DOT tells airlines to refund canceled flights, but don’t count on cash just yet – Los Angeles Times
I had a lot of inquiries come in about this during the week. United and JetBlue have now shifted their stance after DOT slapped them.
I-Team: Customers Fighting To Get Money Back After Canceled Trips, Events – CBS DFW
More refunds here. I was really glad to see the local CBS station stepping in to help people who aren’t being treated right.
Meet Rocco. He Owns a Dairy Queen. The Government’s Flawed Coronavirus Plan Might Not Save It. – Slate
At first glance, this headline might not seem like something I’d be posting here. But the author spoke with me to get a sense of a business that would benefit greatly from the government plan. Cranky Concierge expenses are largely payroll, so that means we will benefit… if Chase ever decides to let me apply.
Time to Look for a Vacation Deal? ‘Travel Addicts’ Are Planning Ahead – The Wall Street Journal ($Subscription Required$)
If you’re willing to risk booking something that you’ll have to cancel, there are deals to be had right now. I don’t think most people are at the point where they’re ready to book yet, but it is something to keep in mind.
From the Agency/Consumer Side: Refunds, Cancellations, And Goodwill – PlaneBusiness Banter ($Subscription Required$)
If you don’t subscribe to Holly Hegeman’s newsletter, then you won’t be able to read this. But for those who do, I did an interview with Holly on page 1 of this week’s issue talking about, you guessed it, refunds.
2 comments on “Cranky on the Web: Refund Madness, Small Business Struggles, Looking for Deals”
Cranky,
Living the good life in Malta for past year. We love our retirement here. As a lifetime 1K, I keep using Star Alliance Gold with Lufthansa. Lots of European travel with them. Senator lounges in Munich and Frankfurt get good use. We fly them about four or five times a year.
Like all your U.S. readers, we are sitting out there with paid tix. Been going back and forth with them for past two months about refund, or better credits to accept a voucher. No definitive word so far.
Just got this from them the other day. They acknowledge they owe me a refund; but don’t hold my breath.
Dear Mr. Zelt, I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are well. Our lives have changed dramatically these past few weeks and in response to my last mailing you have sent me many comments. I am truly grateful for your feedback and would like to share with you some of my thoughts on your frequently asked questions.
Social Responsibility We are aware of our responsibility and are helping to relieve this crisis. Our repatriation flights are bringing back home people who have been stranded abroad due to travel restrictions. We already have brought back home more than 70,000 people on more than 360 flights.
Another important aspect of our support is to provide Europe with air freight. We not only uphold important supply chains but also transport urgently needed medical equipment via special flights to different countries.
Flexible Rebooking Whether your flight has been cancelled or you are unable to travel as planned – your ticket retains its value, allowing you to travel at a later time. There is no need to decide immediately on a new travel date and you may even change your travel destination. If you have booked your ticket with us by April 19, 2020, please let us know how you would like to travel by August 31, 2020. Your new travel date may be anytime until April 30, 2021. Should you plan to travel with one of the Lufthansa Group airlines in the near future, please note the information below (box).
When rebooking a flight with a travel date until December 31, 2020, we will give you a discount of 50 Euro on the ticketed price. You may rebook via the Lufthansa Group customer service, our airlines’ online platforms as well as with travel agents.
Should you prefer a refund instead of a voucher, please inform a Lufthansa Group representative of your choice. Refunds will be processed as best possible due to the global crisis circumstances.
In addition, when booking a new ticket, all available ticket fares of Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines on all routes now offer rebooking options (e.g. our Zero Bag fare without hand luggage).
The entire Lufthansa Group staff is doing everything possible each day to bring you to your destination safely and to unite people in these difficult times.
I am looking forward to receiving your continuous open feedback and despite the limitations, I wish you pleasant holidays. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Kind regards [cid:image003.jpg@01D61007.1AA4C5F0]
Christina Foerster Member of the Board of Management Customer & Corporate Responsibility
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