What should I do - postpone or try to reuse?
 

Hello Fodorites!

I had booked 4 roundtrip tickets to Egypt for December for my family and I on Cheapoair / Lufthansa totally about $8000 (SFO -> Munich -> Cairo). We have decided to cancel the trip given the conflict in the region. I know that this is through an abundance of caution and perhaps unnecessary since on-the-ground reports in Egypt indicate that life/tourism is going on as normal. But my husband and I just did not feel comfortable doing the trip at this time with kids (14 and 8). There are likely varying opinions on this topic but in the end, we just went with what our gut was telling us.

After multiple calls to Cheapoair and multiple hours on hold, I was told that since the airline has received no travel advisory for Egypt, we would not be able to get a full refund. So here are my options:

1. OPTION 1 - Postpone the trip until next year. We have to rebook by December 23rd (existing date of departure) and use the funds by Sept 2024. The challenge with this is that with the kids schedules, realistically the only time we could go would be the summer. That is not the best time to visit Egypt with max temps in the 90s and low in the 70s. Also, I do not know how long conflict will last in the region and whether things will be get more or less stable in the region.
2. OPTION 2 - Try to reuse the $8000 for a trip on Lufthansa elsewhere. This is where it gets tricky. I thought it would be nice if we can go to Europe to visit Christmas markets this year. Cheapoair sent a message to Lufthansa to figure out if this was possible. Lufthansa wrote back to them and said that
   1. First I would have to book a brand new Lufthansa ticket (through Cheapoair) of equal or higher value to Germany (its Germany because that is what I asked them).
   2. Then Cheapoair will send Lufthansa a refund request message to refund the Egypt tickets
   3. Once they approve the refund, we should get credit for Egypt tickets to our credit card in 1-2 days.

The issue with Option 2 is that I will be overpaying significantly since I have to buy new tickets of the same or higher value than the older tickets to Egypt. I looked up some Lufthansa options on Cheapoair and for some strange reason, the cheaper options are better. The more expensive options require more stops, etc. So basically, I would be paying more to travel at inconvenient times/routes. The other concern is - is this even a sure thing? Is it a guarantee that I will get back my money after overspending on Germany tickets? Cheapoair says that Lufthansa says yes. But I am a bit nervous since I am dealing with an intermediary and not directly with the airline.

What should I do? Any feedback/advice/opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Quite a dilemma :(

If it was me (emphasizing 'me') I would go with option #2. Between the summer travel and uncertainties (though there are uncertainties with any plan. I personally wouldn't think about the overpaying bit (well maybe a litte) since it is sunk costs -- you've already spent the $$.

But first I'd get it in writing from CheapoAir with all the i's dotted and t's crossed. I never (ever) use 3rd parties but the good news is Cheapoair has been around about 20 years and is legit. I'd also check with my Travel insurance to see if anything is coverable . . .

Thanks so much, I appreciate your advice!

I would also go with Option 2. By next month, you will have no indication as to the situation in mideast for next summer/September. What with the issues we are experiencing right here in the States, I would not dream of Egypt despite "assurances" from some. Why spend good money with doubts and feelings otherwise -- vacations are about treating yourselves to wonderful memories, and not going with a sense of dread about anything. Of course, anything can happen anytime and anywhere. Moreover, your kids are young enough to postpone for a few years before college, so Egypt trip might come together eventually. I would contact Lufthansa myself to ensure you get you same information as given to Cheapoair, and proceed accordingly. Let us know how it goes.

Thanks so much aliced. I am trying to get Option 2 in writing from Cheapoair before I buy yet another ticket from them but no luck so far. So I have to figure out if I should take this risk to spend even more money on a new ticket. I suppose if I try Option 2 and they still don't give me my money back, I could pursue the funds via Travel Insurance on my Chase Card but what a headache.

I contacted Lufthansa too and they could not confirm what Cheapoair said. They said to just deal with Cheapoair directly. So I am a bit wary.

Will keep you posted!