Is AA trying to be tricky with me??
Jan 17, 2022 | 2:15 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 10
Is AA trying to be tricky with me??
I have an upcoming flight that has a 4+ hour schedule change. Because of this, I wanted to cancel my flight. I talked the agent on the phone and she agreed and the ticket is cancelled. She told me to go to prefunds.aa.com, use my ticket number, and I'd apply to get my money back (in about 3 days, she said).
When filling out the form, the last thing it says (screen shot included) about Travel Credits, and would I like one?? "Accept" or "Decline" - no mention of, if you decline, your refund will be processed as a monetary credit.
Are they trying to trick me into taking a travel credit, or is something wrong with my refund?
Thanks for your help!
When filling out the form, the last thing it says (screen shot included) about Travel Credits, and would I like one?? "Accept" or "Decline" - no mention of, if you decline, your refund will be processed as a monetary credit.
Are they trying to trick me into taking a travel credit, or is something wrong with my refund?
Thanks for your help!
Jan 17, 2022 | 4:44 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Executive Platinum/Million Miler, Marriott Titanium Elite-Lifetime, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,881
Decline the trip credit. They would prefer you take the credit, but you're entitled to a refund if 4+ hours schedule change occurred. As to whether you're being "tricked", there is clearly some marketing here to push people towards credits. I can't fault AA for that as even Amazon tries to push you into taking a credit rather than a refund -- it's normal these days.
Jan 17, 2022 | 4:49 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Silver, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 7,493
In a word, Yes. They are trying to trick you into taking a credit in lieu of cash. They introduced this in the Spring of 2020 during the deluge of refund requests. Back then the offered credit was for a higher dollar amount than the cash refund, so it was at least worth considering. Unless you are turning right around and booking a new AA trip for at least that amount, there is absolutely no reason to choose trip credit now.
Jan 18, 2022 | 4:25 am
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP; UA 1MM & PP; Marriott AMB; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 62,340
AA is definitely not alone in steering pax towards credit over refund. I wasn't paying close enough attention recently and wound up saving the value of a canceling UA award ticket recently, rather than having the miles redeposited. Required 20 minutes on the phone to get the miles back.
Jan 18, 2022 | 11:52 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Alaska MVP, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 4,511
Decline the trip credit. They would prefer you take the credit, but you're entitled to a refund if 4+ hours schedule change occurred. As to whether you're being "tricked", there is clearly some marketing here to push people towards credits. I can't fault AA for that as even Amazon tries to push you into taking a credit rather than a refund -- it's normal these days.
Jan 18, 2022 | 12:01 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 8,959
In a word, Yes. They are trying to trick you into taking a credit in lieu of cash. They introduced this in the Spring of 2020 during the deluge of refund requests. Back then the offered credit was for a higher dollar amount than the cash refund, so it was at least worth considering. Unless you are turning right around and booking a new AA trip for at least that amount, there is absolutely no reason to choose trip credit now.
Jan 18, 2022 | 11:30 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, UA Plat, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 6,242
AA is definitely not alone in steering pax towards credit over refund. I wasn't paying close enough attention recently and wound up saving the value of a canceling UA award ticket recently, rather than having the miles redeposited. Required 20 minutes on the phone to get the miles back.
Jan 19, 2022 | 11:50 am
#11
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP 3MM, UA Silver, Bonvoy LT TIT, Hyatt Explorist, HH Silver, Caesars PLT
Posts: 7,259
Decline the trip credit. They would prefer you take the credit, but you're entitled to a refund if 4+ hours schedule change occurred. As to whether you're being "tricked", there is clearly some marketing here to push people towards credits. I can't fault AA for that as even Amazon tries to push you into taking a credit rather than a refund -- it's normal these days.