Parents have AA tickets and Dad had by-pass

[Disneycrazymom]

Has anyone had a situation where they had air tickets on AA and then were told by the DR that they could not take the flight? I am hoping for advise about what to expect before I call AA. They had 2 tickets for Sept and my Dad had 5 by-passes last Tuesday. He asked the Dr and was told no way was he to fly (or drive for that matter) to the wedding. I would like to get a refund for them. The Dr has no problem signing a note. What would it need to say? Any advise would be great, as we are all worried enough about the surgery and recovery I would like to get these tickets taken care of. I am hopeful not to lose the money! Thanks!!!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

American Airlines' rules for nonrefundable vary depending on the competition on a route. Generally, if you cancel before the flight, you can apply the ticket value toward another American Airlines flight within a year, minus a change fee (typically $100 per ticket). So if your parents had two tickets for $250 each, they would be able to apply $150 each toward future flights. For some routes, the change fee is only $50.

For international travel, American sometimes waives fees if a doctor confirms the medical reason. For domestic travel, American does not waive the fee and does not provide refunds (unless the passenger has died). I lost $600 last year, even though I have Platinum status with American Airlines.

The other legacy carriers have policies similar to American.

I assume your father does not have trip insurance. (With most trip insurance policies, the traveller can get a full refund of any nonrefundable trip costs due to illness or inability to travel for medical reasons.)

I wish your father a good recovery.

 

[seashoreCM]

At least ask.

Can everyone else go (so as not to pay the penalty on the rest of the tickets)?

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Thank-you.

No they didn't do any insurance since it was just the flight. They were to stay with Dad's cousin. I did send an e-mail to AA but don't expect much. I wish they had booked with SW as they are always easier to deal with. The tickets were not very expensive and the change fee may not be worth it, but AA will get less of our business because of the tight restriction. Not that I think anyone should be able to cancel at any time but I do think it should be possible in this situation.

He is doing well and even came home. That is what is most important!

 

[Lewisc]

You might get more sympathy with a phone call as opposed to an email. Airlines added change fees as an alternative to having to review medical notes and evaluating reasons why a customer should be entitled to an exception.

Airlines offer refundable fares for customers that need more flexibility. Some customers look at change fees in advance might pay a little more in order to fly with an airline, such as SW, which have a more liberal change policy.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The tickets were not very expensive and the change fee may not be worth it, but AA will get less of our business because of the tight restriction. Not that I think anyone should be able to cancel at any time but I do think it should be possible in this situation.

I've been following this board for a long time. Under similar circumstances, people have posted that they'll avoid (or even "never fly again" on) United, Delta, and other legacy airlines. It's not just American.

I agree with those who have posted that it doesn't hurt to ask. However, don't get your hopes up.

Unfortunately, the legacy airlines usually charge a huge difference between nonrefundable tickets and refundable tickets. And the nonrefundable tickets have rules that require a change fee if they can't be used as ticketed — even if a passenger is temporarily unable to fly due to a medical reason.

Usually, the only chance of a living passenger getting a refund on a nonrefundable ticket is if the flight schedule changes significantly (such as 2-4 hours, depending on the airline) or the route is dropped by the airline. Then, the airline will usually agree to provide a refund to passengers who politely insist that the new schedule is an "involuntary reroute" and no longer meets the passenger's travel needs.

 

[Snowysmom]

Definately call and ask the airline. I couldn't go on my trip this past summer because my father has been very ill. I called Delta and explained the situation and they gave me a credit for all of my tickets. I did not have to pay a change fee. I did have to reschedule by the expiration date of the tickets but they were very nice about letting me cancel and keep the money as a credit. You probably won't get a refund but a credit to used for a future flight. Good luck.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Thanks everyone. I will try calling again tomorrow. Today I tried but couldn't get the right person. I also sent an e-mail. My parents would be very happy to get a credit as they hope to go to Disneyland with my DD next spring and they could use the credit then. Any suggestions of whom to ask to speak to? Thanks again!

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I wanted to come back and update this thread. I did contact AA through the web site and was e-mailed back. They were very kind and have offered to voucher the tickets for my parents. They have even offered to waive the fee. I am very happy that they are doing this much! They did say that they would only do this once but hopefully it will only happen once! They now have 1 year to use the ticket vouchers and can look forward to a nice trip when Dad feels better!

 

[LoveMyBoys]

I was following this thread, and am glad they were able to work with you. I wish your father a quick recovery.