PSA: Toll Disputes After Travel or Return Flight May Be Canceled
You don’t have to dispute airline fees often, but when you do, it’s easy to let frustration lead you to resolve the situation as soon as possible. Instead, wait until the trip ends, as some airlines are actively canceling contested routes, even if you are using a round-trip ticket.
When Conde Nast Traveler helped a reader try to reclaim the difference in price from Alitalia, they figured out why filing a dispute might affect your tickets.
This case illustrates something else that can happen if you file a credit card dispute before you fly on schedule. As an Alitalia spokesman said after I contacted the airline, “When [initiating] chargebacks, tickets are automatically suspended to avoid duplicate refunds.” It doesn’t matter if the dispute is for the full amount or only for a part of it. This does not mean that Jonathan’s daughter did something wrong when she filed her complaint. If Alitalia had responded to its reimbursement request earlier, all of this could have been avoided. If passengers still have valid tickets, it would be helpful if the airline contacted them to clarify why they initiated the refund.
When choosing the best time to file a claim, check the airline’s website for their refund policy and the time frame set by your issuer for filing a claim. Knowing what you are entitled to (difference in airfare, credit for a future flight, etc.) will make it easier for you to dispute costs with the airline or, if necessary, your credit card issuer.
Need to dispute airline fees? Wait until you fly | Conde Nast Traveler