/30. My dh says no way are we going to subject our children to the new body scanners or pat downs that are the new rule for air travel.

I guess I will try to call the TSA tomorrow morning and see if I can get a refund. It is so bad that we may have to cancel our whole Disney trip if we can't get the refund. We will have to spend 24 hours straight driving to Disney (due to no extra vacation time) or cancel our trip altogether.

Mostly I am sad about the kids not being able to go.

Anyone know how or if we'll be able to get a refund since the only reason we are canceling our flight is due to being forced to use the new scanners or get an invasive pat down?

Thanks,

Brenda

 

[Lewisc]

The TSA can't tell SW to give you a refund. SW can't tell the TSA how to screen passengers.

I suspect you're out of luck. Actually I hope you're out of luck. Airlines can't afford to refund non-refundable tickets just because a passenger doesn't like TSA screening practices.

Cancel your SW reservation and you'll get a full credit. That credit can still be used by passengers not on your original reservation. Policy will be changing next year. You could let a friend or co-worker use the credits. You're not allowed to sell the credits on DIS or EBay.

One poster said children under 12 won't be subjected to the full pat down. It's not really clear what that means.

 

[dudspizza]

The hysteria over the new TSA procedures absolutely amazes me...... people are buying into the hysteria and the media isn't making it any better......

People need to relax... it really isn't that bad. I have 2 daughters, 11 and 14 and I will have no problem with them going through TSA security. It is for all of our safety and anyone who claims it is anything other than security is way over thinking this. JMO.

duds

 

[*Meagan*]

Im in utter shock people are actually cancelling trips over a scanner or a pat down.

This is all for our safety. I agree with "dudspizza" calm down, relax, and come back to reality. It is not the end of the world.

 

[Traveliz]

>>Any chance of a refund? Need to cancel SWA due to TSA new body scanners <<

Cancelling in this case is not a need...it's a want. I admit I have not paid a lot of attention to the body scanner thing and I suppose if you think about it there is an ick factor but seriously? I would certainly not cancel or think I NEEDED to cancel due to this.

Liz

 

[tandbs1]

If we cannot do either of the 2 options, then it is a 'need' rather than a 'want'. Who would 'want' to trade in a 3-hour non-stop flight with ME taking them comfortably and directly to their Disney resort... for a 24-hour cramped drive with all that wear and tear on their vehicle (not to mention wear and tear on all those joints for having to sit that long in the car and then being totally unrested while heading off to the parks... ugh!)

No, I do not 'want' to give up my airline tickets at all. But at first, I was like many of you and was telling my dh to relax, these scanners are no big deal, etc. etc. I do not feel that way anymore. And I have flown all around the world (Australia, India, Russia, South Korea, rural Iowa ) and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the whole adventure of traveling by plane.... but not anymore if it means having to take chances with my precious children's mental or physical health or well-being.

Ultimately, our position is that GOD is in control and we do not need to fear what man can do to us... however, we can try to affect some kind of positive change and 'do good' where possible, and right now that is by taking a stand on this issue.

Blessings,

Brenda

 

[dakjoskaimiksmom]

I'm with you, tandbs1. To say nothing of the fact that it's a violation of our Constitutional right to NO illegal search and seizure.

 

[disfan07]

If we cannot do either of the 2 options, then it is a 'need' rather than a 'want'. Who would 'want' to trade in a 3-hour non-stop flight with ME taking them comfortably and directly to their Disney resort... for a 24-hour cramped drive with all that wear and tear on their vehicle (not to mention wear and tear on all those joints for having to sit that long in the car and then being totally unrested while heading off to the parks... ugh!)

No, I do not 'want' to give up my airline tickets at all. But at first, I was like many of you and was telling my dh to relax, these scanners are no big deal, etc. etc. I do not feel that way anymore. And I have flown all around the world (Australia, India, Russia, South Korea, rural Iowa ) and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the whole adventure of traveling by plane.... but not anymore if it means having to take chances with my precious children's mental or physical health or well-being.

Ultimately, our position is that GOD is in control and we do not need to fear what man can do to us... however, we can try to affect some kind of positive change and 'do good' where possible, and right now that is by taking a stand on this issue.

Sorry but no way will they consider this a need. They will not refund a ticket if it is against their policy because of soemthing you choose. This is in no way a need. This is a choice you're making and you will probably loose the funds. Your choice.....not theirs. Your beliefs will not change their policy.

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Ultimately, our position is that GOD is in control and we do not need to fear what man can do to us... however, we can try to affect some kind of positive change and 'do good' where possible, and right now that is by taking a stand on this issue.

Blessings,

Brenda

They do not scan everyone. We have never had the body scan nor has anyone that I know and we fly in and out of a major airport. My niece (20) was randomly chosen to have her hand swabbed. So since they do not scan everyone (and despite the media rarely anyone under 13) and you believe God is in control, pray and have faith, enjoy your flight. Praying for peace for you (where two or three agree)

 

[maxiesmom]

Ultimately, our position is that GOD is in control and we do not need to fear what man can do to us... however, we can try to affect some kind of positive change and 'do good' where possible, and right now that is by taking a stand on this issue.

Blessings,

Brenda

So I have to ask, would you be ok with no screenings at all at the airport, because God is in control? Do you not use seatbelts in the car? Or see a doctor when you child is sick? If you do any of the other things, than what is the difference?

I do understand that it is totally your choice wether to fly or not. But please do not use God as an excuse for not going thru a screening. As a fellow (I'm assuming) Christian, I find that very lame and a bit offensive. Many of the people who would hurt us say they do it in God's name.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm not going into the whole 'who's in control' issue since religious discussions are a big no-no here on the DIS. But it is up to us to make travel as safe as we possibly can. I am not going to get into a debate as to whether or not these screenings make us safer...there are plenty of threads that address that.
You may in all probability not have to go through the new scanners. Not everyone does..it is a small percentage. You could just take your chances..and probably be fine.
With SW, you won't get a refund (and that's as it should be), but you can get a SW credit for future trips. That may be your only recourse.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

I had a hip replacement and have to get pat down EVERY time I fly- it's not like a patdown on the show COPS. They are all very professional (at least the 25 or so employees that have done it to me in various cities) It is a necessary evil that these requirements are being put into use due to the state of our world today. I really can't see how your children's mental or physical health or well-being is being put in jeopardy? Maybe you could elaborate on that? It just seems to me that you are being a little extreme. Any like another poster said, the TSA will not make SW refund your money, nor will they refund it themselves.

 

[Allison]

You are making a choice not to fly so SWA has no reason to give a refund on non-refundable tickets. Calling TSA will not do anything since they have nothing to do with SWA ticketing.

 

[Hoopfamily]

I'm just curious about something. First i think we can all agree that there are creepy people Who might take the opportunity to be inappropriate in any position, but they probably make up such a small percentage that it's not a huge concern. But my question is this, to everyone who has a problem with having the scan and or pat down done. Do you take your kids and yourselves to the doctor. When it's time for a physical, do you argue being clothed or unclothed with the doctor? If you are uncomfortable in one situation, how are you not uncomfortable in the other. Further more as a man, there is nothing worse than the test. Fellas you know what I mean. So I say stop your complaining and either take the scan or pat down and fly, or don't.
I forgot something: What about my right to not have to wait longer in line because someone wants to argue a procedure they knew was in effect at the airport. I'd like to get through the line. So I'm gonna write my own message to the TSA.
Dear Tsa,
Could you please have someone at the entrances to the airport to pre-pre-screen people who are complainers and send them to a separate line so I can get on my flight on time.

 

[vim]

Actually I am in the same boat. I have 2 kids and yesterday after long discussion we decided to cancel our scheduled trip to Florida this December. That happened when I read about "enhanced pat down" done to 6 year old. I just don't want to traumatize my kids now, and as I know a bit about physics, I am smart to know about how bad in a long term these X-Ray machines are. Due to special situation we did not incurred any penalties so no loss for us. We will stay closer to home.
But I have another trip scheduled for mid March to Mexico. I am flying from Toronto and will be changing planes in Philadelphia. Anybody knows if they do these "pat downs" when you change terminals in Philadelphia? Do you need to go through security again between terminals? I checked, and it would cost us a lot to change that flight, so I am looking now at any other option.

 

[NJ Sox Fan]

It's amazing what's happened in this country since 9/11. Keeping our country safe was everyones first priority and now we're worried about a child's physical and mental well being going through a scanner or being patted down. I hope the Southwest customer service rep can keep from laughing when you ask for a refund.

 

[goofy4tink]

Okay...can we all stop for a minute and think about this rationally?? For those of us who travel less frequently than others (pilots, FAs, etc.), do you really think you're going to be adversely affected by these machines if you use them a few times a year?? Yes, radiation is cummulative....I just don't think the amount of radiation in the scanners are going to adversely affect us when we use them so seldomly.

The more agressive pat-downs?? Yes, I'm sure they could be disturbing to some...especially children. But, you can alert your children to the possibility well before getting to the airport. And yes, I'm sure that there could be a skeevy TSA person doing the pat-down..but I truly don't believe we should be painting all TSA employees with that brush. There are a huge number of TSA people that are probably just as uncomfortable as you are with these new screening proceedures.

 

[Lewisc]

Airlines offer refundable tickets. Most of us save $$$ and purchase restricted tickets.

TSA is ready willing and able to screen your family. You want a refund, you don't "need" one.

Even needing a refund doesn't get you a refund. A person who's in the hospital may be unable to fly and may "need" a refund. That person will only be able to get a refund if they purchased travel insurance.

An irrational fear of the TSA isn't grounds for a refund.

The OP is lucky. Their flight is with SW. They may be able to find a friend or relative who can use the credits.

 

[SaraJayne]

Okay...can we all stop for a minute and think about this rationally?? For those of us who travel less frequently than others (pilots, FAs, etc.), do you really think you're going to be adversely affected by these machines if you use them a few times a year?? Yes, radiation is cummulative....I just don't think the amount of radiation in the scanners are going to adversely affect us when we use them so seldomly.

The more agressive pat-downs?? Yes, I'm sure they could be disturbing to some...especially children. But, you can alert your children to the possibility well before getting to the airport. And yes, I'm sure that there could be a skeevy TSA person doing the pat-down..but I truly don't believe we should be painting all TSA employees with that brush. There are a huge number of TSA people that are probably just as uncomfortable as you are with these new screening proceedures.

You can also choose not to fly, which the OP has decided is best for her family. I don't think she needs to be mocked for making what she feels is the right decision for her and her family.

OP, I think you're out of luck as far as a refund goes, since it's your choice not to fly. Though you'll receive SW credits.

 

[livndisney]

You can also choose not to fly, which the OP has decided is best for her family. I don't think she needs to be mocked for making what she feels is the right decision for her and her family.