Airline didn't take money - tickets valid?

purplecow1977

I recently booked flights with Copa air. I used my credit card. I received email confirmation and e-tickets. However, the transaction never appeared on my statement so I called the bank and they said the airline didn't the money, even though BOI had authorized the payment. So I emailed Copa - I got an automtated email saying it could take 25 working days to reply to my query!? I want to be assured that my flights are valid so wish they would take the money. The helpline in the UK told me I had to ring head office in Panama - how much is that going to cost?!

BuffyBot

When did you make the purchase?

roundymac

This probably won't help you but my wife bought some duty free from Aer lingus, it took about 4 months beforew they billed her cc.

purplecow1977

Purchased them Jan 28th so hoping they just take the flipping money so I can rest assured! Itd cost a bomb to ring Panama and emailing them could take 25 working days for a response!Suppose those 25 days wont' be long going by, but that's if i'm even guaranteed a reply then!

Gosub

purplecow1977 wrote: »

Purchased them Jan 28th so hoping they just take the flipping money so I can rest assured! Itd cost a bomb to ring Panama and emailing them could take 25 working days for a response!Suppose those 25 days wont' be long going by, but that's if i'm even guaranteed a reply then!

It wouldn't cost much using Skype, and their call quality has become much better in recent times.

BuffyBot

Skype will work, but to answer the question yes it's a little longer than usual but not unheard of. If you have the ticket numbers etc, then it's most likely fine.

Calling them probably might be good for peace of mind.

johnam

I had similar issue with British Airways in the days before e-tickets. I paid by my parents credit card (didn't have my own at the time), but the tickets never arrived by post. Around a week before the flight, I called in to their Dublin Airport Kiosk, quoted my reference number and got them to issue new tickets, they seemed to be a bit unsure at the time, but issued tickets for me. I remember thinking they were acting a bit odd, but maybe they just weren't sure about issuing a second set of tickets. Either way, I got the tickets and left the airport.
A month or so later, my mother got the credit card bill and discovered it was £600+ than she had thought it would be, British Airways never charged. They still haven't

I had my tickets and they honoured them, so I assume you could go down the same lines, if you can access your tickets online, or at least view the reservation, then I think if it was me, I would safely assume there was not going to be an issue, however if you can't access it online, I would be a little worried.

galwayjohn89

As long as you have a e-ticket number (not reservation number) you should be OK. I know Copa Air and United are closely linked but not sure if Copa uses Shares. There seems to be some issue with reservations not being ticketing and as a result not charged.

purplecow1977

Well update: Could access them online alright perfectly and status said paid, but I still wasn't at ease. Would love the thoughts of a free flight [actually 2 because I'd booked for both of us] but wouldn't be at ease about it - don't fancy protesting in Havana! Found they have an online help section where you can live chat, so I think it's sorted now. Thanks everyone