The DoT had to step in twice after getting tens of thousands of complaints about airlines playing games with refunds. They have now included tickets purchased from travel agents in their updated guidance.
But not all airlines are playing games.
They say they have received complaints from customers who were refused a refund and offered a credit from their travel agent, despite the airline allowing refunds.
It’s advantageous for a travel agent to leave a ticket open, as that means their fees and commissions remain intact. It’s bad for their customers, but not all travel agents have their customer’s best interests in mind.
Of course many airlines, including El Al and Lufthansa for example, are still not allowing travel agents to process refunds.
Cathay Pacific says that they will hold travel agents responsible for customers who aren’t given a refund by charging the travel agent via a debit memo, cutting the agent off from future ticketing, and holding the agents responsible for losses and damages.
Presumably, Cathay would find out about such behavior if a customer complains to the airline or to a regulatory agency like the US DoT.
Cathay is trying to take care of their customers while avoiding fines from agencies like the DoT. Take note El Al, JetBlue, Lufthansa, and United, that’s how an airline should behave during these times!
HT: chff
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17 Comments On "Cathay Pacific To Travel Agents: Stop Offering Credit To Passengers Instead Of Issuing Refunds"
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Today I filed with the DOT for my 5 tickets to IAH on UA. They laughed when I asked for a refund even with the new guidance of the original 2 hour change in effect when I purchased the tickets.
Good.
Chargeback too?
Like an idiot I purchased them with a debit card. Still waiting for their questionnaire as to what happened.
Rookie mistake š
But I’d still try to contact the bank.
Not a rookie, must’ve hit the wrong button on ua.com. I am in contact with Citi but these days its joke to get anyone on the phone. Keep getting disconnected with the transferring of the calls. Meantime I have certs on United totaling $2,600.
Similar situation here but I bought my tickets in December so don’t think anyone will allow me to make a chargeback?
Have you called to try?
The clock for chargebacks for non delivery of “future business” starts ticking on the day when the goods/services are due to be delivered so you may well still be inside this limit. Talk to your bank.
Same happened to me today. Quoted DOT multiple times, they just donāt care
This takes you to a new low….
what can I do with getting my chase points back as I booked with ultimate rewards 6 tickets on aeroflot for pesach. ididnt get my refund from aeroflot. thet told me I will get refunded. now they are saying they will only give credit. and chase is int giving me my points back.
any advice would be helpful. thanks
I have the same problem with Jet Blue? They still insist on bank credits
My daughter is holding TLV-BOS-TLV on VS in PE, which we bought for $900 IIRC. I’m thinking we’re better off not seeking a refund and just waiting until schedule reopens, because it was a pretty good price for that ticket. Agree?
Question is if they’ll charge a fare difference.
British Airways is not giving out refunds.
i bought five tickets jfk-tlv on Turkish airlines Thru chase rewards For lag baomer and they are only offering credits for future flights and only for original passengers …any advice? PLEASE
Turkish offers refunds. Call chase again and say turkish said you are entitled to refundbut it needs to be requested thru chase This is what turkish told me) the third rep I spoke to put the request in, and they have since confirmed I am in queue for a refund