In July, I bought a coach ticket BOS-LHR-JNB (and return) online. My plans were not solidified, and I chose this ticket because it was refundable with a $200 penalty.
According to "the small print" (their terminology, not mine) of the e-mail confirmation I received:
Cancellations: Before departure charge usd 200.00 for cancel/refund
It goes on to discuss things about death, upgrading, hospitalization, etc.
The outbound flight is for tomorrow, and I called today to cancel. The phone agent insists that my ticket is non-refundable, and her supervisor agrees! Evidently, what is in their computer system is far different than what I viewed when ticketing and later received over email.
It seems that the only solution is to either write a letter to customer service, or go to the ticket counter. I am confident that I will get what I am due (a refund minus $200). Is there any reason this shouldn't be the case? Regardless, I am really annoyed at the inconvenience!
Has anyone encountered this before? Any insights?