Originally Posted by
Often1
1. It's not up to NZ phone agents to provide copies of the law to you.
2. A 30-second internet search produces a copy of the US DOT Warning Letter of 3 April detailing the rules (which have been in effect since 2011) and making it very clear that they apply to tickets originating in or destined to the US
https://www.transportation.gov/sites...3%202020_0.pdf/
So, what to do:
1. Initiate a chargeback with your credit card issuer (bank). Be prepared to provide a copy of your e-ticket receipt, the flight cancellation notice, and a 1-sentence summary of your request and denial (better to do this in writing, but too late now).
2. File a complaint with US DOT (online form).
I'm aware of the letter and have read it. Its silent on the actual clarification we are asking for which NZ are quoting, that it does not apply to non US citizens and bookings not made in the US. They have quoted a US DOT rule to back up their claim which no one can seem to locate so I think it's not unreasonable to ask them to back up their verbal statements.
To lodge a charge back on the card and a complaint with DOT again we'd need to clarify if DOT rules apply to all passengers on any flight to/from the US regardless of booking location and citizenship.
To date no one has been able to confirm.