When is a flexible Y ticket non changeable/refundable?
 

I purchased a cheap Y ticket on Etihad airways from CDG-BOM-CDG. It was a special sale fare which should be non changeable/refundable, but on the booking pages it appeared as a fully flexible Y ticket (right most column going from sale fare on the left, then standard coach, and flexible coach on the right). I took screenshots including the fare rules which stated that changes and refunds were allowed. On the e-mail confirmation I received it also listed the fare type as "economy flexible" type. So now I've called the booking office in BOM to reschedule the return flight. The agent looked through the fare rules for the reservation and sure enough it came up as non changeable/refundable. Are the screenshots and e-mail confirmation enough proof that I actually booked a flexible ticket? As an alternative I could just book a return award ticket, but its not the greatest use of miles:rolleyes:

Yes it will be enough, if there is some discrepancy with what you have booked yet you can confirm that what you're saying is what it said when you purchased it, then it will be more than sufficient.
Also, note down anyone's name at EY that you have spoken to that has confirmed that you were correct, as they would have put notes in your booking to say what was advised to you as well.
If there is some confusion if say, you ask for a refund or want to change the booking with no penalty fees, then these documents will act as your evidence and there should be no problem.

I don't see how anyone can really answer your question. Ultimately, it is the decision of the airline what they will or won't do. Someone can give you a theoretical answer, as was done above, but that doesn't tell you what will actually happen.

You can pursue your request with the evidence you have, and in principle you should get what you want. I hope the carrier is reasonable and recognizes the correct response.

Definitely - nicely put.... :cool: