Usair question

[NeedaVacation03]

I do not usually fly UsAir, but purchased tickets for early July. I had to cancel those tickets and was told that I could only use that to book another flight, plus a $100 change fee per ticket. I have read of other people getting the amount charged back to a credit card, How do you do that? They were not very friendly.

 

[CarolA]

I don't think you have heard that for USAir. SW has been known to do it (and maybe JetBlue?) USAir, United, Delta, AA etc don't give the refunds. That's one of the risk of the "non refundable" ticket

 

[Ravenmike]

I fly United a lot for business...they have a similar policy to USAir's...
Basically if the ticket is classified as "non-refundable" all they will do is give you the amount of your ticket as a credit towards a future flight (within one year), minus the change fee (United is $75). Very stingy, and I have been burned by this before (but usually use the credit later on because of my travels).
I know Southwest does a credit system too.

U

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

This is a major reason why I won't use USair for personal vacations. On a work related flight, the flight was overbooked, and they offered a round trip flight for those who volunteered to wait 2 hours for the next flight. I wasn't doing anything, so I thought why not. Well, I tried to use the voucher twice, and was told both times there was no availability for the seats that are put aside for these type of vouchers (I was calling on flights in advance too). That is the last time I will ever volunteer! Its no wonder USair recently scored lowest in customer service!

 

[Piecey]

I don't think you have heard that for USAir. SW has been known to do it (and maybe JetBlue?) USAir, United, Delta, AA etc don't give the refunds. That's one of the risk of the "non refundable" ticket

USAir has done it for me twice now. As recently as... yesterday.

I'll admit I stretched the truth a wee bit but it was just because of what the OP said-- they weren't being friendly. If I wouldn't have gotten so mad (I've got a temper and a half) they probably wouldn't have refunded them.

I didn't really think they'd do it when I called, but thought it was worth a try.. (I wanted to rebook with the amazing SW Ding! fares out of Columbus, yesterday.)

So I called and acted like I had no idea how the travel industry worked. Explained that I'd recently had surgery (true) and had been to see my doctor this week (true) and that we had discussed how well I was healing (true) and wasn't sure whether or not I would be ready to take my upcoming trip. (not really true. We were talking about my July trip, not the September one which is what I had booked USAir for)

I was really nice about it but then the lady LAUGHED at me and said "What exactly is so wrong with you that you already know you can't make a trip three months away?" and I'll admit it, I lost it a bit. The specifics of my condition are not important. If they wanted something from my Doc, fine. But it's not important as to WHY. Then she went on to explain to me that they had no medical clause so it's basically not her problem. If it hadn't been for her attitude, I would have just said "Thank You" and hung up.

But I couldn't let it go. I got really upset with how cavalier she was being. I told her that the specifics of my condition were absolutely none of her business and that generally when one has surgery they hope that all goes well the first time (it did, I'm fine, just still having minor, minor problems) and that they don't really like to think about it getting in the way of the vacations that they have booked six months away. She started in again with how they have no medical policy and I was like "You know what? Thats fine. But I think you should look at my account (dividend miles member) and look at all the flights I have flown with your airline (enough in the past 2yrs to qualify for more than a free ticket!) and be more understanding for people when their lives don't go specifically the way that they PLANNED them to go! I have been nothing but nice to you and your attitude has done nothing but offend me!" and she got quiet and said "Let me talk to my manager"

..came back on the phone and offered me a full refund back to my CC..


(So I ran over to SW and rebooked us BOTH for less than the original price of one ticket on USAir)

 

[NeedaVacation03]

Thanks so much for the replies. I will just chalk it up to another lesson learned and move on. I will not use USAir in the future, but I am going to just let it go. I am glad that it worked out for some of you. I guess it is true, you are never too old to learn something new. No one promised it would be something good huh?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Well, I tried to use the voucher twice, and was told both times there was no availability for the seats that are put aside for these type of vouchers (I was calling on flights in advance too). That is the last time I will ever volunteer! Its no wonder USair recently scored lowest in customer service!

You have discovered the main problems with vouchers - they are very difficult to use on most airlines, not just US Airways. This is why more and more people aren't volunteering for bumps unless they are paid in CASH!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

People will say anything to get their money back, even when they've agreed to non-refundable terms. I'm extremely surprised they simply didn't just waive the change fees. You must have really thrown a tantrum. Interesting.

USAir has done it for me twice now. As recently as... yesterday.

I'll admit I stretched the truth a wee bit but it was just because of what the OP said-- they weren't being friendly. If I wouldn't have gotten so mad (I've got a temper and a half) they probably wouldn't have refunded them.

I didn't really think they'd do it when I called, but thought it was worth a try.. (I wanted to rebook with the amazing SW Ding! fares out of Columbus, yesterday.)

So I called and acted like I had no idea how the travel industry worked. Explained that I'd recently had surgery (true) and had been to see my doctor this week (true) and that we had discussed how well I was healing (true) and wasn't sure whether or not I would be ready to take my upcoming trip. (not really true. We were talking about my July trip, not the September one which is what I had booked USAir for)

I was really nice about it but then the lady LAUGHED at me and said "What exactly is so wrong with you that you already know you can't make a trip three months away?" and I'll admit it, I lost it a bit. The specifics of my condition are not important. If they wanted something from my Doc, fine. But it's not important as to WHY. Then she went on to explain to me that they had no medical clause so it's basically not her problem. If it hadn't been for her attitude, I would have just said "Thank You" and hung up.

But I couldn't let it go. I got really upset with how cavalier she was being. I told her that the specifics of my condition were absolutely none of her business and that generally when one has surgery they hope that all goes well the first time (it did, I'm fine, just still having minor, minor problems) and that they don't really like to think about it getting in the way of the vacations that they have booked six months away. She started in again with how they have no medical policy and I was like "You know what? Thats fine. But I think you should look at my account (dividend miles member) and look at all the flights I have flown with your airline (enough in the past 2yrs to qualify for more than a free ticket!) and be more understanding for people when their lives don't go specifically the way that they PLANNED them to go! I have been nothing but nice to you and your attitude has done nothing but offend me!" and she got quiet and said "Let me talk to my manager"

..came back on the phone and offered me a full refund back to my CC..


(So I ran over to SW and rebooked us BOTH for less than the original price of one ticket on USAir)

 

[CarolA]

USAir has done it for me twice now. As recently as... yesterday.

I'll admit I stretched the truth a wee bit but it was just because of what the OP said-- they weren't being friendly. If I wouldn't have gotten so mad (I've got a temper and a half) they probably wouldn't have refunded them.

I didn't really think they'd do it when I called, but thought it was worth a try.. (I wanted to rebook with the amazing SW Ding! fares out of Columbus, yesterday.)

So I called and acted like I had no idea how the travel industry worked. Explained that I'd recently had surgery (true) and had been to see my doctor this week (true) and that we had discussed how well I was healing (true) and wasn't sure whether or not I would be ready to take my upcoming trip. (not really true. We were talking about my July trip, not the September one which is what I had booked USAir for)

I was really nice about it but then the lady LAUGHED at me and said "What exactly is so wrong with you that you already know you can't make a trip three months away?" and I'll admit it, I lost it a bit. The specifics of my condition are not important. If they wanted something from my Doc, fine. But it's not important as to WHY. Then she went on to explain to me that they had no medical clause so it's basically not her problem. If it hadn't been for her attitude, I would have just said "Thank You" and hung up.

But I couldn't let it go. I got really upset with how cavalier she was being. I told her that the specifics of my condition were absolutely none of her business and that generally when one has surgery they hope that all goes well the first time (it did, I'm fine, just still having minor, minor problems) and that they don't really like to think about it getting in the way of the vacations that they have booked six months away. She started in again with how they have no medical policy and I was like "You know what? Thats fine. But I think you should look at my account (dividend miles member) and look at all the flights I have flown with your airline (enough in the past 2yrs to qualify for more than a free ticket!) and be more understanding for people when their lives don't go specifically the way that they PLANNED them to go! I have been nothing but nice to you and your attitude has done nothing but offend me!" and she got quiet and said "Let me talk to my manager"

..came back on the phone and offered me a full refund back to my CC..


(So I ran over to SW and rebooked us BOTH for less than the original price of one ticket on USAir)

And you are proud of this ability to lie?

I believe what happens goes around. The agent laughed at you because she KNEW you were lying. Someday when you really are in a bad situation you want get this "grace" and it will be because the agents got in trouble for "bending the rules" for folks who didn't need them bent, but just "changed thier mind"

 

[rewok]

USAir has done it for me twice now. As recently as... yesterday.

I'll admit I stretched the truth a wee bit but it was just because of what the OP said-- they weren't being friendly. If I wouldn't have gotten so mad (I've got a temper and a half) they probably wouldn't have refunded them.

I didn't really think they'd do it when I called, but thought it was worth a try.. (I wanted to rebook with the amazing SW Ding! fares out of Columbus, yesterday.)

So I called and acted like I had no idea how the travel industry worked. Explained that I'd recently had surgery (true) and had been to see my doctor this week (true) and that we had discussed how well I was healing (true) and wasn't sure whether or not I would be ready to take my upcoming trip. (not really true. We were talking about my July trip, not the September one which is what I had booked USAir for)

I was really nice about it but then the lady LAUGHED at me and said "What exactly is so wrong with you that you already know you can't make a trip three months away?" and I'll admit it, I lost it a bit. The specifics of my condition are not important. If they wanted something from my Doc, fine. But it's not important as to WHY. Then she went on to explain to me that they had no medical clause so it's basically not her problem. If it hadn't been for her attitude, I would have just said "Thank You" and hung up.

But I couldn't let it go. I got really upset with how cavalier she was being. I told her that the specifics of my condition were absolutely none of her business and that generally when one has surgery they hope that all goes well the first time (it did, I'm fine, just still having minor, minor problems) and that they don't really like to think about it getting in the way of the vacations that they have booked six months away. She started in again with how they have no medical policy and I was like "You know what? Thats fine. But I think you should look at my account (dividend miles member) and look at all the flights I have flown with your airline (enough in the past 2yrs to qualify for more than a free ticket!) and be more understanding for people when their lives don't go specifically the way that they PLANNED them to go! I have been nothing but nice to you and your attitude has done nothing but offend me!" and she got quiet and said "Let me talk to my manager"

..came back on the phone and offered me a full refund back to my CC..


(So I ran over to SW and rebooked us BOTH for less than the original price of one ticket on USAir)

And you are really proud of that? This is why people with REAL problems/emergencies can't get any sympathy and get stuck with fees. Because of other people abusing the system.

To the OP, sorry for you. The USAir fee is indeed steep.

 

[princesdi]

I booked US Air because that was the best rate and what was available for our December flight. Several weeks later the airline I really wanted to use had "perfect everything--times and prices" I contacted my agent, yep $100 to change each ticket plus $30 agent fee per ticket. No, I am not going to change flights, thats close to an additional $500 in my vacation money--lying is the last thing I thought about--I could never live with myself. I would rather live with the original flight I booked.

 

[Piecey]

You guys are ridiculous. I stated several times that I was VERY nice to the agent and didn't really think that there was anything that could be done but it was worth a try. People do much worse things in the world. I did not outright lie to her at all.

I also stated that I was very nice to the agent until she had the audacity to make light of my medical condition and act like she had the right to joke about it. You all don't know whats wrong with me, I don't know if I'll definitely be able to make the trip-- hold your opinions to yourself. I'm back (5 hours from home) at the doctor right now. When I bought the tickets, I thought I would be fine. I was fine at the time. NOW I have the side effects that have me driving 10 hours roundtrip to see a doctor.

And I didn't throw a 'tantrum'.. I never once raised my voice to her. I had a problem with her attitude, not with my situation. She could have not waived the tickets and I wouldn't have cared. Honestly.

And CarolA.. I wasn't lying. I never lied to her.

..and rewok, who are you to say that my problems aren't REAL?

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

You complain of side effects now.... yet you rebooked with a different airline And you mentioned 3 times how angry you became. And, for the record... stretching the truth IS lying. I have no idea what's wrong with you medically... just ethically. IMO, of course... to which you are all entitled!

You guys are ridiculous. I stated several times that I was VERY nice to the agent and didn't really think that there was anything that could be done but it was worth a try. People do much worse things in the world. I did not outright lie to her at all.

I also stated that I was very nice to the agent until she had the audacity to make light of my medical condition and act like she had the right to joke about it. You all don't know whats wrong with me, I don't know if I'll definitely be able to make the trip-- hold your opinions to yourself. I'm back (5 hours from home) at the doctor right now. When I bought the tickets, I thought I would be fine. I was fine at the time. NOW I have the side effects that have me driving 10 hours roundtrip to see a doctor.

And I didn't throw a 'tantrum'.. I never once raised my voice to her. I had a problem with her attitude, not with my situation. She could have not waived the tickets and I wouldn't have cared. Honestly.

And CarolA.. I wasn't lying. I never lied to her.

..and rewok, who are you to say that my problems aren't REAL?

 

[CarolA]

You complain of side effects now.... yet you rebooked with a different airline And you mentioned 3 times how angry you became. And, for the record... stretching the truth IS lying. I have no idea what's wrong with you medically... just ethically. IMO, of course... to which you are all entitled!

I agree. If you "cancelled" this ticket because you were MEDICALLY unable to fly, then the fact that you went right over to SW and re-booked pretty much says to me that you are medically able to fly. So why would that be honest?

 

[Piecey]

I didn't cancel the ticket because I was medically unable to fly.

I called and asked what the ..options were. I believe that is exactly how I worded it. She asked what I meant. I explained I had a surgery and am having side effects from it and unsure whether or not I can make the trip. I never stated I intended to cancel the trip on that phone call. I told her I wasn't sure whether or not I would be able to and I wanted to know the policy. THAT is when she laughed at me and asked what was so wrong with me I might need to cancel a trip three months in advance.

That is when I got upset. I NEVER once said that I was angry. I said I was upset, ExPirateShopGirl. I'm very sensitive about the subject, I'll admit. I'm jus t now having side effects and it bothers me. I thought I was okay. I'm sure everyone can understand that.

I got upset and told her that it was none of her business. I didn't argue with her about refunding the tickets and not offering me a better policy, I told her that I didn't appreciate her attitude as I'm a very frequent traveler on her airline. Her response was to call her manager and I guess, as she did not tell me why she was doing it, her manager told her to refund the tickets.. I did NOT ask her to do this. She did it all by herself and came back on the phone and offered me the refund which I gladly took. Who wouldn't? Honestly.

And as for my medical condition.. everyone on here knows SW is a much more forgiving airline when it comes to cancelling tickets. I did not fear rebooking with them because I knew if, in actuality, I end up not being able to take the trip my credit would not be lost.

Today I learned I'm patient 3 of several hundred thousand to have this problem from this surgery. Today I learn this. Four months after the actual surgery. It's shocking. And exactly why I did this-- if I need to cancel the SW ticket, I'm out $80 (assuming I'm not EVERY able to use the funds again.) Not $195.

I don't see how it was faulty of me to try to plan ahead for myself. I would never call an airline and FIGHT over not getting a refund because of something that is, yes, my problem. But when it is offered-- I will take it!

 

[CarolA]

I didn't cancel the ticket because I was medically unable to fly.

!

But in your first post you explained that you used your surgery to get your ticket cancelled? What other explanation would you call that besides medically unable.

I hope the mods close this and I am not a fan of closing threads, but this is disturbing on a lot of levels.

 

[Piecey]

But in your first post you explained that you used your surgery to get your ticket cancelled? What other explanation would you call that besides medically unable.

I hope the mods close this and I am not a fan of closing threads, but this is disturbing on a lot of levels.

No, I stated ..

"Explained that I'd recently had surgery (true) and had been to see my doctor this week (true) and that we had discussed how well I was healing (true) and wasn't sure whether or not I would be ready to take my upcoming trip. (not really true. We were talking about my July trip, not the September one which is what I had booked USAir for)"

I never said "I HAVE to cancel this trip." I explained my situation.

I also never directly ASKED for a refund. Which I stated. Twice.
It was offered to me. I'm not sure why that is so hard to comprehend?

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I didn't cancel the ticket because I was medically unable to fly.

We know. You cancelled the ticket because you found a cheaper fare.

I called and asked what the ..options were. I believe that is exactly how I worded it.

From your first post:

So I called and acted like I had no idea how the travel industry worked. Explained that I'd recently had surgery (true) and had been to see my doctor this week (true) and that we had discussed how well I was healing (true) and wasn't sure whether or not I would be ready to take my upcoming trip. (not really true. We were talking about my July trip, not the September one which is what I had booked USAir for)

That is when I got upset. I NEVER once said that I was angry. I said I was upset, ExPirateShopGirl. I'm very sensitive about the subject, I'll admit.

Again, from your first post

I'll admit I stretched the truth a wee bit but it was just because of what the OP said-- they weren't being friendly. If I wouldn't have gotten so mad (I've got a temper and a half) they probably wouldn't have refunded them.

And as for my medical condition.. everyone on here knows SW is a much more forgiving airline when it comes to cancelling tickets. I did not fear rebooking with them because I knew if, in actuality, I end up not being able to take the trip my credit would not be lost.

2 refunds so far, that's more forgiving than most airlines. What was your story the first time? Forget I asked that.

I agree with Carol. This is disturbing.

 

[Piecey]

No. I didn't call with the thought that I would cancel the ticket at all. Which I've said. I called to see what my options were. Which I've said. I never told her I wanted to cancel. I never asked for a refund. Which I've said.

Yes, because I wanted the opportunity to rebook a CHEAPER fair that would save me money because I didn't think I'd be able to make the trip. I probably won't be able to. I've got to go back and have more work done. Which I found out today. Funny how I saw that coming, isn't it? Lookie. I'm probably medically unable to fly now. Happy? Of course not.

I already quoted myself, why are you quoting the same quote I already explained?

I was mad about her attitude. Which I've already stated. Not over the tickets. I, again, never yelled at her. Never raised my voice at her. Stated that I didn't appreciate it. Some people can express opinions without starting an argument. I think she felt bad after I told her that my medical problems were none of her business and, I DID say this to her
"Usually when someone has a surgery they don't expect things to go wrong four months down the line, but that is what is happening to me. I am trying to find out my options because I do not know what is going to happen and you're laughing at me. I didn't expect this outcome and I don't appreciate your attitude."
That is whenever she put me on hold and came back and said her manager offered a refund. Because she honestly offended me.

...If you wanted me to forget you asked that, you would have deleted if from your post so I'll answer.

The sister of the person I was traveling with died the morning we were supposed to leave. She was 19. Had just had a baby. It was tragic. I called to tell them we wouldn't make the flight, they cancelled and gave us a refund and asked that we consider them for our future travel plans. I thought that was very professional, and I really didn't expect it.

..also, I don't get it. What is so "disturbing"?

 

[kaytieeldr]

You guys are ridiculous. I stated several times that I was VERY nice to the agent and didn't really think that there was anything that could be done but it was worth a try.

Yes, you were very nice. You engaged her in conversation, you built a bit of a rapport, you revealed probably more than necessary medical information during that conversation... and then when she, in the vein of your relationship, made a joke (as evidenced by her laughter), you

lost it a bit

.

And I didn't throw a 'tantrum'.. I never once raised my voice to her.

Oh. These statements appear to contradict this claim

If I wouldn't have gotten so mad (I've got a temper and a half)

and I'll admit it, I lost it a bit

But I couldn't let it go

And all this AFTER you

admit I stretched the truth a wee bit

and

called and acted like I had no idea how the travel industry worked

(which, given all the flights you have flown with that one airline, is not 'stretching the truth a wee bit', it's baloney.