How to increase the chance of obtaining a refund in the case of a missing visa?
I booked a return airline ticket for a student to attend a conference in Italy.
Unfortunately, we have just discovered that due to confusion the student has not obtained a visa (he has never travelled abroad before, and thought that the documentation he had from the conference organisers was what he required).
I am trying to arrange cancellation and refund, but it's proving difficult.
Are airlines' procedures different (and are they more lenient or flexible) when dealing with passengers who turn up to check in and discover their papers are in order, than through their call centres?
In other words, if he actually presents himself at the airport is there likely to be more chance of arranging a refund or rebooking?
Needless to say, the ticket is not refundable or rebookable under normal circumstances - we thought his visa was in order.
I'm also pretty sure that I can simply say goodbye to the money, so I am not too hopeful.
Best Answer
As your ticket is non-refundable and non-transferable you can only get a refund in case the airline, through no fault of your own, will refuse to serve you. When that happens, you should be entitled to a full refund.
They, of course, will refuse to board the student if he shows up without a valid visa, but that will be because of his fault and will not grant a refund. The best you can make out of this situation is to contact the airline and ask if they can do anything for you. If there still is a reasonable amount of time before the flight and the flight is booked solid, they may be surprisingly flexible as they now may be able to sell the ticket for a higher price. Or maybe they will allow you to transfer the ticket given the circumstances, who knows? Best to give them a call and ask - you have nothing to lose.
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Can you get a Visa refund?
If you've paid with a Visa credit, debit or pre-paid card and your purchase has gone wrong, you may be entitled to ask for a refund. Your first step should always be to contact the seller, but if you're unable to resolve the situation to your satisfaction, your card provider may still be able to help you.What are Visa chargeback rules?
Currently, issuers can process a chargeback for a transaction where merchandise or services were not rendered due to merchant insolvency or bankruptcy no later than 120 calendar days from the last date the cardholder expected to receive the merchandise or services, not to exceed 540 calendar days from the transaction ...Can my bank refund a payment?
If you don't get something you paid for by credit, debit or charge card and the firm is refusing to refund you, you can ask your bank to "reverse the transaction" and get your money back via chargeback.What is the chargeback scheme?
What is the Chargeback scheme? It's a scheme offered by debit, prepaid or credit card providers. It means you can get a refund if something goes wrong when you use your card. You can get your money back through: Your bank or building society (if you're part of a Chargeback debit card scheme);More answers regarding how to increase the chance of obtaining a refund in the case of a missing visa?
Answer 2
I am afraid that unless the student ticket was either booked as a refundable or changeable ticket (you say they did not) or with an airline that specifically allows unconditional refunds in the event of a visa refusal (some do offer that, its in their terms and conditions), then you almost certainly won't get a refund, and there is little you can do to change that.
Presenting themselves at the airport is unlikely to change the situation, they will be refused boarding and that will be that.
I'm sorry, but it doesn't look good :(
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