Due to a variety of situations, from sudden illness to a change of plans, many people find themselves in possession of airline tickets they do not plan to use. A consumer might also seek an airline ticket refund when they find dramatically reduced fares on a recently booked flight. While it can be a daunting process, patient and persistent travelers can obtain a refund by following airline procedures and speaking to the right people.
Look at your paperwork to see whether you purchased non-refundable tickets. According to Edward Hasbrouck, travel expert and owner of the “Practical Nomad” website, most tickets are sold as non-refundable. This means that you can get a refund of any taxes paid but may not receive a refund on your tickets if your flight operates as originally scheduled. Even with a non-refundable ticket, you might be able to obtain a refund if your request meets certain criteria.
Check your airline's website for its policy on refunds and vouchers. A number of airlines offer to refund your ticket price if you find a lower fare within 24 hours of purchasing the ticket. Others offer travel vouchers, good for a year, on fares that drop after the first 24 hours. Some do refund tickets in case of illness or other emergencies, but you need to contact them for these exceptions.
Follow the airline’s designated refund procedures if you feel you can legitimately receive a refund. Many airline websites allow you to file for a refund online, or you can call the airline to speak to them about your situation.
Be persistent in follow up calls and conversations with airlines. If your interactions with customer service fail to yield suitable results, Karen Leland, co-author of "Customer Service for Dummies" and "Customer Service in an Instant," suggests calling the president of the company and politely explaining your scenario.
