What to do when the airfare drops on a ticket you've already purchased

Have you ever shelled out the money for an airline ticket only to find out the fares dropped later? Did you know that you can request a refund or voucher for the difference?

Most US airlines have a policy that allows you to request a refund or voucher if the fares drop after you’ve purchased the tickets and before your flight. The trick is it’s up to you to watch for the fares changes. The airlines won’t watch it for you.

I’ve actually taken advantage of this policy with American Airlines several years ago. I had purchased a ticket to London and the fares dropped after my purchase. I was issued a voucher for the difference. The voucher was valid future travel only with American Airlines and within one year of the date of issue.

The USA Today has an excellent article detailing the various airline policies. Southwest Airlines has the best policy as they will issue a full refund. Most others will only issue a voucher for future travel at best. Here’s the summary from the USA Today article.

Have you pursued a refund or voucher from an airline for a fare reduction? What was your experience?

Hat Tip: SocialMonks

7 comments

Dave says:
January 26, 2009 at

Has anyone you know gotten a refund from the Oritz “Price Assurance” program?

(Click my signature link for more info)
sheila says:
January 26, 2009 at

Dave – I don’t know of anyone who has received a refund. I asked your question on twitter and no one responded. All things being equal, it makes sense to book a flight with Orbitz.
@Babiesonline says:
January 26, 2009 at

This is great information. Unfortunately the “change fees” for many of the big dog carriers are like $100 and $150 🙁
Sheila says:
January 27, 2009 at

@babiesonline – yeah, you’re right. Those fees are ridiculous. I’m under the impression that if you don’t have to actually change your flights to match the lower fares that you don’t incur a change fee. I think I need to confirm this assumption.
@Babiesonline says:
January 27, 2009 at

Sheila, I would be surprised if that is the case. Do let us know though!
Keahi Pelayo says:
January 27, 2009 at

I have often wondered if it were possible to get a refund. Thanks for the clarification.
Aloha,
Keahi
sheila says:
February 18, 2009 at

@ Babiesonline – I’ve been meaning to update these comments for weeks and just now remembered.

So, I checked with American Airlines online and as you suspected, you do have to pay a change fee. That does stink and really doesn’t seem to be something that the airlines should require you to pay! When I got a price difference refund several years ago, I didn’t have to pay the change fee. I wonder when they stared charging the change fee?