Refund nightmare
This is such a ridiculous long story. I am going to make it as short as possible. I have never posted on Reddit, but I am desperate for someone to do the right thing at British Airways. My travel partner purchased the EXACT same ticket, talk to the EXACT same Agent and got a completely different response. She received a full refund with absolutely no issues.
Timeline of Events January 20, 2026
I purchased a refundable ticket directly from British Airways for $4,986.43 using my credit card. Business class seat. May 26, 2026 On the date I was scheduled to depart, I became medically unable to travel and in the ER and contacted British Airways before my flight. Sent all medical documentation to British Airways.When making a new ticket to fly out a little later, the agent did not apply the value of my existing refundable ticket toward a later departure, I was required to purchase another ticket for $4,210.40, together with an additional $250.00 seat assignment, in order to travel on May 31, 2025. (This was not stated online or by any agent that my ticket was NOW nonrefundable)
Prior to my new scheduled flight out on May 31, 2026 departure
My surgeon determined that I was medically unable to travel and specifically advised against flying. Based on that medical advice, I canceled the trip and immediately notified British Airways.
British Airways, even though they have stated that I did in fact buy a full refundable ticket, when I change the date to fly out, it became nonrefundable. My cousin who was flying with me purchased the same ticket and had all of the same exact changes that I had even talking to the same agent- She got a full and complete refund.
I have called British Airways almost once every week since May 31st to get a refund. I have also sent countless emails. I have also requested that my conversations with the agent be released to me. EVERY SINGLE time I call, they state, We will call you back with a resolution in 7 to 10 days. OR, they tell me to fill out some other form to send in. They refuse to refund the ticket. I have reported on Office of Aviation Consumer Protection. I am trying to get my credit card to help me. I am debating on a small claims court as it is a lot of money and honestly, it is just wrong. I bought a refundable ticket. It was confirmed in one of my countless conversations with the airlines, but they are not refunding the entire ticket. They sent $142.00 to me??? Has anyone had this experience and how can I get it resolved? Also, they will not send me any conversations that I know they have recorded as they tell you that the are recording the conversation.