A Mr.Nader Is Calling, and He Wants a Refund
Idris
Posts: 2,317
In March, Mr. Nader was scheduled to give a press conference and speech in Knoxville, Tenn. He’d bought two round-trip tickets — one for him, one for an associate — from Washington, on US Airways, for $1,380 apiece.
On the day of the event, the forecasts were for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and Mr. Nader decided that it was possible his flight would be canceled. So he opted to jump in his car and drive.
He made his engagements in time and incurred two $150 cancellation fees from US Airways. But he didn’t get the rest of his money back. Instead, the airline offered credits that could not be transferred and had to be used within a year. Otherwise, they would be forfeited.
Suffice it to say, this did not please Mr. Nader.
“Could any dictatorship be more efficient?” he asked the Haggler. “The airlines have been pursuing this forfeiture thing for a decade now. It’s like printing money.”
So Mr. Nader wrote to US Airways and demanded a refund. The airline said no. Mr. Nader.......
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/your- ... ggler.html
On the day of the event, the forecasts were for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, and Mr. Nader decided that it was possible his flight would be canceled. So he opted to jump in his car and drive.
He made his engagements in time and incurred two $150 cancellation fees from US Airways. But he didn’t get the rest of his money back. Instead, the airline offered credits that could not be transferred and had to be used within a year. Otherwise, they would be forfeited.
Suffice it to say, this did not please Mr. Nader.
“Could any dictatorship be more efficient?” he asked the Haggler. “The airlines have been pursuing this forfeiture thing for a decade now. It’s like printing money.”
So Mr. Nader wrote to US Airways and demanded a refund. The airline said no. Mr. Nader.......
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/your- ... ggler.html
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Comments
That said, I totally agree that Nader's tickets should have been refunded but I'm just not so sure about the cancellation fees. I've returned various items in my life and have often incurred a restocking fee. I run a small used book business and have had books returned on numerous occasions for various reasons (including, no doubt, "that was good, now I'll get something different and not have to pay cent" even though no one has ever said that... exactly). I've never charged a restocking fee-- generally book people are an honest lot, and I'd rather have a happy reader/customer, but I'm dealing in mostly low cost items-- an occasional return isn't going to make my business fail. However, if I were selling cars or appliances or airline tickets I would not feel out of line at all charging a restocking or cancellation fee (or in the case of a returned car, I'd have to call it used- even if slightly so). I will say though, the fees in this case seem way too high.
Not that I'm defending the airlines, mind you, but that's another story. I have my own issues with the airline business. (More on that some other time maybe...)
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
You know, if an item is opened and then returned, I understand maybe a fee for it to be resealed again. I don't know, it (like you said) depends on what it is etc. Many variables to consider.
But airlines charging a cancellation fee? hmm not sure, perhaps if they were unable to fill the canceled ticket, and lost out in that way. Then sure, it does not seem fair for the airline. no doubt.
Otherwise I kinda think it's silly.
So you run a small book store, I love it!...
2000 elections, what a shame, not letting Nader debate..I tell you bro, what a loss for America. Not having him debate them. same in 2004 and 2008.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5ZRRimf3Ps
This is Mr Nader in Toronto back in 2008, speaking about Mr Obama,
Ohhh... I couldn't agree more. Not letting Nader debate has been a travesty and everybody knows why that wasn't allowed. Yes Idris, a real shame-- well said.
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"