I wanted to update everyone on the outcome of my dispute with Alitalia. To recap, three days into our vacation in Italy, my husband's father died and we returned home immediately for the funeral. Alitalia would not honor our original tickets and we had to purchase 2 new tickets at an additional $3,500.

Someone very kindly suggested I write the CEO of Alitalia a "nice" letter complimenting the airline, but asking compassion for my situation, which I did. My travel agent also sent a letter to his Alitalia rep. but thought at best, we might be offered a ticket for future travel and not a refund.

Unbelievably, Alitalia sent me a letter conveying their sympathy and apologizing for any difficulty we experienced in Italy. They agreed to refund the $3,500, minus a $220 penalty charge per ticket!

I have heard recently that Alitalia is trying to turn their image around and this is a positive step in that direction. Because of this, I would not rule out Alitalia when we return to Italy.

But, I wanted to thank everyone for the words of sympathy and also the great advice. If not for your suggestions, I'm sure the outcome would not have been so favorable. I hope that this can also help others in a similar situation when disputing an unfair charge.

Glad to hear that they refunded some money!

I linked your other thread here so that people can read the original:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34553602

Jazztania:

I love happy endings.

jazztania: I'm very happy for you and delighted to read that Alitalia has refunded most of the money paid. I makes me think well of AZ once again!

Wow! That is really surprising. Sorry for your loss and I'm glad Alitalia refinded the majority of your expeneses.

Wow is that great. I just booked Alitalia this morning so it was good to hear. Sorry about your father.

Wow, fantastic!! I just read your other thread today, and I am very happy for this outcome.

I would also like to offer my condolences for your loss.

I will add that Alitalia's action in this situation is consistent with our experience right after 9ll when we cancelled our trip to Italy. Alitalia immediately gave a full refund to all cancelling patrons, with no questions asked.

jazztania, I am really shocked at the outcome to your problem but am so very happy for you. And sounds like your TA was helpful too.

Wishes that this year would be stress free for all of you. Can only imagine how upset all of you have been.

And when the time is right I wish you a beautiful trip to Italy.

jazztania: that is brilliant - told you: you catch a lot more wasps with honey than with vinegar!

That's a great outcome. Now I have one question for you. Where are you going with that extra $3000 you got back?

Thanks all. I was shocked too at the outcome, but so relieved.

Ilovedonegal - you were absolutely right. It was not the route I planned on taking, but followed your advice and it worked. I can't thank you enough!

Patrick - for now, "there's no place like home"!

Sorry, I meant to write "welovedonegal".

you're welcome jazztania. i'm so glad you were successful. i have employed this method before and have found it works wonders most times. hope things are a wee bit better for you and the family. all the best to you all.