NEVER book airfare through Orbitz..find the schedule and then proceed directly to the airline web site.

I am the one with the thread "strange situation" and because I booked through Orbitz and NOT airfrance directly - I have to deal directly with orbtiz.

not going well...

I agree 1000% with the OP's advice.

Eli - I should have known better - that is what is perhaps the most difficult part to swallow.

Yes, but we all give into convenience even when we know better (and booking though Orbitz can INITIALLY be more convenient) which is why reminders like yours are SO important. Doesn't make it any easier for you though, dealing with them now that a problem has arisen. So frustrating!

yes, I know, I'd be kicking myself, also. I never book through any website other than an airline itself, unless I want a ticket with two different carriers, one each direction. I suppose I might if they had a lot cheaper price, also, although I don't think ORbitz really discounts airfare, do they? Such sites can be good if you want two carriers, though, and the airline won't do it or can't.

dawn, I'm sorry for all of the misfortune you are suffering over this trip. Please keep us posted.

Christina - that is in a sense what did.. I booked from LAX to Paris and ROME to LAX - and then Paris to Jo'burg and Jo'burg to Rome... I had a hard time getting Airfrance let me to orginate on their website from Paris when I am in the US..so I gave in and booked through Orbitz..never dreaming my dd would become this ill et.