Quick info needed re. airline ticket cancellation

[travelbug]

**RESOLVED! Hooray!***

I am scheduled to fly to St. Louis on Northwest this afternoon, and it looks like I will need to cancel the flight. Although I have flown often, this is the first time I've ever needed to cancel.

It is a non-refundable ticket, but do I have any options? Can I get a voucher for a future flight or anything? I would not be rescheduling a trip to St. Louis; it would be somewhere else. I know that I could reschedule for a $10 fee, but I don't have any future flight to specifically want at this time.

I can't find clear wording about this on nwa.com and can't get through on the phones to ask (high call volume because of the storm).

Any quick info would be great. Thank you!

 

[auntpolly]

Is it a weather problem? I think they might be making some exceptions because of this storm -- but otherwise usually you can change for a fee - fees vary.

This is no help at all I know but at least it will bump it up!!

 

[travelbug]

Thanks, auntpolly. Yes, it's mostly because of the weather on my end although the flight is listed as "on schedule" so far. But I am also not feeling well this morning, so that's kind of the deciding factor.

My dilemma is that I don't have specific plans for a reschedule and would need it to be open-ended. Or of course I'd love a refund, but I can't reach a human being to see if that is even possible.

With all the veteran travelers around here, I'm hoping someone knows the answer. I don't want to just cancel online only to find out that I'm just out the money, if there are any other options.

 

[auntpolly]

Thanks, auntpolly. Yes, it's mostly because of the weather on my end although the flight is listed as "on schedule" so far. But I am also not feeling well this morning, so that's kind of the deciding factor.

My dilemma is that I don't have specific plans for a reschedule and would need it to be open-ended. Or of course I'd love a refund, but I can't reach a human being to see if that is even possible.

With all the veteran travelers around here, I'm hoping someone knows the answer. I don't want to just cancel online only to find out that I'm just out the money, if there are any other options.

I know that some people are getting refunds - I saw it on the news last night - I can't believe they are still saying "ontime" for you! That seems highly unlikely!

Sorry - still no help - but at least we can bump it again for someone who maybe can help.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Sometimes airlines will let you just have a credit for a future flight. I know Southwest does that. You do not need to book right away--you must book and utilize the unused ticket within a certain time frame.

I would call the airline and ask. If you end up with someone who doesn't understand you (happens often with Delta)..demand to speak with someone else. Sometimes agents are only trained with formula responses.

 

[travelbug]

Thanks, Lisa. I did try to call NWA, but the recording says that my call can't be completed due to high call volume and it directs me to the website. I can't even wait on hold. The call just ends.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thanks, Lisa. I did try to call NWA, but the recording says that my call can't be completed due to high call volume and it directs me to the website. I can't even wait on hold. The call just ends.

I can e-mail my sister. Her hubby works for NWA...but he works ground crew so doubtful she can get an answer from him with all the hubbub of the weather. But she may know.

 

[travelbug]

Thanks, Lisa. That is so thoughtful of you to offer!! I just tried to call one more time, and I actually got far enough to be on hold. "Your estimated wait time is 15 minutes or longer." At least there's hope that I'll actually reach a human being, but it's the "or longer" part that I'm wondering about.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Use weather as your excuse for not taking the trip and you are MUCH more likely to get a full credit towards a future flight then if you say you are not feeling well. I've done this many times when bad weather was an issue.

Good luck! NWA is usually pretty good with customer service.

Hope you feel better!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Sis' is calling the hubby right now. She's never had to cancel so she isn't sure.

Weather may be your best bet though as she thinks you wont' have the same liberties of rescheduling arbitrarily for a same day ticket.

But if she finds out anything, I will pass it along.

Good luck with the hold!

 

[Poohnatic]

I've cancelled non refundable tickets before for non weather related reasons. The airlines (SW and Delta) gave me a year to rebook them. SW didn't charge a rebooking fee, but Delta charges 35 dollars.

Suzanne

 

[travelbug]

Thanks to both of you for your good advice. If I ever reach a human (I'm still on hold), I'll just mention weather reasons. It's not a lie either. My driveway is completely drifted shut and my street hasn't been plowed, so it is a mess. The airport is almost an hour away when roads are good, so I hate to think how long it would take me to get there today. I would maybe struggle to get out if (a)I knew I'd be losing the money entirely and (b)I didn't feel crummy.

Lisa, you're so sweet to call your sister and see if she can find anything out! I'm so grateful for how hard you're trying to help me get an answer. Thank you very much!

 

[travelbug]

I've cancelled non refundable tickets before for non weather related reasons. The airlines (SW and Delta) gave me a year to rebook them. SW didn't charge a rebooking fee, but Delta charges 35 dollars.

Suzanne

Suzanne, did you cancel online or go through an agent? I would cancel online if I was confident that the proper options would come up in the process. (This is Northwest.)

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The BIL is checking with the gate agents as we speak. We are heading out to Piano lessons and Valetine's Day Festivities soon, so if i don't get back to you...good luck!

 

[travelbug]

GOOD NEWS! I finally got through to a very nice ticket agent who gave me a full refund back to my credit card. That's a relief!

Thanks again, everyone, for your helpful replies. That's why I love these boards. People are generally very kind and want to help.

P.S. - Lisa, you are awesome! Please thank your sister and BIL for me!

 

[Poohnatic]

Suzanne, did you cancel online or go through an agent? I would cancel online if I was confident that the proper options would come up in the process. (This is Northwest.)

With Southwest, I did it over the phone. Delta was online and there was no trouble either way.

Suzanne