It is possible to get a refund on a nonrefundable airline ticket, but it's completely dependent on the airline, the representative who handles your request and the reason you are requesting a refund. Some airlines will make accommodations for passengers who need to change their travel plans due to a death in the family, serious illness or job transfer. Others may offer you a ticket credit that can be used to fly in the future.
Contact the customer service department of the airline for which you hold nonrefundable airfare tickets. You can usually find the customer service number on the ticketing information or on the airline's website.
Ask politely for a refund on your nonrefundable airfare tickets and explain why you are unable to use the tickets. If you are asking for a refund on the grounds of a family death or illness, be prepared to provide documentation such as a death certificate or doctor's note.
Request to speak to the customer service representative's supervisor if your request for a refund is denied. If a monetary refund is out of the question, try to negotiate a ticket credit to be used on a future flight. You'll likely have to pay a penalty fee of $50 to $75 for the ticket credit, however.
Understand the full restrictions of the ticket credit. Generally speaking, you must use ticket credits within a year, and they're non-transferable. Some airlines also require that the new airfare tickets have the same routing as the unused tickets. If your original tickets were for a trip from Boston to Atlanta, for example, you'll need to fly from Boston to Atlanta with your ticket credit.
