American Airlines - voucher offered

andrew1

Hi All,
Looking for some advice if anyone has had a similar experience / joy:
I had flights from the UK booked to Boston, USA in March 2020.  BA cancelled those flights and we were unable to go to the USA.
I had internal flights with American Airlines and trains booked with AMTRAK.  I tried to cancel these as we could not get to the States.  Both companies offered vouchers as refunds (to be used within one year).  It is unlikely that we will be in the States in the next year to use these vouchers.  My claim to my travel insurance was rejected as they stated that a refund (in the form of these vouchers) was deemed to be a satisfactory refund.

Has anyone else in a similar situation had success getting a cash refund in this scenario?
Cheers

Caz3121

If the flights / trains were still operating there is no right to a refund. You could possibly ask for an extension on the vouchers validity

Mrsn

As Caz has said if those transport services were running there is no obligation from the companies at all to you, frustrating I can appreciate but sadly true.

I also echo speaking to the companies to see if there’s any flexibility with dates, they have so far yet treated you fairly so no harm in asking.

blindman

andrew1 said:

Hi All,

Has anyone else in a similar situation had success getting a cash refund in this scenario?
Cheers

Try a charge back.

You are not entitled to get any monies back (due to the voucher offer) but it may work.

I had a flight (One way  SYD-RAR) with Air NZ, which they cancelled and offered me a voucher-which although generous did not really suit.

I raised a charge back and got the money back.

Nothing to lose.

Caz3121

blindman said:

I had a flight (One way  SYD-RAR) with Air NZ, which they cancelled and offered me a voucher

I read the OP that the flights/train were not cancelled (they tried to cancel) and still operated, if that is the case, I would expect a chargeback to fail on that basis

blindman

Caz3121 said:

blindman said:

I had a flight (One way  SYD-RAR) with Air NZ, which they cancelled and offered me a voucher

I read the OP that the flights/train were not cancelled (they tried to cancel) and still operated, if that is the case, I would expect a chargeback to fail on that basis

I agree, I would expect it to fail, but who knows? 
The Op is being offered a voucher despite HIM cancelling. His argument with the charge back is that the firms are  offering a refund (the voucher) but this is of no use.

This was my argument with Air NZ.
They were adamant that as my ticket was non refundable, all they would do was offer me a voucher.
My case for the charge back was that the voucher was no use to me.
(admittedly Air Nz cancelled the trip)