I have an upcoming trip YYZ-NRT scheduled to depart in one week. J Fare, lowest class when they had them on sale for about $2800 instead of the more normal 5 to 6k. This is personal travel, so all $ out of my pocket.
Had a medical issue today that may prevent me from making the flight. Will not know till later this week, but my issue will be whether just to cancel and get $1500 back via Platinum Amex cancellation insurance and write the other $1300 off or do some kind of reschedule in Nov/Dec and pay the $800 fee plus fare differential. I am sure it will qualify for reimbursement with AMEX as it was from injuries from a fall but their maximum payout is $1500.
I can find some J fares for about $5000 so far differential of about $2300 plus $800 change fee. There are a few PE fares, that may have no fare differential so I could switch to PE and pay $800 change fee. Of course, PE not as fun as J!
Am I missing something in this analysis? My instinct is just to cancel if I have to and take the $1300 loss.
Any thoughts appreciated. My first choice is to go on the trip as scheduled, assuming I am medically fit. If not fit, cancel or change?
Original fare rules were:
Changes
Before day of departure - The change fee per direction, per passenger, is $400.00 CAD plus applicable taxes and any fare difference. Changes can be made up to 2 hours before departure.
Flights can only be used in sequence from the place of departure specified on the itinerary.
Cancellations
Non-refundable
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Cancellations can be made up to 45 minutes prior to departure.