Passenger unable to travel

I think I asked about this once before but after a quick search of my posts I cant find anything so I may be mistaken...

Flying MAN to MCO on a K then MCO to MAN on a Z. I have 11 seats booked but one passenger can no longer travel. I called VS a while back about it but they just said "sorry its non refundable"

There were unusual circumstances involved, the passenger is a child and was in the process of being fostered/adopted by my friends however she decided to go back to her mother, after stealing A LOT from my friends. Obviously she is no longer coming on holiday with us.

So whilst I get VS policy about no refunds, thats fine, but what if they go on to sell that seat? Once she doesnt check in I assume they will sell the seat to someone...

I'm afraid I can't see a way for you to recoup costs. I doubt if an insurance policy would cover this type of issue.

[preiffer]

They'll definitely sell the seat on to someone else. In reality, they often sell more seats than are available anyway (as do most airlines) as they actually expect a certain % to not turn up.

Sadly, in this case, VS are within their rights to stick to the rules. Travel Insurance would be the first port of call, but as marshy11 says it's unlikely it would cover this eventuality I'm afraid.

When it comes to air travel - it's unfortunately as simple as "if you want flexibility, you have to pay for it", and a fare made up of heavily discounted K and Z fares isn't going to give anything in that way. At least at 11 seats, you've still saved a LOT in booking K and Z fares x 11 compared to the fully flexible W and J price which would be more like £5,000+ per person.

Yes I'm afraid it's unlikely you'll get a refund (apart from the taxes).

K and Z are non-refundable, discounted fares. VS (and all airlines come to that) sell a multitude of refundable and flexible fares which you can buy if you think there's any chance you won't be able to travel or need to change your plans. Of course you pay more for the privilege, that's the payoff, but you get your money back in situations like this.

If it's a full flight, chances are the seat in question has already been sold. All airlines overbook precisely because they know some passengers won't show up.

I knew it was a long shot, just thought I would ask.

I know I got the flights really cheap so thats some consolation I guess. The upgrade from K to Z for return leg was only £108 per person!!

How would I go about reclaiming the taxes?

[Neil]

Just give VS a call and they will be able to sort the refund of the taxes for you, better to get something rather than nothing.

Wow, sounds like an unpleasant ordeal TheBigBad. Insurance might be the most productive avenue to follow and depending on your policy it may be something that they will cover. It is an unusual circumstance though so be prepared for them to say no.

As a hypothetical on fare codes.... if the OP were to pay the fare increase to change the ticket to a full W and J fare could they then not call back and get the full amount refunded, less the admin charge? or would VS cry foul?

[Neil]

Wow, sounds like an unpleasant ordeal TheBigBad. Insurance might be the most productive avenue to follow and depending on your policy it may be something that they will cover. It is an unusual circumstance though so be prepared for them to say no.

As a hypothetical on fare codes.... if the OP were to pay the fare increase to change the ticket to a full W and J fare could they then not call back and get the full amount refunded, less the admin charge? or would VS cry foul?

You can't do that I am afraid, airlines are fully aware of that sort of thing and it isn't allowed.

[preiffer]

Yup - the original fare rules still stand when "buying up". The only thing you gain is date flexibility, but refund rules are carried through to stop people playing that game...