Has anyone ever gotten cash back from an airline?

[iancal]

Yes.  A number of very smart people posted that they were able to get air or cruise refunds promptly simply by using their credit card chargeback process.

 

I mean really, why on earth wait  90, 120, 180 or more days for a refund from an airline or a cruise line when you can have your refund issued within 45 days or less simply by contacted your credit card issuer?

Edited November 28, 2020 by iancal

[Hlitner]

On 11/28/2020 at 1:32 PM, iancal said:

Yes.  A number of very smart people posted that they were able to get air or cruise refunds promptly simply by using their credit card chargeback process.

 

I mean really, why on earth wait  90, 120, 180 or more days for a refund from an airline or a cruise line when you can have your refund issued within 45 days or less simply by contacted your credit card issuer?

I was one of those but folks need to understand it is not clear cut.  We got cash back because our

airline (Flybe) went bankrupt.  And on another flight (Czech Air) we got a credit card chargeback because Czech Air cancelled our flight but refused to follow the EU regulations and give us a refund.  But keep in mind that if you purchase a ticket in the USA and it is a non-refundable ticket (most are in this category) the credit card companies will not help.  The only time a US airline is obligated to offer a cash refund is if the airline cancels your flight and cannot come up with a reasonable alternative.  Otherwise you are likely to get a voucher.  

 

The cruise line situation is somewhat different and trying for a charge-back might be a good strategy.  

 

Hank