Airberlin Reservation Dilemma
Sep 1, 2017, 11:12 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 13
Airberlin Reservation Dilemma
I have a flight booked from SFO-FCO (through DUS) and a return flight on Oct. 9 from LIN-SFO (through DUS). I am increasingly concerned (obviously) that one if not both of these flights will not happen.
The debate is: Do I just go ahead and submit a chargeback request now and book on another airline, or do I hold back and hope that these flights fly as planned?
Thanks!
The debate is: Do I just go ahead and submit a chargeback request now and book on another airline, or do I hold back and hope that these flights fly as planned?
Thanks!
Sep 1, 2017, 11:19 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,730
You can only issue a chargeback if the services paid for are not provided. As such, you cannot issue a chargeback until the date of the flights passes without having being transported as booked.
Sep 1, 2017, 12:09 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 13
Thank you for the info. Its going to be a long frustrating couple of weeks. Researching refundable fares at this point as a backup. Just stuck in the middle at this point.
Sep 1, 2017, 12:10 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: LH SEN; BA Gold
Posts: 8,405
You could always book fully refundable flights on a different carrier. If AB is still around by then, you just cancel those flights. If not, then you'll have mitigated the costs for you as booking a last minute trip would certainly be much more expensive.
Sep 1, 2017, 1:17 pm
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Not to put too fine a point on it, but a rock bottom refundable AZ ticket will run just over $2,900. Bear in mind, this is about refundable to original form of payment, not flexibility to make a change. I am certain that some research might bring a routing somewhat cheaper. But, refundability comes at a steep price.
If AB is not operating the return and is unable to be acommodated, he will then have a valid chargeback and can then look for a cheap ticket.
If AB is not operating the return and is unable to be acommodated, he will then have a valid chargeback and can then look for a cheap ticket.
Sep 1, 2017, 2:41 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 13
I did a little research. I can do SFO-SZG on LH for $475. I can add a day or two and use EW to cheaply get to Italy (or even drive to Venice). It would basically act as nonrefundable travel insurance for my wife and I. Is it worth it?