Just wondering if anyone has successfully negotiated a refund after the price went down and you had already purchased a ticket. Particularly interested in Alaska Airlines.

Using Yapta I received vouchers for $1,200 from United when my 2 tix from the midwest to Hawaii went down in price. That was before United introduced their unfair $150 fee to get a refund voucher. Yapta is a great resource.

jgg: I don't know what Yapta is, but I called United customer service and they sent me refund vouchers. Our fares from Denver were $1284 each when I booked backed in August. I read an article in USA Today about getting refunds from the airline if the fare drops after you make the purchase. When our fares dropped to $925 in late February,I called United and they sent me refund vouchers for $359 for each ticket.

United starting imposing the fee to which bob referred in March I believe. Every airline has a different policy.

The first thing you need to do is check Alaska's policy. I received vouchers from United before they started imposing the fee. The vouchers were for $180/each x 3. I'm not sure I would have bothered if it was only $30 each.

And you generally get vouchers which expire within a year, not a check.

But if you book on Orbitz, that guy with the hovercraft might come and personally hand you a check.

Yes, several times. Almost $200 with United by vouchers. I've also done this with Air Tran a couple of times. I love Yapta!

Thanks guys! Turns out the fare I was looking at on Alaska was their Full Flex so it is completely refundable. Called them to confirm that if fare goes lower I could refund with no fee and get new ticket - they said they would just refund me the money with no fees!! So, I booked the tickets and am tracking it on Yapta. Thanks for all the info. on United. We tend to fly them a lot so it is good to know.

Here is the list of the fees that each airline charges: http://www.yapta.com/faq/content/9/2...ange-fees.html

The fact that Alaska does not currently charge a fee, even on the restricted fares, may tip the balance in their favor for our flight to Vancouver this summer.