Unreasonable weather waiver policy?
Mar 19, 2014, 2:02 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: JFK/GDL
Programs: AA PLT, UA 1P
Posts: 415
Unreasonable weather waiver policy?
I cancelled a trip out of DCA earlier this week out of concern I wouldn't be able to travel back. The date was covered by a weather waiver, but US says I only have until March 20 to travel without a change fee.
Seems harsh, and not in line with other airlines (UA) which allow the funds to be applied to a new itinerary within one year (subject to fare difference, of course).
Is US just overly restrictive? Not sure I like the new AA.
Seems harsh, and not in line with other airlines (UA) which allow the funds to be applied to a new itinerary within one year (subject to fare difference, of course).
Is US just overly restrictive? Not sure I like the new AA.
Mar 19, 2014, 6:21 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Executive Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,662
maybe harsh, but not a new policy.
Mar 19, 2014, 7:34 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: JFK/GDL
Programs: AA PLT, UA 1P
Posts: 415
Mar 20, 2014, 6:21 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: YYJ
Posts: 4,137
If your flight was cancelled you are entitled to a full refund.
Mar 20, 2014, 7:03 am
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Was your flight cancelled (or substantially delayed) or did you choose not to travel? If the former, you are entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment, regardless of fare rules. If the latter, it's simply a customer service gesture, so whatever US wants to give you.
Best never to rely on waivers and to look to your travel insurance because that gets you what amounts to a refund if it's a decent policy.
Best never to rely on waivers and to look to your travel insurance because that gets you what amounts to a refund if it's a decent policy.
Mar 20, 2014, 9:04 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: JFK/GDL
Programs: AA PLT, UA 1P
Posts: 415
Thanks, good advice. Unfortunately, the original flight took off on time so I'm out of luck. I was doing a quick turn and didn't want to risk getting stuck away from home.
Not a big deal since it was a junk fare anyway. I just never have seen such a restrictive weather waiver.
Not a big deal since it was a junk fare anyway. I just never have seen such a restrictive weather waiver.
Mar 20, 2014, 11:51 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Executive Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,662
Thanks, good advice. Unfortunately, the original flight took off on time so I'm out of luck. I was doing a quick turn and didn't want to risk getting stuck away from home.
Not a big deal since it was a junk fare anyway. I just never have seen such a restrictive weather waiver.
Not a big deal since it was a junk fare anyway. I just never have seen such a restrictive weather waiver.
Mar 20, 2014, 9:06 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: High Point, NC
Programs: None
Posts: 9,171
Hasn't there been at least one, possibly two changes to the severe weather waiver policy in the last 3-4-5 years? It used to be that any fare difference was waived - not the current "there may be a fare difference charge". And seems like you could rebook within 7 days of the original travel dates, not the current 2 days.
Like several other things - MoveUp, standby, meal & hotel vouchers being among the others - the requirements have been tightened up over the years.
Jim
Like several other things - MoveUp, standby, meal & hotel vouchers being among the others - the requirements have been tightened up over the years.
Jim