Non-refundable tickets. Bad idea?

[Al Drake]

Not sure about your airline as I'm from Canada, but I purchased 2 tickets for a friend and me for last April with Air Canada. The tickets were non refundable. My friend decided not to go. Found out that she could cancel and get a credit to use within one year of the booking date. There was a $150 cancellation fee, but she did use the credit before the deadline to fly somewhere else. Her name was correct on the ticket, but if you're paying the cancellation fee, I would think they'd make the corrections for you, under the circumstances and if you're sweet about it.

Surely anything is possible for a fee (less than the cost of buying a new set of tickets) and I agree, the reps over the phone I'm sure have leeway to make changes, if they want, keep calling until you find someone sympathetic and in a good mood. You may find someone who has had it happen to them or someone they know and is willing to help you, even though it's against official policy.

Good luck!

I was just thinking maybe I could get them to make me a deal of credit for another pair of tickets and get to return real soon. I still have several weeks of vacation due me from work and this would be a great way to convince her boss to let her have more time off. Maybe all this will work out for the absolute best in the end. We can all have a great big laugh. I know it'll sure cheer her up.

[Melody]

I was just thinking maybe I could get them to make me a deal of credit for another pair of tickets and get to return real soon. I still have several weeks of vacation due me from work and this would be a great way to convince her boss to let her have more time off. Maybe all this will work out for the absolute best in the end. We can all have a great big laugh. I know it'll sure cheer her up.

I was thinking that you could cancel, get the credit, and use it to rebook immediately for this trip, using the correct names.

[Al Drake]

I was thinking that you could cancel, get the credit, and use it to rebook immediately for this trip, using the correct names.

Melody that is a great idea. Thank you so very much. I know just by telling this to her she will feel better instantly. This time we'll pay extra and get the refundable tickets. Melody you have made my day.

[Melody]

Melody that is a great idea. Thank you so very much. I know just by telling this to her she will feel better instantly. This time we'll pay extra and get the refundable tickets. Melody you have made my day.

You're very welcome! I hope it works, I don't see any reason why not. As your trip is so close, and you've now got your passports to refer to, you probably wouldn't need to add the expense of refundable tickets. Especially if you book with both of you present (2 sets of eyes to proofread). I understand though, after the stress of this, you are so kicking yourselves that you hadn't bought refundable tickets the first time around. If you take your passports to the airport and they are able to book new tickets at the counter there, it would be on them to enter your names correctly, and you could confirm yourselves on the spot. I don't know if it's even possible to book flights in person anymore?!

Please let us know how it turns out!

[Al Drake]

You're very welcome! I hope it works, I don't see any reason why not. As your trip is so close, and you've now got your passports to refer to, you probably wouldn't need to add the expense of refundable tickets. Especially if you book with both of you present (2 sets of eyes to proofread). I understand though, after the stress of this, you are so kicking yourselves that you hadn't bought refundable tickets the first time around. If you take your passports to the airport and they are able to book new tickets at the counter there, it would be on them to enter your names correctly, and you could confirm yourselves on the spot. I don't know if it's even possible to book flights in person anymore?!

Please let us know how it turns out!

For sure we will never go for the non-refundable. We are headed out now to I'll post back with the results.

[Al Drake]

The good news is I just got back from the short drive to the airport and there was no problem what-so-ever with the changes. There were no lines and no one but us and the people more than happy to take care of us. We spent more time talking to the wonderful US Airways staff than it took to drive there and have them update our tickets. My wife is herself again. She's Irie again.

[Melody]

The good news is I just got back from the short drive to the airport and there was no problem what-so-ever with the changes. There were no lines and no one but us and the people more than happy to take care of us. We spent more time talking to the wonderful US Airways staff than it took to drive there and have them update our tickets. My wife is herself again. She's Irie again.

Woohoo! It didn't cost anything? You didn't have to cancel & rebook?