Travel Question?

Was wondering if somebody might have some thoughts or suggestions.

I'm booked for a trip to Vegas next month, BUT circumstances have arisen which MAY prevent me from going.

I was just wondering what I do (if i can't go) about the airline reservation. Will they give me credit for a future flight? Am I just screwed?

Flight is on United. I got a great deal, and I would hate to waste it, but again, I may not have a choice.

Any expert thoughts?

If you need to cancel a refundable fare, United will give you a credit less a fee (likely $150 or so) that you must use within a year of the day you originally bought the ticket.

So if you bought a nonrefundable $400 ticket on November 1 and have to cancel, you'll wind up with a $250 credit to apply to flights that must be completed by October 31 (pretty sure that's how it works).

Hi,

I had the same circumstances about three years ago....emergency surgery about a month before our trip and had to cancel Vegas. Here is what I did.

I called Continental (at that time) and spoke with a representative and explained the situation with her. She took all my information, put me on hold and after what seemed forever came back and said she had checked all my information out and gave me FULL credit for another flight within a year.

I honestly think they called the doctor and/or hospital to confirm my story. They were sympathetic and very nice.

No change charge, no "nuttin". I was so grateful and several months later I was well enough to go and enjoy myself.

I'm thinking if you have a medical situaiton, whether it be you or immediate relative you may try what I did and hopefully have the same results.

Good luck!!

I miss Continental. United is not as nice. Chilcoot is probably correct. You'll get a credit minus the $150 change fee. But, it can't hurt to call and see what they can do for you. Be prepared to be on the phone for 45 minutes.

$150 FEE? That sound outrageous to me. I don't know if it's still in affect or not, but SWA would give you full credit for a changed flight as long as you used it within a certain period of time.

SWA does not fly out of all airports. Many people do not have SWA as a travel option

$150.00 is the standard charge for a canceled non-refundable ticket and the remaining balance can be used for a future flight in 2013. But if it is an emergency, call and explain, they may give full credit.

BCFahren

Way back in 2006 we had to cancel our SWA flight due to hubby's bad knees. I cancelled our online non-refundable tickets for a future usage. OK fine, well, a window popped up to explain the cancellation. So, I proceeded to say he was under doctors care and could not walk long distances...so even though we purchased non-refundable tickets...instead of a voucher, is there anyway we could get a full refund? Well, low and behold, a few days later, we got a call from a SWA rep...she told us to get a letter from the doctor, sent to her attention and she would process it. Well the following month, we had a full refund for the 2 of us on our credit card...$434. Sweet! Know airlines are so different now...just wanted to say SWA did a very good thing!

2006 is a long time ago.

Call the airline as soon as you know about surgery dates and ask if they will work with you on this.