Questions and Answers

Hi — so I live in California and we’re under a state-wide shelter in place (SIP) order. I have non-refundable tickets on AA from LAX to Hawaii on April 11th. As these tickets are for a vacation, they wouldn’t qualify as ‘essential’ travel. What recourse would i have to secure a refund on these tickets, either by AA, the OTA (expedia) or the credit card company (Amex)?

Thanks!

Hi Michael – part of the answer depends on when you booked your ticket.

[URL]https://www.americanairlines.co.uk/i18n/travel-info/coronavirus-updates.jsp[/URL]

Per AA, you can rebook without penalty. The following language would appear to be pertinent to you:

“If you’re scheduled to travel before April 15, 2020, but can’t get through to Reservations, we will honor all changes and the value of your ticket if you don’t take your flight as planned.”

“You’re allowed to make a change to your trip once, and the change fee will be waived. You can cancel your trip online and call later when you’re ready to rebook, including Basic Economy tickets.”

This says to me the value of your tickets is safe, though I suspect you may get an AA credit vice refund – for a refund, you may need to speak to an agent.

Your flight may also ultimately be cancelled, so waiting a week or so may work out in your favor.

This is Hawaiian Airlines, but references what is essentially a ban on tourists to Hawaii, forcing airlines to cancel flights.

[URL]https://onemileatatime.com/hawaiian-airlines-cancelling-flights/[/URL]