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You can always try getting a refund, given you were ultimately admitted both to board and on arrival in India. They might grant it, they migh not. Your oneworld status could help.

I'd say photocopies sufficient for international travel unless photocopies are clearly specified as acceptable. Just as a photocopy of your passport won't work, or a photocopy of your green card won't work.

Today's world migration climate emphasize the necessity of presenting original documents to airline agents and others involved in immigration approvals, IMO.