Originally Posted by
garykung
True. So if it is a tour package, then it can be a SOL situation.
But if it is an air ticket only situation, then I beg to differ. Specifically, because OTAs do not issue the tickets per se (as they are issued by airlines), the issuing airlines ultimately is responsible. The job of OTA is to act on behalf of the airline, i.e. an agent. When IRROPS, airlines provide exception policies, these policies apply to OTA tickets as well. OTAs simply need to follow the airline's guidance to proceed.
DOT does not enforce its law over the OTAs (Yes - I agree that DOT lacks jurisdiction). Instead, DOT enforces its law over the airline who is ultimately for the ticket.
This, although some OTAs, including Expedia, do occasionally issue their own tickets.
But, to Gary's point, why would the OTA refuse to refund if they're only processing a request on your behalf with the airline? It isn't the OTA's money, so they don't have much to lose here.