Originally Posted by
discountchocula
Does anyone have a recent data point regarding booking a refundable flight with points on the BofA portal using the 20% discount from the PRE, and refunding it? I'm curious if you get points back or cash back. If it's cash back, is it the lowered amount or the full cash value?
Example: Assume the fully-refundable flight costs $500. The flight would then normally cost 50,000 points. With the PRE discount, it then costs 40,000 points. If I purchase it with the PRE discount, thus spending 40,000 points, and then refund the ticket, do I receive $500, $400, or 40,000 points?
Generally speaking, I do not advise you refund BofA portal bookings.
Within 24 hour free cancellation period, the process is very streamlined, you get points back immediately.
I also had a case where UA refunded a non-refundable fare due to bereavement. No money/points back after airline process.
I called Concierge agent, who
1) first look up that the PNR is cancelled and refunded;
2) then contacted the travel agency backend to confirm the agency "card" used for booking has received the refund;
3) then submitted a request (to BofA, I guess) to re-instate the points.
Notice there are four parties involved here: BofA, Concierge, Travel agency backend, and Airline.