Originally Posted by
Often1
The Orbitz request is simply that one wait until 72 hours out to call. But, it is not a rule. Simply call and make the request, making certain that it is a refund and not a credit that you seek. You will receive much pushback, but simply make it clear that you want a refund and will pursue a chargeback if Orbitz does not agree to and then confirm (and then process) the refund in question.
Ultimately, AA can and will take over a ticket for a $50 fee. But, there is no reason to go that route when you can call Orbitz and have the chargeback route if necessary.
As indicated in prior post containing multiple first-hand data points with AA, and IB, if passenger is seeking a refund due to AA cancellation, just go thru aa.com. No need to go on hold. If passenger is attempting to change, then yes, AA may charge and they should go thru Orbitz for that.
But for a refund go thru AA with Orbitz/Expedia/Travelocity is not picking up the phone. Charegback isn't going to hit Orbitz if the original credit card transaction has the airline listed. It's still go back American Airlines as Orbitz had long remitted the ticket sales to AA thru ARC. Orbitz doesn't have the money.