Refunds after flight departs
Apr 11, 2021, 3:07 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: NYC
Programs: AS 75K, DL Platinum
Posts: 631
Refunds after flight departs
I booked a last-minute, fully refundable ticket on DL (as a backup as my existing flight was having mechanical issues). I’d like to cancel (issue was resolved); however, the system won’t allow me to do it online and as a non-elite the phone/chat wait times are insane. I am afraid my flight will depart before I can get connected and formally cancel. Unfortunately I needed to fly ASAP (thus need for DL backup flight in the first place), so going to the check-in counter / sky club / whatever was not an option.
Will DL issue a refund after the flight departs or am I at risk of losing my money? Note that I did attempt to contact them via chat and phone 2 hours in advance. I also read that they were previously processing no-show refunds automatically, but that this was no longer the case.
Will DL issue a refund after the flight departs or am I at risk of losing my money? Note that I did attempt to contact them via chat and phone 2 hours in advance. I also read that they were previously processing no-show refunds automatically, but that this was no longer the case.
Apr 11, 2021, 6:38 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
That depends on the fare rules. "Fully refundable" and "last minute" are not the issue.
There are some tickets which retain there value even after the flight has departed (without you on it). Most require cancellation prior to departure.
If indeed your fare rules do require cancellation prior to departure and it rolls up to boarding time for your first flight, notify the Twitter team and also note that you tried to call. At least you will have a time-stamped item.
There are some tickets which retain there value even after the flight has departed (without you on it). Most require cancellation prior to departure.
If indeed your fare rules do require cancellation prior to departure and it rolls up to boarding time for your first flight, notify the Twitter team and also note that you tried to call. At least you will have a time-stamped item.
Apr 11, 2021, 8:24 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: NYC
Programs: AS 75K, DL Platinum
Posts: 631
That depends on the fare rules. "Fully refundable" and "last minute" are not the issue.
There are some tickets which retain there value even after the flight has departed (without you on it). Most require cancellation prior to departure.
If indeed your fare rules do require cancellation prior to departure and it rolls up to boarding time for your first flight, notify the Twitter team and also note that you tried to call. At least you will have a time-stamped item.
There are some tickets which retain there value even after the flight has departed (without you on it). Most require cancellation prior to departure.
If indeed your fare rules do require cancellation prior to departure and it rolls up to boarding time for your first flight, notify the Twitter team and also note that you tried to call. At least you will have a time-stamped item.
Apr 11, 2021, 9:29 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: DL DM, SPG Plat 100/LT Gold, Marriott Plat, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,988
But best for you - both in terms of time savings, and to have proof - is to either DM via Twitter or text message. In both of these cases, they can see when you first attempted to reach out to them, and any delay in their getting back to you won’t be held against you.
Apr 12, 2021, 7:31 am
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
I used to ignore the fare rules beyond the obvious, but it's often possible to bump up a few dollars and obtain some fare rule benefit which is worth it to me.