Originally Posted by
k374
On the DOT site it has this text so it does look like DOT has something to say on this matter. The way I am interpreting it, if the airline has issued a refund then the OTA has to issue that same refund to the consumer within 7 days. If the airline has NOT issued a refund then the OTA DOES NOT have an obligation to grant a refund to the consumer meaning that the refund regulation is toward the airline and not the OTA independently. However, I do not think the OTA can just keep the money if the airline has infact issued the refund.
The text here is "owed a refund"... if the airline has issued a refund then the passenger is "owed a refund". Hence, the text quoted below applies - if the passenger is "owed a refund" the OTA must process it within 7 days.
https://www.transportation.gov/indiv...ection/refunds
How quickly is an airline, travel agent, or online travel agency required to process a refund?- If a passenger is owed a refund, an airline, travel agent, or online travel agency must process it within seven business days if the passenger paid by credit card, and 20 business days if the passenger paid by cash or check.
You are not quoting from either the rule or the April 3 Warning Letter.
Both the Rule and the Warning Letter which not only explains the Rule but also includes other authorities, make it very clear that if the flight is cancelled, the refund is owed. That might be by the carrier or a TA, but it is one. I would make a request for a refund to both, let 7 days pass and hope that a refund has been initiated. If not, on the 8th day, initiate a chargeback. Include the e-ticket receipt, the notice of cancellation, request for refund and either denial or a note that nothing has been received.
Your card issuer will process the chargeback against the vendor who sold you the ticket. That might be the OTA or the carrier, all depending on their internal business arrangements, but not your concern.
I would not make these things harder than they are. Simply follow the steps correctly, keep copies and screenshots of everything and your bank account and blood pressure will both be better off.