Video: The Battle for Refunds on Cancelled Flights

Hi Ricky,

First off, great video. I love how you presented your information from many sides; consumer, airline, & CTA, and seemed to remain unbiased. Very well researched and stated, with great sources/references to back it up. I wish other articles/videos I’ve come across on the topic were even half as well researched and put together.

Secondly, as a frequent traveler who is/was also owed money for tickets I couldn’t use & former employee at both the major Canadian airlines, I wanted to share a couple thoughts/tidbits of info that I was left thinking about after watching your video;

1) From what I’ve been able to find in my research it seems that most US/AU/EU airlines were able to provide refunds right out of the gate largely in part due to billions of dollars in government relief for the airlines/aviation industry.

I could be wrong on this, but as of the time of writing this, I don’t believe that any Canadian airline has received relief/bailout dollars yet. Given the Canadian airline industry as a whole is down on 90+% in business (compared to the same time last year) and hemorrhaging/losing millions of dollars a day as mentioned in public statements/videos by the airlines, I can understand why they are not able to give credit card refunds to everyone at this time, else they go bankrupt. The money just isn’t there, until/unless the Canadian aviation industry/airlines also receive billions in government relief.

On that topic; I’ve heard via fellow would-be traveler’s social media posts online, refunds on eligible ticket types booked directly with the airline (excluding basic fares, etc.) are being processed back to their credit cards. It’s important to note that it is being done in small batches, currently primarily US/EU destinations for select travel dates – I believe at the moment it’s for April 2020, and that those passengers were being contacted directly with this option via the email provided at the time of booking.

2) In my experience, WestJet travel bank credits (not WestJet dollars), in general, are transferable to anyone with a WestJet Rewards account – without a fee. The travel bank credit can also be used for anyone the credit holder wants, without needing to transfer it, through their WestJet Rewards account online, via the app, or by calling.

Really well made, documented, and very clear video!
Two questions:
1) How do you document your request to the Airline for a refund, before you dispute the charge back? And how long do you wait after asking the Airline?
2) What if you bought an all inclusive? We have a Club Med in October but I don’t expect the situation (or Canadian advisory) to change between now and then. I’m assuming the flight and hotel are not going to be canceled, therefore I can’t ask for a refund from CC as I’m the one refusing the service, based on Canadian advisory. Thanks!