Q fare cancellation advice

[drakcir]

My travel companion (on an upcoming USA trip) lost her partner this week in a car accident. I had purchased all of our fares on VA (Q fares on BNE/LAX/BNE routes) and then "Main cabin" (T?) fares on Delta for various domestic legs within the U.S. Her sister was also joining us (same fares). Given the circumstances, nothing is refundable (VA legs are $200 CXL then credit balance which is useless to them as they never travel) so to walk away from the trip they're each looking at losing the $3700pp already spent & I'll have to do the same, or go alone.

Accom was all prepaid on Airbnb under 'strict' so 50% loss + fees.

Does anyone have any advice or tips for what to do? Sadly, she didn't have travel insurance, but her partners death doesn't cover her sister or I for cancellation anyway. It's such a tragedy and I'd like to help them somehow given the funeral expenses and costs of raising their children alone. They saved for years for this trip and can't afford to burn $7400. Thanks in advance if anyone knows any loop holes.

 

[vetrade]

Does she have credit cards she could check for complimentary travel insurance such as NAB / ANZ?

I would also appeal directly to the airlines involved for a refund on exceptional circumstances / compassionate grounds. Would bypass lower level staff for this because they can be robotically unsympathetic - try calling someone in head office.

 

[opusman]

A tragic situation indeed.

CC insurance is unlikely to cover it if the tickets were purchased by someone else (e.g. drakcir).

She should definitely try ask/appealing for a refund on compassionate grounds from the airlines in question - it never hurts to ask. These days (unfortunately) you can often get better results through social media than traditional customer service channels - try tweeting the official customer service twitter accounts of the companies involved and ask what can be done.

 

[eric2011]

Please do not think I am unsympathetic but there are numerous lessons to be learnt from this unfortunate incident. I cannot offer any advise to you except what has been said above

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I would send a pm to the VA, VX & Air BnB social media team on Facebook to start the ball rolling.

Sadly a tragic example of why you take out travel insurance at the time you book not the day before you fly out.

 

[drakcir]

I would send a pm to the VA, VX & Air BnB social media team on Facebook to start the ball rolling.

Sadly a tragic example of why you take out travel insurance at the time you book not the day before you fly out.

Thanks for your advice. Yes, I travel a lot (I have ongoing annual coverage) and knew the risks re travel insurance, but this is the girls first time going anywhere and none of us had ever expected something like this to happen - we just thought it would be good to have cover for medical expenses while away, as the rest (usually, like lost luggage or travel delays) is just part of the adventure. Unfortunately, the insurance won't assist me personally with this situation as it is only if an immediate family member passes away. I experienced something similar last year when I went to Europe; my Mum came with me for the first 10 days and her best friend died suddenly just the day before. Mum had to choose between being there for her friends children, or losing $13k in prepaid travel expenses, as travel insurance doesn't have any clauses for best friends. Very sad situation in both scenarios.

I will contact each of the companies, as suggested and just hope for the best. I believe I can get travel bank credit for at least the Virgin shell flights, but this is of no use to either of the girls as like I said, they never travel. The Delta flights fare conditions each state $200 fee for each cancellation (3 flights each) with the balance in credit and no refunds, so again, of no use. We will see what happens though, thank you again.

 

[drakcir]

Does she have credit cards she could check for complimentary travel insurance such as NAB / ANZ?

I would also appeal directly to the airlines involved for a refund on exceptional circumstances / compassionate grounds. Would bypass lower level staff for this because they can be robotically unsympathetic - try calling someone in head office.

Sadly, no, I paid on my card for everything and it was not one that included travel insurance - I have since upgraded the card, but this will only assist future trips. I personally have a rolling annual cover as I travel DOM and INTL a lot, but the girls never travel at all and had not yet purchased their trip coverage. I will definitely be reaching out to all 3 companies to see if anything at all can be done. Thank you.

 

[drakcir]

A tragic situation indeed.

CC insurance is unlikely to cover it if the tickets were purchased by someone else (e.g. drakcir).

She should definitely try ask/appealing for a refund on compassionate grounds from the airlines in question - it never hurts to ask. These days (unfortunately) you can often get better results through social media than traditional customer service channels - try tweeting the official customer service twitter accounts of the companies involved and ask what can be done.

Thank you <3

 

[drakcir]

Please do not think I am unsympathetic but there are numerous lessons to be learnt from this unfortunate incident. I cannot offer any advise to you except what has been said above

I understand and do agree, but unfortunately, even my insurance doesn't help me in this situation as it is only in the case of immediate family members death.

 

[eric2011]

I understand and do agree, but unfortunately, even my insurance doesn't help me in this situation as it is only in the case of immediate family members death.

drakcir, your personal response to each of our replies is appreciated but not necessary, we are all happy to offer advise. Please let us know what the eventual outcome is and if you have any luck

 

[Velocity Frequent Flyer]

Hi drakcir, I am sorry to hear about your circumstances and my thoughts are with your travel companion at this difficult time.

In relation to the Virgin Australia component of your travel, I have flagged your OP with my colleagues at VA's Guest Relations team and have been advised that the airline does assess each situation on a case by case basis in determining whether an exception to the standard fare rules can be granted in the scenario you have described.

Could I please trouble you to send me a private message with your travel companion's booking details (names, booking reference, flight numbers and dates) so that I can get the relevant team members to assess whether refunds can be granted? Whilst I am unable to guarantee an outcome, I am sure the team will treat your request with the sympathy it deserves.

 

[JohnK]

That is a sad situation to find yourself in.

Hoping that it all works out well regarding refunds for the prepaid airfares and accommodation.