I had to cancel a trip/flights. Submitted request for preferred seats (~$270). Do I have to wait for those flights to take place without me in order to receive a refund?
Sadly had to cancel a trip with flights, but didn't realize preferred seats I selected weren't refundable like my fare was.
I filled out a form from Air Canada to request refunds for the preferred seat fees.
I'm a bit confused by the reply I got. Not sure if they're under the assumption I'm still going on the trip (I'm not, I had to cancel), or if I genuinely need to wait for the flights to occur without me.
Relevant reply excerpt:
"...refunds for ancillary services can only be reviewed after travel has been completed. As your request relates to future travel, we are unable to process a refund at this time."
But I'm not traveling any more, so there's no future travel or completion of travel for me.
They also said:
"If you would like to make changes to your booking, this must be done through your original point of purchase:
- If you booked with Air Canada or with an Air Canada agent, please visit our Manage Booking page. " (I did that. I used Manage Booking to cancel).
..and:
"If your trip has been completed and you still require a refund, please let us know and we will be happy to assist."
Unless it wasn't made clear enough, I stated in the form that I cancelled the trip already, which I'd assume they should've been able to see if they looked at the ticket number or booking referenced.
Was the rep likely replying under the assumption I'm still flying? Or do I genuinely have to wait for these flights to take place without me in order to request the refund for the preferred seat fees?