A few weeks ago, my wife (a U.S. citizen) purchased a business class ticket on AM from MEX to JFK for travel today (August 11).

She got to MEX airport well in advance. She checked in for the flight and checked a bag. She then went to the business class lounge. At no point was there any mention of a problem with her paperwork.

Then, as the flight was boarding, she was denied boarding. Apparently, the Mexican authorities had neglected to stamp her papers when she entered the country, and she was not allowed to board without that stamp.

She was able to get the necessary stamp while the plane was still on the ground, but the flight had closed by that point.

AM rebooked her for a flight about six hours later, but they insisted on charging the fare difference and a $200 penalty. The fare difference plus the penalty was about $600, about as much as she paid for the original ticket.

Because she needed to get home, we reluctantly paid what they asked for. Do you think that we're likely to get a refund, either by asking the airline directly or disputing the charge with American Express?