Airline refuses to issue a refund, keeps stalling












23














I booked tickets with Viva Air from Medellin to Miami (I was in Colombia at the time). The flight was in August and I booked it May 4th. I found different (better) flight so I cancelled it within 24 hours and requested a refund online.



I still haven't got my money and any conversation with customer service ends the same: they keep saying it's being processed and there's nothing else they can do.



It's been almost 8 months, what can I do? Is there anything I can do?










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  • 3




    Didn’t you use a credit card?
    – Honorary World Citizen
    Dec 24 at 22:33










  • Was the fare actually (fully) refundable? Do you have a confirmation of the cancellation and the amount you are owed?
    – jcaron
    Dec 25 at 0:09






  • 2




    @jcaron Many airlines offer free cancellation within 24 hours of online booking, regardless of fare rules, although this is less common than it used to be.
    – choster
    Dec 25 at 3:15






  • 2




    @jcaron US law requires free cancellation within 24 hours for US flights
    – JonathanReez
    Dec 25 at 3:32






  • 2




    Small claims. Also don't forget to add interest - 8 months is a long enough period in which it becomes relevant.
    – orlp
    Dec 25 at 12:09
















23














I booked tickets with Viva Air from Medellin to Miami (I was in Colombia at the time). The flight was in August and I booked it May 4th. I found different (better) flight so I cancelled it within 24 hours and requested a refund online.



I still haven't got my money and any conversation with customer service ends the same: they keep saying it's being processed and there's nothing else they can do.



It's been almost 8 months, what can I do? Is there anything I can do?










share|improve this question







New contributor




Moseleyi is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
















  • 3




    Didn’t you use a credit card?
    – Honorary World Citizen
    Dec 24 at 22:33










  • Was the fare actually (fully) refundable? Do you have a confirmation of the cancellation and the amount you are owed?
    – jcaron
    Dec 25 at 0:09






  • 2




    @jcaron Many airlines offer free cancellation within 24 hours of online booking, regardless of fare rules, although this is less common than it used to be.
    – choster
    Dec 25 at 3:15






  • 2




    @jcaron US law requires free cancellation within 24 hours for US flights
    – JonathanReez
    Dec 25 at 3:32






  • 2




    Small claims. Also don't forget to add interest - 8 months is a long enough period in which it becomes relevant.
    – orlp
    Dec 25 at 12:09














23












23








23


1





I booked tickets with Viva Air from Medellin to Miami (I was in Colombia at the time). The flight was in August and I booked it May 4th. I found different (better) flight so I cancelled it within 24 hours and requested a refund online.



I still haven't got my money and any conversation with customer service ends the same: they keep saying it's being processed and there's nothing else they can do.



It's been almost 8 months, what can I do? Is there anything I can do?










share|improve this question







New contributor




Moseleyi is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











I booked tickets with Viva Air from Medellin to Miami (I was in Colombia at the time). The flight was in August and I booked it May 4th. I found different (better) flight so I cancelled it within 24 hours and requested a refund online.



I still haven't got my money and any conversation with customer service ends the same: they keep saying it's being processed and there's nothing else they can do.



It's been almost 8 months, what can I do? Is there anything I can do?







airlines refunds






share|improve this question







New contributor




Moseleyi is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.











share|improve this question







New contributor




Moseleyi is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









share|improve this question




share|improve this question






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Moseleyi is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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asked Dec 24 at 22:29









Moseleyi

21614




21614




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Check out our Code of Conduct.





New contributor





Moseleyi is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.






Moseleyi is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.








  • 3




    Didn’t you use a credit card?
    – Honorary World Citizen
    Dec 24 at 22:33










  • Was the fare actually (fully) refundable? Do you have a confirmation of the cancellation and the amount you are owed?
    – jcaron
    Dec 25 at 0:09






  • 2




    @jcaron Many airlines offer free cancellation within 24 hours of online booking, regardless of fare rules, although this is less common than it used to be.
    – choster
    Dec 25 at 3:15






  • 2




    @jcaron US law requires free cancellation within 24 hours for US flights
    – JonathanReez
    Dec 25 at 3:32






  • 2




    Small claims. Also don't forget to add interest - 8 months is a long enough period in which it becomes relevant.
    – orlp
    Dec 25 at 12:09














  • 3




    Didn’t you use a credit card?
    – Honorary World Citizen
    Dec 24 at 22:33










  • Was the fare actually (fully) refundable? Do you have a confirmation of the cancellation and the amount you are owed?
    – jcaron
    Dec 25 at 0:09






  • 2




    @jcaron Many airlines offer free cancellation within 24 hours of online booking, regardless of fare rules, although this is less common than it used to be.
    – choster
    Dec 25 at 3:15






  • 2




    @jcaron US law requires free cancellation within 24 hours for US flights
    – JonathanReez
    Dec 25 at 3:32






  • 2




    Small claims. Also don't forget to add interest - 8 months is a long enough period in which it becomes relevant.
    – orlp
    Dec 25 at 12:09








3




3




Didn’t you use a credit card?
– Honorary World Citizen
Dec 24 at 22:33




Didn’t you use a credit card?
– Honorary World Citizen
Dec 24 at 22:33












Was the fare actually (fully) refundable? Do you have a confirmation of the cancellation and the amount you are owed?
– jcaron
Dec 25 at 0:09




Was the fare actually (fully) refundable? Do you have a confirmation of the cancellation and the amount you are owed?
– jcaron
Dec 25 at 0:09




2




2




@jcaron Many airlines offer free cancellation within 24 hours of online booking, regardless of fare rules, although this is less common than it used to be.
– choster
Dec 25 at 3:15




@jcaron Many airlines offer free cancellation within 24 hours of online booking, regardless of fare rules, although this is less common than it used to be.
– choster
Dec 25 at 3:15




2




2




@jcaron US law requires free cancellation within 24 hours for US flights
– JonathanReez
Dec 25 at 3:32




@jcaron US law requires free cancellation within 24 hours for US flights
– JonathanReez
Dec 25 at 3:32




2




2




Small claims. Also don't forget to add interest - 8 months is a long enough period in which it becomes relevant.
– orlp
Dec 25 at 12:09




Small claims. Also don't forget to add interest - 8 months is a long enough period in which it becomes relevant.
– orlp
Dec 25 at 12:09










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















26














If you used a card, dispute it with your card provider, attaching the order and cancellation confirmations as evidence.






share|improve this answer

















  • 6




    I've a feeling that disputes need to be raised within six months. Even if that's officially the case, it's still worth talking to your bank -- they might extend the deadline because of the airline's slowness.
    – David Richerby
    Dec 24 at 23:57



















19














If disputing the charge with your card issuer doesn't work (or maybe even if it does,) you might want to consider filing a consumer complaint against the airline with the U.S. Department of Transportation.



All carriers operating flights to, from, or within the United States are required to have a customer service plan that meets at least the minimum standard of 14 CFR 259.5(b)(4), which says:




Allowing reservations to be held at the quoted fare without payment, or cancelled without penalty, for at least twenty-four hours after the reservation is made if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight's departure;




The Department of Transportation also provides guidance for how airline's may comply with this requirement. It's also worth noting that the air carrier must have their policy for complying with this requirement on their website if they sell tickets on their website. Failure to provide such notification is also a violation of this regulation.






share|improve this answer





























    4














    In addition to the above, I'd suggest taking the complaint above Customer Service level. Try to engage the airline's owners and directors. Their time is far more valuable than your refund and a persistent attempt to turn your issue into a conversation is likely to result in someone saying "let's just sort this" so they can get back to the business of running an airline.



    Some useful contacts;




    VIVA Air CEO William Shaw - https://twitter.com/wnashaw?lang=en



    Irelandia Aviation CEO Declan Shaw - https://twitter.com/decfryan/status/1010272106062471168




    You might also want to engage them via their twitter account. Complain vocally and link people to it. You'll typically find that you get a more rapid response because companies are afraid of poor publicity.




    https://twitter.com/VivaAirCol







    share|improve this answer





















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      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes








      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes









      26














      If you used a card, dispute it with your card provider, attaching the order and cancellation confirmations as evidence.






      share|improve this answer

















      • 6




        I've a feeling that disputes need to be raised within six months. Even if that's officially the case, it's still worth talking to your bank -- they might extend the deadline because of the airline's slowness.
        – David Richerby
        Dec 24 at 23:57
















      26














      If you used a card, dispute it with your card provider, attaching the order and cancellation confirmations as evidence.






      share|improve this answer

















      • 6




        I've a feeling that disputes need to be raised within six months. Even if that's officially the case, it's still worth talking to your bank -- they might extend the deadline because of the airline's slowness.
        – David Richerby
        Dec 24 at 23:57














      26












      26








      26






      If you used a card, dispute it with your card provider, attaching the order and cancellation confirmations as evidence.






      share|improve this answer












      If you used a card, dispute it with your card provider, attaching the order and cancellation confirmations as evidence.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered Dec 24 at 23:07









      Crazydre

      52.3k1096230




      52.3k1096230








      • 6




        I've a feeling that disputes need to be raised within six months. Even if that's officially the case, it's still worth talking to your bank -- they might extend the deadline because of the airline's slowness.
        – David Richerby
        Dec 24 at 23:57














      • 6




        I've a feeling that disputes need to be raised within six months. Even if that's officially the case, it's still worth talking to your bank -- they might extend the deadline because of the airline's slowness.
        – David Richerby
        Dec 24 at 23:57








      6




      6




      I've a feeling that disputes need to be raised within six months. Even if that's officially the case, it's still worth talking to your bank -- they might extend the deadline because of the airline's slowness.
      – David Richerby
      Dec 24 at 23:57




      I've a feeling that disputes need to be raised within six months. Even if that's officially the case, it's still worth talking to your bank -- they might extend the deadline because of the airline's slowness.
      – David Richerby
      Dec 24 at 23:57













      19














      If disputing the charge with your card issuer doesn't work (or maybe even if it does,) you might want to consider filing a consumer complaint against the airline with the U.S. Department of Transportation.



      All carriers operating flights to, from, or within the United States are required to have a customer service plan that meets at least the minimum standard of 14 CFR 259.5(b)(4), which says:




      Allowing reservations to be held at the quoted fare without payment, or cancelled without penalty, for at least twenty-four hours after the reservation is made if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight's departure;




      The Department of Transportation also provides guidance for how airline's may comply with this requirement. It's also worth noting that the air carrier must have their policy for complying with this requirement on their website if they sell tickets on their website. Failure to provide such notification is also a violation of this regulation.






      share|improve this answer


























        19














        If disputing the charge with your card issuer doesn't work (or maybe even if it does,) you might want to consider filing a consumer complaint against the airline with the U.S. Department of Transportation.



        All carriers operating flights to, from, or within the United States are required to have a customer service plan that meets at least the minimum standard of 14 CFR 259.5(b)(4), which says:




        Allowing reservations to be held at the quoted fare without payment, or cancelled without penalty, for at least twenty-four hours after the reservation is made if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight's departure;




        The Department of Transportation also provides guidance for how airline's may comply with this requirement. It's also worth noting that the air carrier must have their policy for complying with this requirement on their website if they sell tickets on their website. Failure to provide such notification is also a violation of this regulation.






        share|improve this answer
























          19












          19








          19






          If disputing the charge with your card issuer doesn't work (or maybe even if it does,) you might want to consider filing a consumer complaint against the airline with the U.S. Department of Transportation.



          All carriers operating flights to, from, or within the United States are required to have a customer service plan that meets at least the minimum standard of 14 CFR 259.5(b)(4), which says:




          Allowing reservations to be held at the quoted fare without payment, or cancelled without penalty, for at least twenty-four hours after the reservation is made if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight's departure;




          The Department of Transportation also provides guidance for how airline's may comply with this requirement. It's also worth noting that the air carrier must have their policy for complying with this requirement on their website if they sell tickets on their website. Failure to provide such notification is also a violation of this regulation.






          share|improve this answer












          If disputing the charge with your card issuer doesn't work (or maybe even if it does,) you might want to consider filing a consumer complaint against the airline with the U.S. Department of Transportation.



          All carriers operating flights to, from, or within the United States are required to have a customer service plan that meets at least the minimum standard of 14 CFR 259.5(b)(4), which says:




          Allowing reservations to be held at the quoted fare without payment, or cancelled without penalty, for at least twenty-four hours after the reservation is made if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight's departure;




          The Department of Transportation also provides guidance for how airline's may comply with this requirement. It's also worth noting that the air carrier must have their policy for complying with this requirement on their website if they sell tickets on their website. Failure to provide such notification is also a violation of this regulation.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Dec 25 at 6:48









          reirab

          8,55813375




          8,55813375























              4














              In addition to the above, I'd suggest taking the complaint above Customer Service level. Try to engage the airline's owners and directors. Their time is far more valuable than your refund and a persistent attempt to turn your issue into a conversation is likely to result in someone saying "let's just sort this" so they can get back to the business of running an airline.



              Some useful contacts;




              VIVA Air CEO William Shaw - https://twitter.com/wnashaw?lang=en



              Irelandia Aviation CEO Declan Shaw - https://twitter.com/decfryan/status/1010272106062471168




              You might also want to engage them via their twitter account. Complain vocally and link people to it. You'll typically find that you get a more rapid response because companies are afraid of poor publicity.




              https://twitter.com/VivaAirCol







              share|improve this answer


























                4














                In addition to the above, I'd suggest taking the complaint above Customer Service level. Try to engage the airline's owners and directors. Their time is far more valuable than your refund and a persistent attempt to turn your issue into a conversation is likely to result in someone saying "let's just sort this" so they can get back to the business of running an airline.



                Some useful contacts;




                VIVA Air CEO William Shaw - https://twitter.com/wnashaw?lang=en



                Irelandia Aviation CEO Declan Shaw - https://twitter.com/decfryan/status/1010272106062471168




                You might also want to engage them via their twitter account. Complain vocally and link people to it. You'll typically find that you get a more rapid response because companies are afraid of poor publicity.




                https://twitter.com/VivaAirCol







                share|improve this answer
























                  4












                  4








                  4






                  In addition to the above, I'd suggest taking the complaint above Customer Service level. Try to engage the airline's owners and directors. Their time is far more valuable than your refund and a persistent attempt to turn your issue into a conversation is likely to result in someone saying "let's just sort this" so they can get back to the business of running an airline.



                  Some useful contacts;




                  VIVA Air CEO William Shaw - https://twitter.com/wnashaw?lang=en



                  Irelandia Aviation CEO Declan Shaw - https://twitter.com/decfryan/status/1010272106062471168




                  You might also want to engage them via their twitter account. Complain vocally and link people to it. You'll typically find that you get a more rapid response because companies are afraid of poor publicity.




                  https://twitter.com/VivaAirCol







                  share|improve this answer












                  In addition to the above, I'd suggest taking the complaint above Customer Service level. Try to engage the airline's owners and directors. Their time is far more valuable than your refund and a persistent attempt to turn your issue into a conversation is likely to result in someone saying "let's just sort this" so they can get back to the business of running an airline.



                  Some useful contacts;




                  VIVA Air CEO William Shaw - https://twitter.com/wnashaw?lang=en



                  Irelandia Aviation CEO Declan Shaw - https://twitter.com/decfryan/status/1010272106062471168




                  You might also want to engage them via their twitter account. Complain vocally and link people to it. You'll typically find that you get a more rapid response because companies are afraid of poor publicity.




                  https://twitter.com/VivaAirCol








                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Dec 25 at 17:56









                  Valorum

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