How to Get Refunds on Nonrefundable Airplane Tickets

Travel agents and airlines reservationists advise you to book and buy tickets early to take advantage of bargain fares that require advance purchase. In general, the more lead time you have, the cheaper the price of the ticket. Depending upon the airline and the distance covered, the difference can be up to $100 per ticket for booking 21 days in advance instead of 14 days, and another $100 for booking 14 days ahead rather than seven days. For example, on New York-Los Angeles roundtrip tickets (Business Class), Delta Airlines is currently offering a 21-day advance purchase for $549, a 14-day advance purchase for $641 and a seven-day advance purchase for $732. The same roundtrip without advance purchase costs $1,504. Savvy travelers should always comparison shop for fares, even on advance purchase tickets.

Significant savings make these bargain fares attractive to budget conscious travelers. However, with advance purchase tickets and special promotional fares there are no refunds and no schedule changes. Thus many passengers are understandably concerned that an emergency might force them to change their travel plans and forfeit what they've paid for their tickets. Then, advance purchase is no bargain.

Most airlines recognize and make exception for emergency situations. If, for example, there is illness or a death in the immediate family, airlines will refund the price of unused tickets or allow dates of travel to be changed. A doctor's note or death certificate must be presented to the airline with the request for refund or change.

Airlines differ, however, in their definition of immediate family. American Airlines, Continental and Northwest consider aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews as immediate family. Delta and United Airlines do not. Other extenuating circumstances include jury duty, subpoena for a court appearance or receiving military orders. Documentation will guarantee a 30-day extension on ticket validity. But change in an employee's scheduled vacation or other personal business is not grounds for refunds or changes of restricted advance purchase tickets.

However, there has been some easing of restrictions. Changes on outbound flights may be made for a surcharge, usually around $75. If the change is made within 14 days on a 14-day advance purchase ticket, for example, there will be no additional fare to pay. If the change is made, say, eight days before departure on a 14-day advance purchase ticket, you will pay the surcharge plus the price difference between a 14-day and seven-day advance purchase ticket. The same can be done with return flights, but all travel must be completed by the date specified as a condition of the original fare. For return travel, holders of nonrefundable and non-changeable tickets are now allowed standby for earlier or later flights on the same day of their originally scheduled flight. If they want to travel on another day, they must pay the surcharge.

Even if you don't meet requirements for changing travel dates or times, airlines can still be accommodating. While telephone reservations clerks warn that regulations are strictly followed, airport personnel will often make exceptions hi the interest of good customer relations.

Sources:

Fodors Fodor's 1,001 Smart Travel Tips, 2nd Edition: Advice from the Writers, Editors & Traveling Readers at Fodor's (Special-Interest Titles) 2008

Plunkett, Jack W. Plunkett's Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry Almanac 2009: Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry Market Research, Statistics, Trends & Leading Companies (Plunkett's Airline, Hotel & Travel Industry Almanac) 2007