Can an airline refuse to refund the full amount on tickets?

Question

we recently were invited to visit my mother in South Africa, but unfortunately she passed away, we therefore do not need to go now and when we try ed to get a refund we were told we would only get the tax back, which is far less than the amount paid. i must point out that the tickets were paid for by my late mother but are in our names, will this make a difference.

Answer 1

Did you have travel insurance, have you looked in there to see if there is a clause whereby you get a refund if something like that happens.

Answer 2

usually there is an exception to "non refundability" for death of immediate family member.  Did you make it absolutely clear to your mother's airline / travel agent that this is the case?  Refund goes to the person who bought the tix, so I guess it would go to your mother's credit card and eventually to her estate.  

Answer 3

If the ticket is non-refundable, then it is non-refundable. That's why travel agents will usually suggest getting travel insurance that covers a need to cancel a trip for certain reasons (usually medical). You can try putting in a formal complaint etc... maybe you'll get some air miles vouchers or something. I recently go an upgrade certificate out of a complaint. You might as well try - the worst that can happen is nothing.

Answer 4

I'm sorry for your loss.

Unfortunately if the ticket is non-refundable, they probably will refuse to offer a refund. Why not just go there anyway? You could visit family or something like that.

Depending on the airline, they could have a little compassion and may refund you because of the circumstances but I doubt it. You could try to tell them that you were going there to see her and that she was terminally ill, but she passed away before you could get down there. That may change their minds, it's worth the shot.

Answer 5

They certainly can, and even if they were to make a refund it would not be to you.

Answer 6

I am sorry for your loss but unfortunately the Airline are within their right my best suggestion is get in touch with their customer relations dept and also send them a copy of your Mothers Death Cert to prove you are telling the truth then you may and I stress may get a refund but it is entirely at the Airlines discretion

Answer 7

you can bet your life that somewhere in the 'small print' they have covered their backs...annoying though it is...that is what some airlines do!

so sorry for your loss by the way.

p.s. make a fuss in your local newspaper...under the circumstances they might not want such bad publicity!

Answer 8

Yes, if it is stated in their terms and conditions which you should have read before buying the tickets, go to their website and check their refund policy, if it is not stated that you cannot get a refund then you can.

Answer 9

most airline tickets say in fine print that they are non-refundable. however, if you call customer service and tell them your story maybe they will refund you as a courtesy. If not ask for a manager, and put up a fight. If your late mother purchased the tickets, the most they can probably do is refund the money to her account, and the money will be passed to whoever is handeling her finances. I am very sorry for your loss, and I hope this helps.

Answer 10

Unless your tickets were purchased as refundable tickets (which are WAY MORE expensive) than no you are not entitled to your money back.

Answer 11

Airlines usually have a no (or only partial) refund policy written into the terms when you buy a ticket. Having said that, travel insurance (if it was taken) will definitely cover you for any shortfall on the ticket price. It is worth your while looking into whether you have travel insurance... some people take out a single trip policy, some take out an annual policy, some travel agents will automatically include travel insurance for any international trips booked (and will remove it only if you ask - they know it's in your interests to have it, hence they include it)... and finally, some credit cards include travel insurance (e.g. my banks brand of Visa automatically includes travel insurance for any travel paid with the Visa).. Sorry to go into so much fine detail... but I guess my point is that you might well have travel insurance even if you or your mother didn't specifically take it out. Have a look into this. It is well worth your while. All the best of luck with your enquiries, and sorry for your loss.. I am sure you don't need the extra stress at this time!

Answer 12

Learn how to get full refund at http://www.travel2scotland.com