How to Get a Refund on a Nonrefundable Airline Ticket When Ill

Can you get a refund on a non-refundable ticket?

Most pleasure travelers book the cheapest, most convenient ticket they can find on an airline, which is usually marked as "non-refundable." While some circumstances, like a serious illness or death in the family, can inspire an airline representative to mercifully refund you with the cash value of your ticket, it is more likely that they will offer you a credit to travel at another time. This travel credit will allow you to book another ticket at any time and use the value assigned from your canceled ticket to pay for the new one.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's note
• E-ticket or confirmation number

Instructions

Cash Refunds

1. Obtain a note from your doctor detailing the illness and the reason it will prevent you from flying. Airlines will take into consideration serious illnesses and death in the family more readily than mere head colds.

2. Call the airline with your request as soon as possible. Offer the doctor's note by fax or email to confirm your request.

3. Give your ticket or e-ticket number, confirmation number or other ticketing information to the airline agent.

4. Ask to speak to a supervisor.

5. Request a refund to your credit card.

Airline Credit

1. Have the e-ticket or ticket confirmation number handy when calling the airline.

2. Tell the representative that you are too ill to make your flight and ask for the information necessary to use the miles as credit toward another flight. This does not mean that you have to book the new flight immediately.

3. Ask how much value your canceled ticket has and if the airline puts any restrictions on using the airline credit. Some airlines require the credit to be used on the same route; others charge a fee for re-booking a different ticket.

4. Write down and keep the information--e-ticket number, amount of value, penalty charges (if any) and airline restrictions--in a handy spot.

5. Book a new flight before your airline credit expires. Usually you will have one year to use the credit.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your travel agent to speak to the airline if you are not making headway. Sometimes agents have a more personal relationship with certain airline representatives.

References

• CNN Travel: The Ins and Outs of Airline Tickets
• Internet FAQ: Refunds