Proactive refunds typical?
Apr 5, 2025 | 9:59 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: DFW
Programs: AA ExP, Globalist
Posts: 147
Proactive refunds typical?
On a recent AA-marketed itinerary, I missed my connection in Madrid after the AA-operated transatlantic leg and was rebooked into economy for the short European segment.
I was surprised to see the refund for the fare difference in my mailbox within a few days as I expected I'd need to file for that.
Is this the new norm? Related to having a European leg in the booking?
I was surprised to see the refund for the fare difference in my mailbox within a few days as I expected I'd need to file for that.
Is this the new norm? Related to having a European leg in the booking?
Apr 5, 2025 | 10:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Airport Lounges (Usually in ORD and LHR)
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, AY Gold, QR Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,713
On a recent AA-marketed itinerary, I missed my connection in Madrid after the AA-operated transatlantic leg and was rebooked into economy for the short European segment.
I was surprised to see the refund for the fare difference in my mailbox within a few days as I expected I'd need to file for that.
Is this the new norm? Related to having a European leg in the booking?
I was surprised to see the refund for the fare difference in my mailbox within a few days as I expected I'd need to file for that.
Is this the new norm? Related to having a European leg in the booking?
Apr 5, 2025 | 10:03 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: DFW
Programs: AA ExP, Globalist
Posts: 147
Apr 5, 2025 | 11:26 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,352
I don't see that the linked DOT rule applies in OP's situation. The mention there of "downgraded to a lower class of service" is in the case of not accepting the changed itinerary. It says: "You are not entitled to a refund if you accept a rebooked flight with the airline or continue with a significantly changed itinerary."
AA might be over-complying by also automating partial refunds for accepted downgrades. But then the $64k question is: Was the refund based on the price of Y at the time of the original booking, or the last-minute Y fare?
AA might be over-complying by also automating partial refunds for accepted downgrades. But then the $64k question is: Was the refund based on the price of Y at the time of the original booking, or the last-minute Y fare?
Apr 6, 2025 | 8:23 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Airport Lounges (Usually in ORD and LHR)
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, AY Gold, QR Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,713
I don't see that the linked DOT rule applies in OP's situation. The mention there of "downgraded to a lower class of service" is in the case of not accepting the changed itinerary. It says: "You are not entitled to a refund if you accept a rebooked flight with the airline or continue with a significantly changed itinerary."
AA might be over-complying by also automating partial refunds for accepted downgrades. But then the $64k question is: Was the refund based on the price of Y at the time of the original booking, or the last-minute Y fare?
AA might be over-complying by also automating partial refunds for accepted downgrades. But then the $64k question is: Was the refund based on the price of Y at the time of the original booking, or the last-minute Y fare?