Unable to fly due to pregnancy...can we get a refund?

mondays

We bought flights to Australia in March during the Singapore Airlines fare sale and at the time had every intention of traveling so booked their non-refundable tickets. Now I have found out I am pregnant and will be unable to fly as I am due exactly when our flights were!

I spoke to Singapore who said we could only change the outbound flight if there were seats available for that offer period (which ain't going to happen!) and could not change the return flight as it is non refundable. This means we would lose over £1400 and I'm a little uncertain as to where I stand.

I know we booked non changeable tickets but It's not like I'm saying I don't want to go, I am medically unable to fly. If we cancel the flights we only get the taxes back which is £200 ish.

Does anyone have any advice? I paid for the flights on my credit card so would I be covered by Section 75 by any chance?

Cheers all.

mondays

Well I'm not really asking for refund, more for an understanding that my situation can't really be helped and that perhaps they could be slightly more flexible and allow me to change the flights to a period when I can fly. Naturally I understand I would need to pay the fare difference but then at least they wouldn't be pocketing my £1400 and the additional money they'd make when they sell my seats to someone else.

Moonchild

What does your travel insurance say? After all, this is exactly what you bought it for. I mean you did get travel insurance?

Airline tax is more than £200 per person, so you will get more back that you say though (how many tickets did you buy?).

With tickets to Oz from £350 inc tax this was a ludicrously cheap deal, I doubt Singapore Airlines can afford to have someone spend the time to bend the rules for you, so do check your travel insurance as I can't see you getting a refund any other way.

Oh, and congrats!

beautyqueen88

what are the charges for changng the name on the ticket, couldnt you sell them and get the name changed?

doelani

I agree with Moonchild your travel insurance will cover it.

dacouch

It is unlikely Travel Insurance will cover pregnancy (There are a few but it is very unusual)

mondays

Well thank you all for your advice. Consumer Direct told me to speak to my credit card company who are now putting through a claim for me so it looks like all is not lost.

:T

dmg24

mondays wrote: »

Well thank you all for your advice. Consumer Direct told me to speak to my credit card company who are now putting through a claim for me so it looks like all is not lost.

:T

I am afraid that you will not get the result that you want. The airline are not in breach of contract, so unless your CC also provides you with insurance, they will not refund you.

Moonchild

mondays wrote: »

Well thank you all for your advice. Consumer Direct told me to speak to my credit card company who are now putting through a claim for me so it looks like all is not lost.

:T

Really? Let me know if your Credit Card are going to put a Chargeback on an Airlines for a refund on non-refundable ticket, or is because your Credit Card includes travel insurance?

I'm actually taken aback if it's the former, please keep us updated!