Southwest Vacations & Cancellations

[DisneyDude10]

Im looking for someone who can offer some advice on having to cancel a trip when its been booked through Southwest Vacations. Here is the deal: My mom, brother, girlfriend and I booked a trip to the world in February as soon as flights were available for our departure and return dates. We booked through a travel agent that booked our trip through Southwest Vacations and we are booked for POP. Our trip was set to start on Tuesday Aug. 9th. This past Thursday my mom was taken to the hospital and has remained there since. The general consensus seems to be gall stones but we aren't sure yet because test results are still being processed. That being said she is not going to be able to make the trip indefinitely. So my question is this, is there anyway to get a "rain check" for her or possibly even all of us? We are just trying to figure out whether there is a way to keep us from being out of pocket for the money that we have put up to go on this vacation. So any information on pushing back the trip or getting money back it would be very much appreciated.

 

[BigRedDad]

This is the rare occasion that Travel Insurance is required. If you purchased traveler's insurance, contact the travel agent. If not, you are probably stuck with the bill.

Travel insurance is a tricky business. There are multiple reasons. First, they can apply to only the individual affected. In this case, they can fight that only your mother is covered. Second, many are out of country. They will decline claims until you decide to stop fighting. My sister experienced this when she and her husband were going on a cruise. Her MIL fell deathly ill 2 days before leaving and was given only a day or two. The insurance company declined because it was not one of them or their immediate family. Their next tactic was they could have gone on what was essentially half the trip. And they would only have to claim the half they would have missed.

To make a long story short, the Attorney General for the state made two phone calls. 2 weeks later they were sent a check for the travel amount. It may take attorneys to get involved to get anything.

 

[mousefan1972]

You might be able to reschedule your trip with minimal damage. Is it safe to assume your flights are with Southwest? They have a very generous cancel/reschedule policy. You can use the full amount you paid towards a new flight for up to a year from when you purchased the tickets, so February in your case. They do not charge a fee to change/cancel. Also, Disney will allow you to change your dates for I believe a fee of $50, not entirely sure. Have you contacted the TA who booked for you to see what can be done? Good luck and I hope your Mom is better soon.

 

[Nemo14]

I would strongly urge you to call Southwest and talk to them about it. I have always found their customer service to be outstanding, although I have never dealt with the Vacations department. The number is 1-800-243-8372.

Please let us know how you make out, and best wishes to your whole family.