Thai airways voucher

KarenFD

Hello all, I work(ed) on a cruise ship. Myself and a colleague had to fly home from Australia at the end of March due to the cancellation of all cruises. I booked my colleague’s flight using Expedia on March 24th to fly on the 25th to London via Bangkok. Within the 24 hour cancellation period, Thai airways sent an email stating passengers required a medical certificate showing COVID-19 lab test, This was not possible to obtain given the time frame. We cancelled the flight (within the 24 hour “free cancellation” period) but have since received a voucher to fly...but the ticket has to be booked from the original departure airport (Perth, Australia). As he lives in the UK, this is basically a useless voucher worth $2000 (US). I called Expedia and explained but they told me there was no refund available, because the flight was due to depart within 24 hours...is this right?  

Voyager2002

I suggest that you communicate in writing rather than by telephone, and contact the airline directly as well as Expedia.

The answer to the question you posed probably depends on Australian law, but if you and colleague would be content with a voucher then I expect that anyone with half a brain at the airline would remove the restriction on departure airport for the sake of goodwill.

KarenFD

Good suggestion...I’ll do that. Thank you for taking the time to reply 😊

TheRightOne

I think you made a blunder of that one. A Fit To Fly certificate was all that was required. They did not require a COVID-19 lab test. Up until the 31st of March.

https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/03/fit-to-fly-is-fine-for-bangkok-transit/

So if the airline misinformed you, look to them to put things right.

Westin

You may face another challenge. Thai have recently entered a type of Chapter 11 administration.  Holding vouchers when a company faces administration and refinancing can add complexity.

KarenFD

Here’s the email they sent:  Dear Customer, The Thai Govt requires foreign passport holders arriving in or transiting Thailand to have medical certificates showing COVID-19 lab test and travel insurance covering USD100,000. Thai Passport holders need fit to fly health certificate and letter issued by Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General certifying Thai national. Unless you can provide relevant documentation, THAI is obliged to deny boarding.

KarenFD

Thanks Westin, so is there a possibility of using the credit card “charge back”? 

TheRightOne

KarenFD said:

Thanks Westin, so is there a possibility of using the credit card “charge back”? 

I would certainly give it a try.
You can also show them the article to illustrate how fast things were changing on the ground.
I should add, that on seeing the email, that it was most certainly not your fault. They issued the new guidance on the 26th. One day after you were due to fly. 

KarenFD

Thanks Westin, this is really helpful 😊