2.5 hours on cheapo chat.

Well my fingers are crossed. After getting the usual spiel about Copa's policy of issuing only ETC's for non-refundable tickets, they did agree to refund.

Of course, this was only after bringing up the D.O.T.

I have the entire chat transcript, with date. And confirmation e-mails.

The refund should go back to my bank account.

It was only due to your help. A sincere thank you to all posters who helped me rescue $4000.