Just to give folks a heads up, my husband and I have two non-refundable/exchangeable tickets on Iberian that we booked through Expedia.com for departure next Friday. My husband's in the Air Force and learned last night that his leave is being cancelled. <BR><BR>While Iberian and Expedia aren't under any obligation to allow us to change our tickets, we were hoping for a little flexibility given that this is totally unexpected (trust me, it is) and that we're not asking to rebook our tickets for a frivolous reason. <BR><BR>The Iberian rep said that they NEVER allow changes on this type of fare, even if the passenger dies. Iberian referred us back to Expedia, who referred us back to Iberian, who referred us...you get the idea. We're going to give it another try, hoping for a sympathetic/patriotic customer service rep but we're being realistic about having to waste hundreds of dollars worth of tickets on an enlisted man's salary. <BR><BR>Anyway, just a heads up that some airlines are NOT making exceptions to their rules. Iberian and Expedia will not be getting our future business.

Sounds ominous.

Am I being stupid to think that when a company says something is nonrefundable they mean it? I've always thought that when you buy nonrefundable tickets you assume that risk and that whatever happens it's on your head. Have others routinely gotten changes and refunds on nonrefundable tickets? I guess I wouldn't even think to ask. Maybe I should.

I purchase tickets all the time through Hotwire and Priceline knowing that if my plans change, I'm out of luck. That is the risk you take for those great fares. It's a shame about the circumstances but in the future you shouldn't go with non-refundable if your husband is in the service and can't be sure of his vacation time. I understand that you never considered that his leave would change but it happens.

Hi Julie, <BR><BR>I don't think you're being stupid! I understand that non-refundable is generally non-refundable, but I think most people have heard of instances where exceptions are made (family illness/emergency, military service). I was hoping that we would be fortunate when speaking with Iberian and Expedia. No such luck!<BR><BR>Just as an addendum, I rechecked the info Expedia gave me about my ticket:<BR>"We have not received rules or restriction information for this flight. In most cases, the following rules and restrictions may apply: <BR>Most fares are non-refundable, but the value of a ticket may be applied to a future purchase for up to a year. Any changes to your flight reservations may incur additional charges. Airline tickets are non-transferable."<BR><BR>Granted, it does say that the rules for this particular airline MAY be different, but why not tell people explicitly when NO changes are EVER allowed instead of saying, gee, in most cases you'll be able to change your ticket for a fee.

I live in DC, so I have a lot of friends who are in the military, and they have always booked refundable tickets because they often have their leave cancelled at the last minute. Or others buy some sort of travel insurance that covers work-related things.

Ann, <BR><BR>FYI, travel insurance almost NEVER covers military duty. In the Washington Post recently the travel writers hosted an online forum, and a women wrote in asking for advice on this topic since she couldn't find any insurance that would cover military issues. They told her that was generally the case and she was pretty much SOL. Glad your friends had better luck finding a company! <BR>Back to work! <BR><BR>

If I were you, I'd consult with George Constanza and/or Cosmo Kramer on this problem.

I had non-refundable and on-transferable tickets I bought directly with US Air and I needed to change my plans. They allowed me to change the dates and times for about a 25$ charge.<BR><BR>Most airlines will allow a change they just won't refund or transfer the tickets to another passenger.

Dear Panvan<BR>I would write a very nice letter to both Expedia and to Iberia. I would explain in detail what has happened and that you had every intention of traveling. Maybe you could include written evidence from the Air Force proving what has happened. Ask them if they could work with you as this was out of your control and of course theirs. Be courteous and not demanding (after all they have your money).<BR>See what happens. Good luck.<BR>

Your hubby could just go AWOL for a few weeks until the vacation is over.

You have my sympathy. Leaves are not cancelled at the whim of some sadistic commanding officer. What Expedia and Iberia are doing to you may be legal, but it certainly is immoral and unethical. But then again, its only business and that's what your husband and all the others in the military are defending. Ironic, isn't it? There would be minimal inconvenience and expense for them to allow you to use those tickets at a later date. I'm sure you and your friends will do what I plan to do, don't use Expedia or Iberia in the future. We flew to Europe earlier this year on Iberia. The crew was great. I'll miss flying with them.<BR><BR>

Panvan, your disappointment is understandable, but as you recognize the real issue here is travel cancellation insurance. <BR><BR>Your situation does suggest the need for flexibility and sympathy - but from your employers, the taxpayer and the government, rather than from the airline. The airline and Expedia are not in the business of running armies, etc., but the government is. It may be too late for your specific instance, but I would certainly support government-underwritten cancellation insurance being made available to service people to cover their special needs if no-one in the private sector is willing to provide same.<BR>

Iberia can probably give credit toward future travel and allow to change dates for $150 fee. It also doesn't hurt to write them a nice letter explaining the situation.

Gail, Don, Alicia and Mandy, <BR><BR>Thanks for the suggestions -- I will definitely write a (polite) letter to Iberia and Expedia with all the details and documentation. It can't hurt! And I've got plenty of time to craft a masterpiece since I won't be on vacation ; )