How to get out of “Non-Refundable Reservations”

JBC7913

As we’re all frustrated, yet understanding of the reasons why the tour has been postponed. Do we (collectively) have any solutions or techniques or contacts on how to get around these “non-refundable” reservations. 

I know myself having a non refundable hotel room is small compared to those with flights, vehicle rentals and their own hotel/air bnb rentals. But I find it hard to understand when I call the hotel to cancel and they tell me because it was booked through Travelocity, I need to go through them. So when I call Travelocity, they tell me they need to call the hotel to ask for an “exception” of course only to be told no. 

It feels as though they recognize the potential large revenue loss coming that they’re sticking it to the consumers. Are there any fine print things we can say to get out of these reservations or any contacts for people to call. As a collective whole here, let’s see what contacts we have and use our collective brains to help those who are going to be out the money these companies are stealing from us.  

pbultimate

Correct. You need to go through travelocity. If first level says no, demand a supervisor. Explain why the reservation was made and why you now need to cancel. 

Now, they will probably strike your account, meaning 1 time courtesy notification put on it. 

I’ve had non-refundable rooms easily cancelled pre-virus. 

JBC7913

pbultimate said:

Correct. You need to go through travelocity. If first level says no, demand a supervisor. Explain why the reservation was made and why you now need to cancel. 

Now, they will probably strike your account, meaning 1 time courtesy notification put on it. 

I’ve had non-refundable rooms easily cancelled pre-virus. 

I just got off the phone with the “first level” my next call is to a supervisor/manager this afternoon. It’s going to be a long process, but if they want my future business, they’ll do the right thing. I have another reservation through Travelocity as well to go see City and Colour. I may just cancel it now. 

JR86440

JBC7913 said:

As we’re all frustrated, yet understanding of the reasons why the tour has been postponed. Do we (collectively) have any solutions or techniques or contacts on how to get around these “non-refundable” reservations. 

I know myself having a non refundable hotel room is small compared to those with flights, vehicle rentals and their own hotel/air bnb rentals. But I find it hard to understand when I call the hotel to cancel and they tell me because it was booked through Travelocity, I need to go through them. So when I call Travelocity, they tell me they need to call the hotel to ask for an “exception” of course only to be told no. 

It feels as though they recognize the potential large revenue loss coming that they’re sticking it to the consumers. Are there any fine print things we can say to get out of these reservations or any contacts for people to call. As a collective whole here, let’s see what contacts we have and use our collective brains to help those who are going to be out the money these companies are stealing from us.  

Just call the company. company will call hotel or airline and they will cancel free of charge. Happened for both my Nashville and Apollo shows

Zod

I'm thinking of calling Alaska Air to see if they'd refund my points from my April 20th flight back from Oakland...... (without charging the $125 cancellation fee).

mace1229

This is why I rarely book through priceline or travelocity. Unless you get one of those hidden deals, you can get the same rate going straight through the hotel 99% of the time. Even if they don't advertise it on the site (they usually do, it'll say "book now to save 20%" or something, which is the same price, or have a promo code somewhere on the page) but if they don't just call and say you are about to book on Priceline but would rather skip the middle man and they will almost always honor that price.
I know it won't help for this trip. But in the future lt makes for things like cancelations much easier.

I use Priceline to see what hotels are out there, then book straight through the hotel for the same price. Only exceptions are when you don't know which hotel it is, you can find very good deals then (and you usually can tell which hotel it is by reading reviews and looking at amenities, taxes, resort fees, etc).

SHZA

I got a refund pretty painlessly yesterday on a nonrefundable Hotwire "hot rate" hotel. I just said the event I was planning to attend was postponed due to corona, the rep put me on hold to contact the hotel (holiday inn), and it was approved. 

jamofpearls

Worse comes to worse, blast them on twitter (travel companies). 
I once made a joke about Publix putting mayo on all their sandwiches, had them messaging me in minutes. Had to reassure them that no one had screwed up my sandwich, that it was a joke about how all their premade sandos (even cubans) have mayo on them.
But yeah...twitter.

deuce1978

I’m trying to get a refund for my hotel in St Louis (Westin via hotels.com). Both parties are making it very difficult.  Hotels.com called the Westin and refused the refund.  Then I called the Westin and they said it was hotels.com that was supposed to give the refund.  They said that third party websites buy hotel rooms and sell it to the customers.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Last time getting non refundable for me.... lesson learned.  

RS65573

It wont help for this time, but I find the best rate, then CALL the hotel to book, they always have matched. I had no problem canceling with the hotel.

chilisuarez

Anyone with any ideas for Air Transat? I've an 'Eco Budget' fare that isn't covered by their 'peace of mind' policy. They have shown zero empathy and have been extremely in-flexible, I can't get anything from them! 3 other Canadian airlines gave me future credits, Transat won't do anything. Has anyone else managed to get credits with them on the 'Eco Budget' fare? 

IlliniGuy76

JBC7913 said:

pbultimate said:

Correct. You need to go through travelocity. If first level says no, demand a supervisor. Explain why the reservation was made and why you now need to cancel. 

Now, they will probably strike your account, meaning 1 time courtesy notification put on it. 

I’ve had non-refundable rooms easily cancelled pre-virus. 

I just got off the phone with the “first level” my next call is to a supervisor/manager this afternoon. It’s going to be a long process, but if they want my future business, they’ll do the right thing. I have another reservation through Travelocity as well to go see City and Colour. I may just cancel it now. 

"Listen this is really easy - I no longer have a reason to use this reservation for the international health crisis ongoing.  If you so choose not to cancel my reservation & provide me a refund, I'll simply contest the charges with my credit card company & they'll remove the charge"

IlliniGuy76

RS65573 said:

It wont help for this time, but I find the best rate, then CALL the hotel to book, they always have matched. I had no problem canceling with the hotel.

Often the best rate is a (for example) hotwire hotdeal where you don't know the specific hotel before you book.

chilisuarez

IlliniGuy76 said:

JBC7913 said:

pbultimate said:

Correct. You need to go through travelocity. If first level says no, demand a supervisor. Explain why the reservation was made and why you now need to cancel. 

Now, they will probably strike your account, meaning 1 time courtesy notification put on it. 

I’ve had non-refundable rooms easily cancelled pre-virus. 

I just got off the phone with the “first level” my next call is to a supervisor/manager this afternoon. It’s going to be a long process, but if they want my future business, they’ll do the right thing. I have another reservation through Travelocity as well to go see City and Colour. I may just cancel it now. 

"Listen this is really easy - I no longer have a reason to use this reservation for the international health crisis ongoing.  If you so choose not to cancel my reservation & provide me a refund, I'll simply contest the charges with my credit card company & they'll remove the charge"

I just tried a chargeback with my credit card company and they will not. But this is in regards to my issue with Air Transat, posted above. A chargeback wasn't allowed in my case because it was in the fine print that my fare type wasn't covered. 

JBC7913

IlliniGuy76 said:

JBC7913 said:

pbultimate said:

Correct. You need to go through travelocity. If first level says no, demand a supervisor. Explain why the reservation was made and why you now need to cancel. 

Now, they will probably strike your account, meaning 1 time courtesy notification put on it. 

I’ve had non-refundable rooms easily cancelled pre-virus. 

I just got off the phone with the “first level” my next call is to a supervisor/manager this afternoon. It’s going to be a long process, but if they want my future business, they’ll do the right thing. I have another reservation through Travelocity as well to go see City and Colour. I may just cancel it now. 

"Listen this is really easy - I no longer have a reason to use this reservation for the international health crisis ongoing.  If you so choose not to cancel my reservation & provide me a refund, I'll simply contest the charges with my credit card company & they'll remove the charge"

That was my exact comment. I’ll be doing that if my conversation with a supervisor/manager doesn’t go well. 

on2legs

I imagine at some point the government will mandate that refunds be given.  

IlliniGuy76

on2legs said:

I imagine at some point the government will mandate that refunds be given.  

Only if there's some wide sweeping Government package to help those industries.  Airlines/cruises are taking a complete bath by offering full refunds - you're going to see much more significant cuts to service.

PJfanJen

Last night I called the hotel first, he said normally they would not let me cancel with a refund, but under the circumstances, they would do it for me. I had to call Priceline in order for them to complete the cancellation, but it all worked out for me. Good luck.

IlliniGuy76

PJfanJen said:

Last night I called the hotel first, he said normally they would not let me cancel with a refund, but under the circumstances, they would do it for me. I had to call Priceline in order for them to complete the cancellation, but it all worked out for me. Good luck.

They're giving everyone the line of "We normally wouldn't/can't do this, but we're doing it this time".  

SHZA

chilisuarez said:

Anyone with any ideas for Air Transat? I've an 'Eco Budget' fare that isn't covered by their 'peace of mind' policy. They have shown zero empathy and have been extremely in-flexible, I can't get anything from them! 3 other Canadian airlines gave me future credits, Transat won't do anything. Has anyone else managed to get credits with them on the 'Eco Budget' fare? 

Say if they won't refund it you plan to take the flight and if you get sick as a result you'll hold them responsible 

on2legs

IlliniGuy76 said:

on2legs said:

I imagine at some point the government will mandate that refunds be given.  

Only if there's some wide sweeping Government package to help those industries.  Airlines/cruises are taking a complete bath by offering full refunds - you're going to see much more significant cuts to service.

Back in 2012 when Superstorm Sandy hit the jersey shore the insurance industry was ready to invoke the hurricane clause in everyone’s homeowners insurance which would have jacked everyone’s deductible up to 20% of the damages.  The state government stepped in and mandated that the clause not be invoked even though the storm met the technical definition of a hurricane due to wind speeds.   

I see a similar mandate coming regardless if there is a relief package for the travel industry.  There will be too much pressure on politicians not to make it so. 

MJ1685

I was able to cancel my hotel reservations very easily and it was a non-refundable rate. I went to the website, completed an on-line chat and got my refund, didn't have to talk to anyone or be on the phone forever. I did not use one of those travel sites to book my reservation, just Marriot Bonvoy. 

SHZA

on2legs said:

IlliniGuy76 said:

on2legs said:

I imagine at some point the government will mandate that refunds be given.  

Only if there's some wide sweeping Government package to help those industries.  Airlines/cruises are taking a complete bath by offering full refunds - you're going to see much more significant cuts to service.

Back in 2012 when Superstorm Sandy hit the jersey shore the insurance industry was ready to invoke the hurricane clause in everyone’s homeowners insurance which would have jacked everyone’s deductible up to 20% of the damages.  The state government stepped in and mandated that the clause not be invoked even though the storm met the technical definition of a hurricane due to wind speeds.   

I see a similar mandate coming regardless if there is a relief package for the travel industry.  There will be too much pressure on politicians not to make it so. 

Insurance industry is heavily regulated at the state level. I'd be surprised if federal or state governments get involved in interfering with travel companies' existing contracts with their customers. 

on2legs

SHZA said:

on2legs said:

IlliniGuy76 said:

on2legs said:

I imagine at some point the government will mandate that refunds be given.  

Only if there's some wide sweeping Government package to help those industries.  Airlines/cruises are taking a complete bath by offering full refunds - you're going to see much more significant cuts to service.

Back in 2012 when Superstorm Sandy hit the jersey shore the insurance industry was ready to invoke the hurricane clause in everyone’s homeowners insurance which would have jacked everyone’s deductible up to 20% of the damages.  The state government stepped in and mandated that the clause not be invoked even though the storm met the technical definition of a hurricane due to wind speeds.   

I see a similar mandate coming regardless if there is a relief package for the travel industry.  There will be too much pressure on politicians not to make it so. 

Insurance industry is heavily regulated at the state level. I'd be surprised if federal or state governments get involved in interfering with travel companies' existing contracts with their customers. 

I’m being bold and predicting it.  You heard it here first. 

EvilClosetMonkey

Delta and American airlines will waive the fee to redeposit miles into your account without much fight (said "events got cancelled from the virus, blah, blah, blah").  Took them about 7 hrs to call back though.

dcp3y

Obviously a refund is the best option, but a fallback middle ground may be credit toward a future trip and then rebook once the tour resumes.  You will want to be fast with the rebook so that there is availability when you do so.  Depends on if you can float the money or not in the meanwhile.  This would be better than completely losing out the money spent.  Good luck!  With major sporting events (NBA and NCAA) also cancelling public attendance, I imagine the travel industry is in complete disarray right now.

JeBurkhardt

I had two non refundable hotels, one in STL and one in OKC, through Hotels.com. They were able to get one refunded directly, but I had to contact the second one myself. Luckily they were good about it. From now on, I am spending the extra $ to make sure it is the refundable. A few extra dollars is worth it. 

mace1229

i have a feeling with schools across the country shutting down for weeks, major cities preparing for mass quarantines, everything will be refunded soon

Zod

Alaska Air extended the no-fee cancellation period to April 30.   I was able to cancel my April 20 flight back from san fran.  Got all my points (and the $6) no problem.  They actually credited really quick.

I feel pretty lucky.   Usually I'm horrible for being cheap and choosing non-refundable things.   The only thing we're out on our PJ adventure as an $11 ferry reservation.   Hotel from RATM trip was fully refundable too.

blackhawks

Why people book non refundable to save $20 then complain about not getting a refund is beyond me.  That is the risk you take.  

PureandEasy

blackhawks said:

Why people book non refundable to save $20 then complain about not getting a refund is beyond me.  That is the risk you take.  

If you're talking airfare insurance, it's way more than $20.  I called American Airlines and they stated outright, they are honoring all travel reservations for March and April, with no change fee, as long as you book travel by December 31, 2020.  Funny thing is they will still probably get a bail out from the government.  But I don't care, I'm not out $500+ for a nonrefundable flight.