does one fly with flu when basic economy $500 fare is non-changeable/refundable?
Jan 8, 2018, 10:41 am
#1
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does one fly with flu when basic economy $500 fare is non-changeable/refundable?
I'm trying to get a relative to NOT fly tomorrow because he has the flu.(at least according to his doctor) With meds, he is fine during most of the day.. at least during the last few days.
He bought a Basic Economy ticket that was a little more than $500... I called UA and spoke to a few different agents. All said there was nothing they could do... no changes allowed, even if he was willing to pay a change fee.
Now he is determined to fly anyway because, well... you know how older people get when it comes to money, especially $500+..
I guess he should have purchased some kind of travel insurance, but he didn't(again, you know how older people are)
any advice appreciated...
He bought a Basic Economy ticket that was a little more than $500... I called UA and spoke to a few different agents. All said there was nothing they could do... no changes allowed, even if he was willing to pay a change fee.
Now he is determined to fly anyway because, well... you know how older people get when it comes to money, especially $500+..
I guess he should have purchased some kind of travel insurance, but he didn't(again, you know how older people are) any advice appreciated...
Jan 8, 2018, 10:44 am
#2
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He should NOT fly.
1) Because if he really does have diagnosed flu, he would be exposing tons of people to it unnecessarily.
2) Just because he feels okay on the ground doesn't mean he will feel okay in the air, especially since airplane air can dehydrate you (something not needed if you are already possibly dehydrated from fever).
What is the reason for travel? If it's just a vacation/personal trip, cancel it and write it off to lesson learned. If it's business travel, he needs to talk to his employer. Whatever he does he should not fly.
1) Because if he really does have diagnosed flu, he would be exposing tons of people to it unnecessarily.
2) Just because he feels okay on the ground doesn't mean he will feel okay in the air, especially since airplane air can dehydrate you (something not needed if you are already possibly dehydrated from fever).
What is the reason for travel? If it's just a vacation/personal trip, cancel it and write it off to lesson learned. If it's business travel, he needs to talk to his employer. Whatever he does he should not fly.
Jan 8, 2018, 10:49 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 2008
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He should NOT fly.
1) Because if he really does have diagnosed flu, he would be exposing tons of people to it unnecessarily.
2) Just because he feels okay on the ground doesn't mean he will feel okay in the air, especially since airplane air can dehydrate you (something not needed if you are already possibly dehydrated from fever).
What is the reason for travel? If it's just a vacation/personal trip, cancel it and write it off to lesson learned. If it's business travel, he needs to talk to his employer. Whatever he does he should not fly.
1) Because if he really does have diagnosed flu, he would be exposing tons of people to it unnecessarily.
2) Just because he feels okay on the ground doesn't mean he will feel okay in the air, especially since airplane air can dehydrate you (something not needed if you are already possibly dehydrated from fever).
What is the reason for travel? If it's just a vacation/personal trip, cancel it and write it off to lesson learned. If it's business travel, he needs to talk to his employer. Whatever he does he should not fly.
My guess is that if he goes to the airport, UA will refuse to transport him, and send him home. In which case he gets his refund/change of flight....
Jan 8, 2018, 10:54 am
#5
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if he does somehow start to appear and sound sick at the airport tomorrow and United doesn't let me fly, will he really be allowed a refund or rebooking? I spoke with UA's Premier desk agent who said NO because the fare was Basic Economy(also the fact that he got no status with UA)
Jan 8, 2018, 10:56 am
#7
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guess so... but millions still don't have health insurance(caught in the Obamacare hole and didn't qualify for subsidy)... not to mention just simple health insurance for travelling to Europe...
Jan 8, 2018, 11:00 am
#9
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With meds, he is fine during most of the day.. at least during the last few days.
Jan 8, 2018, 11:00 am
#10
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Unless your friend is trying to fly home.. why would he want to go on this trip while having the flu? He should not fly.
Because if you can take the loss (variance) without a massive financial impact, insurance is by its nature a losing proposition?
Because if you can take the loss (variance) without a massive financial impact, insurance is by its nature a losing proposition?
Jan 8, 2018, 11:00 am
#11
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Jan 8, 2018, 11:04 am
#13
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while not the same thing, I always buy extended warranties on expensive electronics and computers. (Best Buy or Square Trade are the only two that I trust) I have always come out on top. I can't think of an expensive Macbook Pro or TV or DSLR that I've have had in the last years that did require some kind of repair or accidental replacement during the first 3 years.... then again, I do use my stuff hard because I travel to all sorts of places.
Jan 8, 2018, 11:23 am
#14
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Jan 8, 2018, 11:42 am
#15
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Wouldn't try to claim Americans are better at math than others, but perhaps they get this one right more often?