cruises vs. airliners
Cathy: you have asked some very good questions and although I do not work for Air Pacific or a cruise line I have done some research to find those answers. Here is what I came up with:
It seems 2 cruise companies are offering the refund you mentioned. The other is a $70 /barrel cost. But in order for the customer to receive the refund, the AVERAGE cost of that barrel has to be under said cost for 25 days in a row for a disclosed amount of time. It seems to me in the wording, the cruise lines has made it complicated for the customer to calculate. Which in my opinion is no different than airlines in respect to fares and the eligibility of refunds.
Also, if I am not mistaken, cruises were adding on the "fuel surcharges" AFTER the booking and payment for each passenger multiplied by the number of days. From what I saw, it was about $4-9/day per passenger. I am not sure if other airlines are adding the charge after the booking. I can't speak for other airlines but I know AA does not do this.
I read the contract of carriage for Air Pacific and it seems through my translation (remember I am no lawyer) that a passenger who purchased a non refundable, is eligible for a refund (for the entire ticket) if the carrier fails to depart in a reasonable amount of time or cancels. Those who purchased other types of tickets may receive refunds as long as they adhere to certain times. Nothing is mentioned about the partial refund on a fee but rather "refunded tickets may be subject to fees." You may want to ask a professional travel agent or a lawyer for further comprehension of this contract. Perhaps their is a loop hole I missed.
I don't want to take away any hope but it seems unlikely a refund for the fuel surcharge can happen. But I can very well be wrong. I strongly encourage you to write a friendly letter to their headquarters and tell them why you deserve the refund. To better your chances, send a copy of the price of fuel of the given dates of your journey. Write to your local congressman also and encourage others to do the same. It seems the only way a difference is made is in large numbers. Good luck to you.
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