Refund on a flight for death of immediate family member

[Harthagan]

Sadly my partners father passed away and we will have to cancel a return flight we had booked. Its not a flexible fare so no refunds possible. Just wondering if they have any leeway with things like this?

Waited on the velocity call line forty minutes to speak with someone but they must have all decided to leave early tonight.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Sadly my partners father passed away and we will have to cancel a return flight we had booked. Its not a flexible fare so no refunds possible. Just wondering if they have any leeway with things like this?

Waited on the velocity call line forty minutes to speak with someone but they must have all decided to leave early tonight.

Firstly, sorry to hear about your loss. I was in a similar situation when my father passed away unexpectedly. The airline had a policy to refund in such circumstances with proor, ie death certificate, even if this was provided later on. But it was complicated because they asked us to deal with the agent who had booked his ticket, eventually I think we got all but an admin fee returned.

There's also been a big storm hit Sydney at peak on Friday afternoon, so the Virgin call centre may be getting hit with lots of calls.

 

[deejo77]

Sorry for your loss.

We have been offered discounted tickets on a confirmation of death to attend close family members funeral but this was pre-purchase.

I would be checking your travel insurance policy just in case.

 

[SeatBackForward]

This is the Wording on Delta's website, I imagine most decent airlines will have similar policies, but couldn't find anything specifically on Virgins site:
https://www.delta.com/us/en/change-cancel/cancel-flight
Delta Cancellation & Refund Policy : Delta Air Lines

I have a non-refundable ticket and will not be traveling. Can I obtain a refund?
Even if your ticket is not refundable, you might still be able to cancel your itinerary. You have one year from the ticket's original issue date to reschedule your travel without losing the full value of the ticket (less any applicable change fees).

• For domestic travel, tickets must be reissued and travel completed within one year of the original ticket date.
• For international travel, tickets must be reissued to the same or another international destination, and travel must begin within one year of the original ticket date.
• Exception: The death of the passenger, immediate family member, or traveling companion. In this case, you will be required to forward a copy of the death certificate to the Passenger Refunds Department mailing address.
• Note: Customers who purchase Basic Economy (E booking class) will not be able to change or refund their ticket after the Risk-Free Cancellation period.

 

[Harthagan]

This is the Wording on Delta's website, I imagine most decent airlines will have similar policies, but couldn't find anything specifically on Virgins site:
Delta Cancellation & Refund Policy : Delta Air Lines

Yeah i had tried finding something via google regarding virgin and nothing came up.

I wasnt able to get through to velocity either and their contact centre wont be open till monday. Im not sure if i call up the virgin number they will be able to assist.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Yeah i had tried finding something via google regarding virgin and nothing came up.

I wasnt able to get through to velocity either and their contact centre wont be open till monday. Im not sure if i call up the virgin number they will be able to assist.

Yes definitely speak with Virgin, not Velocity, even if the flights were points redemptions. They may have twitter/facebook options alost, but I don't use either so can't really help with that.

 

[dajop]

Looked at some VA fare rules (on Expert Flyer) and they all seemed to have a cancellation waiver on death of immediate family member upon sighting of certificate.

 

[odysseus]

I checked the fare rules for a current Virgin getaway fare (which is their most restrictive):

"CANCELLATION RULES AS DESCRIBED ARE WAIVED FOR
THE DEATH OF THE PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER
SUBJECT TO VA SIGHTING OF CERTIFICATE WITH
APPLICABLE WAIVER CODE ENDORSED ON THE REFUND."

Based on that, if you contact the Guest contact centre with certificate available, you should be able to get a refund.

 

[Harthagan]

Appreciate it guys!

No way we will be able to get the certificate before our flight but im sure they would understand that. Will just explain and cancel the flights and then hopefully get a refund later when we provide the certificate.

 

[clipped_wings]

Condolences for you and your family.