How non-refundable is a non-refundable plane ticket?

November 16, 2005 4:23 PM

I know Travelocity said the ticket is non-refundable. Is there a way to get anything back?

I booked two tickets: one for me, and one for him. Now he has a new job and can't leave as early as we'd planned. The cost of changing the fly-out date is more than the original ticket was. Is it worth calling Travelocity and asking about a refund (even a partial refund)?

Alternatively - those who've cancelled before: is there a charge for cancelling? Should he just not show up? (United Airlines)

posted by ArsncHeart to Travel & Transportation (7 answers total)

Call United to be sure, but yes, you should cancel. The ticket is still worth money for up to a year. You can use it towards another ticket purchase (on United) during that time. They'll take some off the top, at least $50, but you can still get some use out of it, definitely.
posted by JanetLand at 4:45 PM on November 16, 2005

During the holidays, the airline may be overbooked. Can you show up and volunteer to be bumped? Works best if you show up pretty early, and are prepared to stay until flight time. Just ask the desk staff if they need bumping volunteers. They don't care why; you're saving them time if the flight is too full. Volunteering might make the bumping reward slightly smaller, but you'd be ahead, and get a new flight.
posted by theora55 at 4:51 PM on November 16, 2005

Can you show up and volunteer to be bumped?

This is a really good idea. I also want to point out that agents at the airport have amazing flexibility with changing tickets, and are usually willing to use it. I once asked to be routed to an entirely different (and usually more expensive) airport on a non-changeable non-refundable ticket, and they did it without blinking and at no charge.
posted by trevyn at 5:18 PM on November 16, 2005

I accidently booked a ticket for my girlfriend under my name. I immediately called and at first they claimed the best I could do was use the ticket as credit towards something else in the future and buy another ticket.

After a little discussion and a "may I speak to your supervisor, please?", they didn't change the name, but did cancel the ticket, refund the whole price minus the $5 Travelocity fee, and I was able to book her another ticket under the correct name (with my carelessness only costing $5 instead of $400).
posted by lovetragedy at 9:11 PM on November 16, 2005

Not sure it's possible in this post-9/11 world, but is the ticket transferable? If so, try to sell it online.
posted by rob511 at 12:00 AM on November 17, 2005

If you're not sure when he will be able to travel again, change the date on the ticket to something a year out (at the same price). Then if he needs to travel before then it can be changed at that time. You'll probably incur $50 to $100 for each change, but at least you'll still have the credit left over.
posted by dripdripdrop at 8:03 AM on November 17, 2005

Should have said this above, but if possible, deal with the airline rather than Travelocity. I've always found the airlines more flexible than Expedia or Travelocity since they actually issue the ticket.
posted by dripdripdrop at 8:05 AM on November 17, 2005