Getting a refund online?

[aeolus11]

Hey guys,

I recently booked a fully-flexible flight to New Zealand through the Qantas site but my plans have changed and I need to cancel it.

According to the fare conditions I am entitled to a "full-refund" BUT, I am only able to request a credit voucher online, not a refund. It appears that to get a refund I must call Qantas (which incurs a $40 charge)! This is hardly a full-refund!

Is there any way around this? Can I obtain a refund online? Or is this just another trick to scam a few bucks from unsuspecting consumers...

Cheers, I'm new here and appreciate the help

 

[Mal]

Welcome to AFF.

If you are entitled to a refund, you shouldn't be charged a fee (unless the booking conditions allow for a cancellation fee).

What makes you think there is a $40 charge for cancelling over the phone?

 

[aeolus11]

Yes. My mistake. It appears the $40 fee applies only to changes and not cancellations The information was presented ambiguously.

Thanks for your help Mal. Great to join the community!

 

[Mal]

The information was presented ambiguously.

Indeed! Often things with fare rules etc are very ambiguous.

One thing to watch out for when cancelling. Make a note of the time/date when you do it (and keep the PNR reference of the booking). Refunds can take up to 8 weeks to be processed - although in most cases they are pretty quick, especially for ex-Australia tickets.

But if you have to chase Qantas up (I'd suggest waiting at least 6 weeks before chasing), then they will require at least the PNR reference of the booking to investigate further.

 

[spunkarooney]

Indeed! Often things with fare rules etc are very ambiguous.

One thing to watch out for when cancelling. Make a note of the time/date when you do it (and keep the PNR reference of the booking). Refunds can take up to 8 weeks to be processed - although in most cases they are pretty quick, especially for ex-Australia tickets.

But if you have to chase Qantas up (I'd suggest waiting at least 6 weeks before chasing), then they will require at least the PNR reference of the booking to investigate further.

Qantas is notoriously slow in providing refunds.

I have previously had to dispute a transaction after waiting what I considered to be a more than reasonable time for a refund — one month.

My card issuer agreed with me.

 

[aeolus11]

Thanks guys. Called them today. After 15 minutes of listening to "I still call Australia Home" I was connected and my cancellation was processed. The lady assured me the refund would be credited within 1-2 weeks. We'll see

If not, my credit card provider has always been a good friend when a dispute arises