General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forumscanceling flights to europe via Delta was painless.
So, my wife and I had a planned travel to Paris that we booked back in march scheduled for July 26. With the COVID situation and the fact Europe wants to keep us out, I phoned Delta to cancel. I was expecting hours of waiting on the line and having to argue tooth and nails. Nope, within 5 minutes I was routed to an agent who offered me the option of a credit (voucher for rebooking before sept 2022) or a full refund. Pleasantly surprised given the horror stories that people have regarding trying to rebook or cancel.
edit: the phone number to call to directly do that (rather than having to go through reservations or customer service) is 800 847 0578
samnsara
(17,635 posts)PA Democrat
(13,225 posts)for our flights to Europe. United actively tries to deceive their customers about their rights for a refund.
They sent us emails in March stating that they were going to generously allow us to re-book or take a voucher for future travel (both with 1 year deadlines from the date the flights were booked) but we had to act before April 30 or we risked losing all of our money.
In the meantime, they had actually canceled the international leg of our trip. Our itinerary looked as though we had been planning a round trip to Newark.
I filed online for a refund and got refunds for our seat upgrades but not the base ticket cost. I tried filing again using the ticket number and was told it would take 20 business days.
After 20 business days and no refund, I called, waited 20 minutes for an agent and was told that because my ticket was nonrefundable (not true when the airline cancels) I could re-book or take a voucher. I said no I wanted a refund.
I was put on hold and then the agent said she could re-book the flights if I could fly a day later. It would require at least 2 plane changes and involve around 30 hours each way. I said no and that I wanted a refund which I was entitled to receive according to rules set by the US Dept of Transportation.
Another hold and finally I was told they would process a refund which took another 20 days to receive.
My son had flights to Asia booked with United and they tried the exact same thing with him.
For anyone still having problems getting a refund here is a link to this document
U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Enforcement Notice Clarifying Air Carrier Refund Requirements, Given the Impact of COVID-19
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-issues-enforcement-notice-clarifying-air-carrier-refund