Quick airline ? for those experts!

[Tess]

I've never "overpaid" for a flight before and consequently never had to request a voucher. Can someone enlighten me?

We paid $256 per for a non-stop on NWA for June. I never book in September for a June flight, but all of the airlines from DTW and TOL were running at least this much for our dates. I thought it was pretty high yet I did it anyway.

Anyway, as I figured, the flight dropped to $190.50 on a promo code. I called NWA and the agent indicated that NWA charges a $25 per ticket fee to remit a voucher for the difference. So, I'm paying $100 to receive $36 per ticket (x4) in vouchers. Am I correct that it's actually $100 per tix for a change fee and that the $25 is more of an inconvenience fee for the airline?

She also indicated that the vouchers must be used by the person in whose name they are printed. Rather than being able to use the vouchers for say one ticket, I must buy 4 tickets or one for each of us on our next flight. The $36 doesn't go very far when applying to a single ticket. Still, it's better than paying way too much for the lot.

My husband seems to think that NWA should have remitted the difference in cash since it charged the $25 change fee per tix. I believe the change fee is actually higher and that we were lucky to catch the promo rate online and thereby get anything in return.

Can anyone clue me in to the procedures with regard to vouchers and rate drops?

BTW, I view it as having saved on the 4 tix. We were paying $1006 for them and with the vouchers minus the $100 change fee, we are only paying $862. Plus, I have incentive to take another trip! I just wish we could use the vouchers on tix for one or two of us rather than all 4!

 

[linny172]

I have done this before and unless it is something new I know that I did not pay any kind of fee. I was sent credit vouchers I think it was about they were in the name of each passenger and could only be used by that person

 

[safetymom]

Different airlines handle vouchers differently. If you are booking tickets far ahead it is a good idea to know the voucher policy before you purchase the tickets.

I like to think then when I purchase the tickets that is the final price. If I manage to get a voucher that is a bonus.

The airlines make the rules, we have to be aware of them before we buy.

 

[Tess]

safetymom: I appreciate what you're saying--and I agree. It is buyer beware! Admittedly, I let my husband influence my normally wait and see view with regard to airline tickets. In the past I've purchased around this time and never paid over $200 per or much over anyway. I should have held my ground and waited. . .I realize it's my own error. Hence the reason I have no experience requesting vouchers--never had to since I've never paid top dollar for tix.

The reason I asked about the NWA rules, specifically, is because I have tried searching their website for the rules and they do NOT (at least not that I could find) state anywhere a specific policy (read cost per tix) for issuing vouchers. Further, the agent I spoke with didn't seem to be too on the ball.

I will print out my e-tix and see if there's any information on them with regard to the cost associated with the issuance of vouchers. I knew the tix were nonrefundable AND a change fee would be assessed if she changed our plans/dates, etc. but I don't get the cost associated with issuance of a voucher. We changed no flights, dates, or otherwise, NWA simply dropped rates and I caught the change.

I guess I was simply being lazy thinking someone would have the knowledge I do not. On the other hand, there may be nothing in the e-tix that explain the fee associated with issuing a voucher.

Thanks and if anyone knows NWA's policy--I'd love to be enlightened.

 

[safetymom]

If you think like the airlines there is a cost associated with issuing vouchers. Someone has to process the information to issue the vouchers.

http://www.nwa.com/freqfly/wpadminfee.html

I don't think of it as buyer beware. It is no different than buying something at the computer store and several weeks later the price drops or goes higher.

 

[sln88]

"If you think like the airlines there is a cost associated with issuing vouchers. Someone has to process the information to issue the vouchers"

so at $25 a pop(cheap compared to some airlines), it must take that clerk they are paying $6 an hour 4 hours to make that voucher!!

 

[safetymom]

I didn't say it was fair. But that is the rule of that airline. You need to be aware of the rules before you buy the ticket.

I fly many many times during the year. I have learned not to sweat the small stuff. Yes I buy the tickets before someone posts that since I fly for business I have no concern with the costs.

 

[mrsheppo]

Be glad it wasn't thru Continental. The fares dropped by $20.00 each from what I paid for our six tickets. When I called to inquire about a voucher for the difference in price, I was told I would have to pay a $100.00 per ticket change fee.

Definately not worth the hassle.