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Travel Complaints Re: Sept. 11

Airlines are obligated to refund fares for any flights that did not operate because of the Sept. 11 disaster, including non-refundable fares. They are not required to make refunds to passengers who want to cancel nonrefundable reservations on flights that do operate. Simple as that.

Jane of Douglaston NY writes (9/27/01):
Early September 2001, I make 2 round trip reservations to Peking China thru China Travel (NY), Inc. The airline is Air Canada. I paid $100 deposit. One week later, I changed return flight from Peking China to Hong Kong, they charged $10 for each change. So the deposit reduce to $80. Due to the tragic events, I'm afraid to travel. I went to Travel Agency on 9/22/01. Ben told me if I want to leave the credit with them, I said how much? He said $30 credit. Then I told them I want my deposit back. He said $10.00. I took $10 and left. I felt I was rip-off. During the tragic events I should get back all my deposit.

Jill of Long Beach, NY (9/28/01):
I purchased a ticket for myself to go from New York to Las Vegas for Oct.30, returning Nov 3, 2001. Due to the unfortunate circumstances involving the World Trade Center I called up to cancel my reservations. I was told that they had a "no refund policy" and they would not be able to refund my money. They offered me another flight during the year, but I really cannot consider flying at this time or in the near future. Under these conditions, I think that their policy should be waived, and monies returned.

Narasimha of Philadelphia writes (9/27/01):
Carmel Travel, Dallas, TX/Sabena Airlines are making money backdoors by charging customers exorbitant penalties for cancellations exploiting present tragedy situation in US. Further it is learnt that there is a discriminating cancellation charges for destinations to India. Here are the details �� I have made reservation with Carmel Travel Dallas TX for one way tickets from Dallas TX(DFW) to Chennai India (MAA) via Brussels(BRU) in Sabena Airlines SN 0560/SN 0225 on Oct 8th for wife and daughter by paying $1148.00.

As my family cannot travel alone to India , I have attached their itinerary to that of my cousin family staying at Dallas though we live at Philadelphia, PA. Initially before 11th Sep when my cousin sister living at Dallas inquired about refund policy, Carmel Travel agent has replied that cancellation charged would be $300.00 total for two tickets (one adult + one child 5 years). I felt it is somewhat higher side and made no comments. But after the sad 11th Sep incidents, I thought of canceling the India trip Program, as I don�t want to take unnecessary risks in the event of expected war near Afghanistan.

When I asked Carmel Travel to cancel our two tickets and arrange for the refund of $848($1148-$300), the travel agent says now that cancellation charges would be $600.00 for two tickets. I had a hot argument with travel agent. I argued that cancellation charges of $300 itself is on high side since some of travel agents whom I contacted in Philadelphia area have informed that normal cancellation charges would be $75 - $ 100 per ticket per trip ( i.e. Roundtrip would be $150 - $200 per ticket). Then Carmel travel agent agrees with my figures and says that unfortunately Sabena Airlines charge highly $300 per ticket per trip especially destinations to India which is obviously ridiculous.

Jillann of Johnson City TN writes (9/23/01):
Prior to the horrible attacks last week, I was planning a trip for medical purpose to Mexico on Sept 27, 2001. I purchased a ticket from Delta for about $1,000. Since the attacks, I do not feel safe flying at all. I do hope I will have enough confidence to fly again domestically once better security is in place. Though I do have faith in US security, I will never trust international airport security. Why would I? The US does not control international security!

I canceled my flight with Delta. I did not ask for a refund, nor did I expect one. However, I did ask that Delta allow me to use the $1,000 credit towards a domestic flight. They said no, it is good for international flights only as per their policy. I explained that I have no intention of flying overseas and well, they said, for the most part, too bad.

I feel I have been the victim of Delta's horrible situation. What harm would it do them to let me use the ticket domestically? I guess I feel cheated. See, this company has ask for tons of money from our government ... from taxpayers, and yet they refuse to accommodate their customers! What kind of business practice is this? How is it at all the right thing? Do you know of any way I can resolve this?

Security was already much improved when U.S. airports reopened a few days after the attacks. American airlines are in charge of their own security at international airports and there is really no reason for Jillann not to fly. Also, Delta has no legal obligation to return any nonrefundable fares for flights that operate normally. That's not a change in policy. That's how tickets have been sold for 50 years. Sorry.

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