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Jan 14, 2017, 4:54 pm

#16

ursine1

Join Date: Mar 2011

Posts: 6,286

Carriers have never been very transparent about the refundability of the September 11 security fee, Southwest included. If, indeed, the information referenced earlier in the DOT letter clarifying that it is refundable at the point that the ticket loses it's value remains true, then one hopes there is a mechanism in place for issuing those refunds. I understand the suggestion that it can be requested manually, but I again question whether WN is in compliance. As evidence to the contrary, note this part of the CoC, which specifically states that the fee is forfeited.

Quote:

(iv)
Travel Credit Forfeiture.
Should a Passenger fail to apply the nonrefundable Ticket or travel credit toward the purchase of future travel within the eligibility period, the entire amount of the fare, including all taxes, security fees, and Passenger Facility Charges, will be forfeited.

So: Either the DoT directive is no longer in effect, or Southwest is afoul of the law.

I suppose a letter to the DoT is called for.

Feb 22, 2017, 11:11 pm

#17

rikerwt

Join Date: Feb 2017

Posts: 4

I have a reservation in late May that is not offering me a refund of my $5 security fees (only the option to bank the funds for later). I have not modified the reservation in any way. Anyone still getting only the one option for flights after 5/9/17?

Feb 22, 2017, 11:18 pm

#18

ursine1

Join Date: Mar 2011

Posts: 6,286

Quote:

Originally Posted by rikerwt

Unfortunately it appears that's how it works now.

More info in this thread: Cancelling Points reservation no $5.60 back?

Last edited by ursine1; Feb 23, 2017 at 2:13 am

Feb 23, 2017, 6:38 am

#19

joshua362

Join Date: Oct 2001

Programs: LTP, PP

Posts: 8,698

Quote:

Originally Posted by ursine1

Unfortunately it appears that's how it works now.

More info in this thread: Cancelling Points reservation no $5.60 back?

Now I'm really confused, the other thread seems to indicate that it's non refundable if CHANGES were made, not for straight out refunds.

Do we know for sure if the $5.60 is not refundable for post 5/8 points res?

I ask because I made some points bookings last night to test the cancel auto theories and maybe I should do the 24 hour cancel thing as not to be bothered by a bunch of little credits.

Help!

Last edited by joshua362; Feb 23, 2017 at 6:53 am

Feb 23, 2017, 6:51 am

#20

Orange County Commuter

Join Date: May 2010

Posts: 3,461

Quote:

Originally Posted by LBJ

The language above only says the "fare" is non-refundable, nothing specifically about fees being non-refundable. The CoC provides for the refund of fees "as required by applicable regulations". Just because WN does not automatically generate a refund upon cancellation in these cases does not mean they will not provide a refund upon request. My guess is that they do not automatically refund after a change as that would essentially be an open-ended commitment to keep your original form of payment on file. It's also a liability for the airlines (government taxes and fees are forwarded to the government shortly after purchase, they are not held by the airlines until you fly).

There's a reconciliation process LOL! That's not an excuse for failing to refund! Kind of like if you take something back to a store a month after you bought it. Just because Macy's already paid the state your sales tax doesn't mean they don't have to refund it to you when you make the return!

Feb 23, 2017, 10:56 am

#21

ursine1

Join Date: Mar 2011

Posts: 6,286

I cancelled a late May trip and was not given the option for refund of the $5.60 fee, just travel credit. I never made any changes to the itinerary. I have an inquiry into Southwest about it and will update when they respond.