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Canceling Frequent Flyer Airfare Purchase [United]

lamb

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I purchased United airfare for my sister-in-law and mom-in-law using my frequent flyer miles and my husband's. The flight is scheduled for Saturday. Mom is now hospitalized (heart rhythm issue) and not yet stabilized. Does anyone know the impact for canceling both of their flights? On Thursday, doctors thought that the problem was minor and she could still travel. Unfortunately, they haven't been successful resetting the rhythmic process and tomorrow they are retrying the procedure attempted on Thursday that yielded only temporary success.

I will try to locate the rules/fees online too. Just wondered if any experts may already know the implications. If mom can't travel, then my sis-in-law would not either as she is mom's primary caregiver and would need to be wherever mom is. I can't recall if travel insurance was an option for the tickets purchased on frequent flyer miles.
 

lamb

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I hadn't thought of needing a letter from the dr. Is this something that my sis-in-law can create and have the doctor sign? The attending physician is infrequently there when my sister-in-law is in the room and we wonder if mom will convey the documentation request appropriately. If we could leave a pre-completed letter for him, perhaps that would help.
 

Tia

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Probably best for it to be on the doctors offices stationary. Maybe call his office and leave your request??
 

BevL

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I'm sorry, perhaps I'm not understanding why you'd need a doctor's letter? To try to avoid paying the fee of $150, presumably per ticket? What am I missing?

I'm only asking because we'll be using miles for our trip next year and there's always a chance we'll have to cancel. We fly Alaska, but my understanding with them is you pay your $100 and get your miles back.

Alternatively, if there's a chance your sister and mom may travel within the next little while, you could always just change the itinerary to something else - seems there is no fee for that. If you had to cancel later, presumably you'd be no worse off.
 

Talent312

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You need to call United ASAP. Get your info from the horse's mouth.
They will tell you what the penalty is and whether or not a Dr's letter will help.
.
 

Pat H

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There is usually a $150 fee per ticket to cancel and redeposit miles. The Dr's note may not get you out of the fee. Yes, you did have the option to purchase insurance when you bought the ticket.
 

lamb

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I'm pleased to say that the increased medication dosage corrected her heart rhythm and they cancelled the 'shocking' procedure for this morning. After 5 days in the hospital, she was released this afternoon and cleared by the medical staff for travel this weekend!

In response to a poster's question, I think that another poster suggested getting a doctor's note in support of eliminating some of the penalty and/or in support of documentation for insurance usage. I located my transaction and had purchased insurance on their tickets (not ours). It's a wonderful turnaround to no longer need to worry about cancellation.
 

DeniseM

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Are you going to Mexico, and do you have Traveler's Insurance, in case your mom gets sick there?
 

vacationhopeful

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Enjoy the trip --- the weather here is raw, cold, damp, dark, windy and now raining for the next 4 or 5 days.

And get some rest!
 
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