Orbitz - Can I cancel my flight?

Wompa1

Hi Guys,

I just ordered a flight last week to Vancouver through Orbitz and of course the site says non-refundable! I bought the insurance also. Now, Fortunately for my friend that I was going over to visit, he has been offered a job in Ireland and is planning to come home in a week.

Unfortunately for me, I now have this ticket that is non-refundable. I was wondering, the flight is British Airways and BMI...Can I cancel with them directly? How does this work? Does anybody know their cancellation policy? (British Airways) couldn't find it on their site, just on a yahoo answers which seemed old.

Thanks for the help!

undo

There is not just one cancellation policy. Airlines have lots of different booking classes. Depending on the one you get, policies will differ. But if Orbitz already advised you the booking class was non-refundable, there is nothing you can do I fear.

Wompa1

undo wrote: »

There is not just one cancellation policy. Airlines have lots of different booking classes. Depending on the one you get, policies will differ. But if Orbitz already advised you the booking class was non-refundable, there is nothing you can do I fear.

Dang, thats what I thought. I heard if you have a doctors note you can get out of it. Just concerned with the fact that I think thats what they call insurance fraud and I'm too pretty to go to jail!!

undo

Most definitely, yes, that would be fraud. Also, do not confuse "doctor's note" here with something you would use to get around an exam in school. You would need a serious, valid medical reason that is covered by your insurance, such as breaking a leg the day before you travel or someone in your immediate family falling seriously ill. If you hand them a doctor's note saying you have the flu and are not feeling well, they will just have a laugh.

I would say you have two options: One, find out how much a name change costs and then try to sell the ticket to someone else (at a loss, but at least getting some money back). Or, two, check out Vancouver even though your friend will not be there anymore. It still is a place worth seeing.

Wompa1

undo wrote: »

Most definitely, yes, that would be fraud. Also, do not confuse "doctor's note" here with something you would use to get around an exam in school. You would need a serious, valid medical reason that is covered by your insurance, such as breaking a leg the day before you travel or someone in your immediate family falling seriously ill. If you hand them a doctor's note saying you have the flu and are not feeling well, they will just have a laugh.

I would say you have two options: One, find out how much a name change costs and then try to sell the ticket to someone else (at a loss, but at least getting some money back). Or, two, check out Vancouver even though your friend will not be there anymore. It still is a place worth seeing.

I'm considering going there anyway. I have no problem travelling alone, but if I was to do that Vancouver would not be my choice, I would go somewhere hotter and more relaxing. Also I was going for 2 weeks and my accomodation would have been free...paying for accomodation means I would need alot more money than I had planned on spending. It's a tricky one...think I'll have to wait and see. Might see about a name change...didn't think name changes were allowed though. Thanks for the help

undo

Wompa1 wrote: »

didn't think name changes were allowed though.

That, again, is something that will depend on your booking class. Yet another option may be going yourself but changing the dates so that it is summer when you go and a bit warmer. You should have a look at the fine print in the e-mails and confirmations you got from Orbitz. Or give the airline a ring and find out what your options are. Best of luck.