The current consensus seems to be to look into credit card options (yes, ticket was purchased on my CC). Initially I was thinking of exhausting the AC route before seeking CC options, as I felt AC should be first to clarify their stance on the issue, but I'll contact my CC company tomorrow and see where they stand.
thanks,
RDP
The credit card option is much easier.
Send in a bunch of receipts and wait for the cheque to show up.
Keep in mind travel and expenses need to be paid by the credit card you are making a claim with.
Anything you can get through AC is a bonus.