Converting a refundable ticket to non-refundable
Nov 20, 2016 | 5:48 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 20
Converting a refundable ticket to non-refundable
I purchased a refundable domestic ticket several months ago (one seat in Economy Comfort (W) and one in First (A)), and I am now certain that I will be taking the trip so I would like to convert it to the current considerably cheaper non-refundable fare.
I would like to keep my current seats and flights.
I am thinking I should either
- call Delta and ask them to convert the ticket for a partial refund
- cancel the ticket and buy a "new" fare online without speaking to anyone at Delta
Does anyone have experience to share or recommendations for doing this?
I would like to keep my current seats and flights.
I am thinking I should either
- call Delta and ask them to convert the ticket for a partial refund
- cancel the ticket and buy a "new" fare online without speaking to anyone at Delta
Does anyone have experience to share or recommendations for doing this?
Nov 20, 2016 | 6:46 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,997
I purchased a refundable domestic ticket several months ago (one seat in Economy Comfort (W) and one in First (A)), and I am now certain that I will be taking the trip so I would like to convert it to the current considerably cheaper non-refundable fare.
I would like to keep my current seats and flights.
I am thinking I should either
- call Delta and ask them to convert the ticket for a partial refund
- cancel the ticket and buy a "new" fare online without speaking to anyone at Delta
Does anyone have experience to share or recommendations for doing this?
I would like to keep my current seats and flights.
I am thinking I should either
- call Delta and ask them to convert the ticket for a partial refund
- cancel the ticket and buy a "new" fare online without speaking to anyone at Delta
Does anyone have experience to share or recommendations for doing this?
Then go into the refundable and change your seats. Immediately go into the nonrefundable and take the seats you just vacated and you're all set.
Under no circumstances would I convert the refundable. That's asking for problems. Keep things separate.
Nov 20, 2016 | 6:46 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 28,002
I purchased a refundable domestic ticket several months ago (one seat in Economy Comfort (W) and one in First (A)), and I am now certain that I will be taking the trip so I would like to convert it to the current considerably cheaper non-refundable fare.
I would like to keep my current seats and flights.
I am thinking I should either
- call Delta and ask them to convert the ticket for a partial refund
- cancel the ticket and buy a "new" fare online without speaking to anyone at Delta
Does anyone have experience to share or recommendations for doing this?
I would like to keep my current seats and flights.
I am thinking I should either
- call Delta and ask them to convert the ticket for a partial refund
- cancel the ticket and buy a "new" fare online without speaking to anyone at Delta
Does anyone have experience to share or recommendations for doing this?
However I would look at the receipt to make sure the notation NON-REF isn't on it close to bottom. You're fare classes just give me cause for concern. Especially the C+ portion.
Nov 20, 2016 | 10:16 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta 1MM, Gold, Peon
Posts: 6,392
One further note.
Refundable does not always mean there is no change/cancel fee. It means you can get money back (as opposed to a credit for future flight).
I would suggest you first just call and see what happens. If they push back, get details on your full fare rules as to why.
Refundable does not always mean there is no change/cancel fee. It means you can get money back (as opposed to a credit for future flight).
I would suggest you first just call and see what happens. If they push back, get details on your full fare rules as to why.
Nov 21, 2016 | 4:19 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: AA, DAL, blah, blah, blah...The usual.
Posts: 646
FWIW, this is sort of my standard practice.
Most of my travel is last-minute with an unsure return date. (50/50 domestic/international).
I'll book a refundable ticket, then when I'm certain of my return date I'll call the DM line and change my return flight to non-refundable, and the fare difference is refunded for the return flight.
I've even made this change at the airport just prior to checking in for my flight home. Saves the company a bit of money.
Most of my travel is last-minute with an unsure return date. (50/50 domestic/international).
I'll book a refundable ticket, then when I'm certain of my return date I'll call the DM line and change my return flight to non-refundable, and the fare difference is refunded for the return flight.
I've even made this change at the airport just prior to checking in for my flight home. Saves the company a bit of money.
Nov 21, 2016 | 5:43 am
#6
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Call them up. Point out there's a lower fare for your flights and you want to rebook them using the lower fare. If you truly have a refundable ticket then they'll refund the difference.
However I would look at the receipt to make sure the notation NON-REF isn't on it close to bottom. You're fare classes just give me cause for concern. Especially the C+ portion.
However I would look at the receipt to make sure the notation NON-REF isn't on it close to bottom. You're fare classes just give me cause for concern. Especially the C+ portion.
In fact, even if the ticket is refundable, it might be refundable only with a fee, so that it's really only partially refundable and not fully refundable.