gail

DD's schedule is always changing due to job and class schedules beyond her control - and looking to book Easter flights. Am often left with last-minute price and availability problems for her flights, paying change fee.

So could I book a refundable ticket now and then when she is sure of her travel plans either keep it or get a refund and book a lower non-refundable ticket - depending on which is better for price and availability?

Any downside to doing this? Never done anything other than book lowest price ticket on any flight, so new at this refundable process.

RoamsAround

Well, a REFUNDABLE ticket is just that, REFUNDABLE, so yes you could purchase that ticket, cancel it at any time and get your refund. What you do with the refund money is up to you.

So, if you want, there's nothing to stop you from using the refund money to purchase a lower price non-refundable ticket. The real question is, will there be any non-refundable seats available on the particular flight you want and will the price of that ticket meet your budget? Generally speaking, the closer you get to the planned departure date you run the risk that ticket prices will be higher since there may be no low priced non-refundable seats available. It's the risk you take.

RoamsAround

I meant to add, if you were thinking that by canceling your REFUNDABLE ticket on a certain flight you'll free up that same seat for later purchase at a LOWER NON-REFUNDALE price that probably won't happen. As I mentioned as you get closer to the departure date you are often faced with purchasing "Full Fare" refundable tickets.

qwovadis

I would never do this refundable fares are sky high.Always book the cheapest fare in advance I can find usually with an econo like southwest and buy insuremytrip.com from $1/da.
kyak.com/buzz for the majors spirit.com southwest.com
awesome web fares starting from well under $100 per leg...

julia1

Also keep in mind that refundable doesn't necessarily mean there won't be fees involved if you cancel. Sometimes those fees can be quite substantial.

gail

Thanks. Will check on any fees involved in refundable. Will also check on trip cancellation insurance that lets you cancel for any reason - but that is usually pricey. (And Southwest does not fly the Raleigh-Boston route).

mztery

I would weigh the trip insurance for any reason vs refundable ticket price...
Just for fun..checked RDU-BOS and reverse on Jet Blue for
Mar 29-Apr 7


r/t cheapo is $215

R/T refundable is %573

According to their site, refundable means refundable, you get your $$ back if you cancel before flight.

For non refundable it's $100 fee PLUS fare difference

and if Refundable means it's a credit to a jet blue flight and not really a refund you're in no better shape