I bought a ticket in Expedia.com to travel to Switzerland with Swiss Airline, i have an emergency and i can't travel on my set date, i would like to reschedule my dates and pay any necessary penalty, Expedia says they would change it but Swiss airlines is not allowing them since i bought a very restrictive web fare, not even with a Doctor's letter they are willing to change it, or give me my money back. i told them i will pay any penalties but reschedule me and they won't. I called the airline and expedia and both are saying no. But supposedly is the airline who is not allowing this. i don't want to lose my money they won't reschedule me and they won't refund me. Is this legal? what can i do? Thanks, i am desperate here...
2007-03-15 03:03:54 · 12 answers · asked by sweet&crazy 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Sorry. It is legal. And it is common practice on all air carriers. Some will give you a standby ticket for another flight, but many others do nothing.
One of the down sides of the cheap fare game is that the ticket is usually restricted to a particular flight and can never be refunded/rescheduled.
Next time, either buy a less-restricted ticket, or get travel cancellation insurance.
2007-03-15 03:08:31 · answer #1 · answered by Chief BaggageSmasher 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the case of certain very restrictive airline tickets, usually sold by the "name your own price" method, you may ask to change the itinerary on that ticket, but the agency and the carrier has the right to deny your request per the original terms. By the way, the contract is between you and Expedia, and the airline ticket terms can have additional terms added by Expedia. The people who advise you that Expedia (a travel agency) is not able to add restrictions to the airline terms are wrong.
I suggest you buy tickets directly from the airline offering the best service or price. Those tickets can be changed, usually for a fee plus difference of airfare Check those terms before purchase. Airlines are far more willing and able to help make changes to keep customers happy, if you buy tickets directly from the airline, as a general suggestion.
2007-03-15 03:18:07 · answer #2 · answered by Mr Smart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar thing happen, yes it is legal. When you got the best fare - I figured you did or you wouldn't have bought it - there would be some wording in the fine print that stipulates the conditions of the ticket purchase. On Expedia even before you purchase the ticket you had to check a box that says you agree to the terms and conditions of the purchase. I learned the hard way to always read the fine print.
2007-03-15 03:21:05 · answer #3 · answered by dude0795 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Expedia and all on-line travel agencies are only the agents for the tickets you purchase. Think of going to the local travel agent to get a ticket. That person does not make the rules about sales or selling tickets, the airline does. When you purchase a ticket on Expedia, there is a long list of things you are agreeing to that is in that contract that you click "I agree" in order to get your ticket. THAT IS A CONTRACT, and legally binding. Unfortunately, my friend, you are SOL.
2007-03-15 03:14:07 · answer #4 · answered by TLBFH 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When you purchase an airline ticket they usually list the restrictions (although, most people never read this!), and certain restricted web-fares are non-refundable, non-transferrable - basically you go when it says to go or bummer for you.
The airline is at no obligation to accomodate you - bad customer service sure, but perfectly legal.
You take a risk when you go for the cheaper fares on an airline - any airline because they tend to restrict them to the extreme.
The airline cannot be forced to loose money because of your circumstances.
2007-03-15 03:10:56 · answer #5 · answered by Susie D 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As long as they do not violate the terms under which they sold you the ticket, they can do whatever they said they would do. Check the agreement terms that came with your ticket when you bought it. If you got a cheap fare online, most likely that comes with a very strict policy on changes and refunds.
By purchasing the ticket, you agreed to the terms (even if you didn't bother to read and understand them). Most likely, you're outta luck.
2007-03-15 03:08:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes certain airline fares are non transferable, when you purchase the ticket you automatically agree to the conditions set by the airline and it is a legally binding contract.
2007-03-15 03:06:55 · answer #7 · answered by smedrik 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a copy of the restrictions that apply to your ticket and determine whether or not the airline is adhering to their policy. If there is a clause in there that grants you various rights due to extenuating services, then you likely have grounds for a civil suit against them.
2007-03-15 03:22:26 · answer #8 · answered by Wee Bit Naughty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but the conditions were clear when you bought the ticket. Yes, they can add all these restrictions, and typically, they are unwilling to change their policies for anyone.
2007-03-15 03:49:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't say where you are located, but if it were me, I'd contact the Federal Trade Commission.
2007-03-15 03:08:43 · answer #10 · answered by kj 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋