So, I cancelled a redemption booking (on Etihad metal, having made the reservation via a "UK Agent") & I called American airlines UK number to attempt the refund. I was diverted to a USA agent having TRIED to call the UK number; she told me to call the UK. Frustrating as I had done that!

Eventually get an agent in UK who says - you need to call USA for that - I said, no, they told me I need to call you! She said, here's a 1-800 number to call - I said, no, I can't call 1-800 from UAE (where I now am) I need an international dialing number and they told me to again ring UK there is no point me ringing them back to be told to call UK again now is there? She said we don't have another number, you have to use this one. They open in 3 hours. I say, this is insane, I was told to call you and I can't dial 1-800, she says 'I will transfer you now if you want' - I said BUT YOU SAID THEY AREN'T OPEN - she said, no they aren't but I can transfer you. Eh?! You can call me back in 3 hours if you like and I will transfer you then, she said.

I argue to death about someone putting the miles back - I get absolutely nowhere - tell her I realize it's not entirely her fault but how are American Airlines even in business if this is called customer service? Ridiculous!

Basically, no one will accept it's their responsibility to talk to me - no one agrees who can refund the miles, can't ring the US number as it's 1-800 - they aren't open anyway (but they told me open 24/7 originally) BTW.

Reaching the stage where I have lost the will to live - I JUST WANT MY MILES BACK!

Before saying "hang up & call again to get another agent" - this is my third attempt.

Help, please?