What to do when fares go down?
 

What do people do if they bought a non-refundable ticket and the fare goes down right before departure?

I'm under the impression that my only option is to buy the cheaper ticket and save the value of the more expensive one on a future higher base fare trip. This can be done without penalty.

However, I've read once that people can use the ticket they already bought on the lower fare and get the difference in travel vouchers. Any truth to this?

Any other options out there? Thanks.

Yes, there's truth to it. You should be able to use it for the cheaper ticket and take the difference in vouchers.

seawolf...my typical phone call when fares go down:

"Hi, I think the fare in this market has gone down. Could you re-fare it for me?"

"Yes, this would be your new fare and minus your $75 change fee, this would be your refund amount: $____"

"Oh, I heard that I might get the $75 waived if I take the difference in the form of a Travel Voucher?"

"Yes we can do that for you." Or they go away to ask a supervisor but return with the same answer.

Two weeks later your Travel Voucher arrives in the mail. No re-booking, no exchange of ticket (provided you E-Ticketed). Quick and easy! http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 09-21-1999).]

An unfortunate exception is Delta. Even with an e-ticket, they still require you to go to their ticket office/airport to obtain the voucher. Ouch.

I have had experience with DL where they refunded lowerer fare cost twice on an NR ticket. Of course this was when the Clampits
flying craze was on a few years back. Secret is to go to someone who recognizes you. (Nonone really KNOWS yous)

Like mmgm and Delta, I've had the same experience with USAir--I've had to go to the ticket office/airport to pick up the voucher.

Due to Delta's new sale, I called yesterday about an E-ticket itinerary in Nov that was booked in L and Q. Agent down graded Q to K and upgraded L to K. This saved me $140.00, which was issued in the form of an Electronic Travel Voucher, since I took the Elec Travel Voucher, there was no $75.00 change fee and now I can maybe upgrade.

Excellent! Don't you just love when that happens?

Doc:
Especially since I just became a SM? (Silver Med?) in July for the first time and really haven't had the opportunity to upgrade but once so far, and was denied.

In view of the above postings, I called Delta.
They have indeed established a reissue desk, so Electronic ticket vouchers can be issued by phone. The vouchers are valid for two years.
Thanks for the info.