[Matt_FLL]

So, you sign a contract with a company. You will pay for a product at the current value, knowing that it will increase in value over time (for you as an individual passenger since tickets are non-transferable). As time increases, so will the value of a reasonable substitute. And then the company backs out of the contract and is only responsible for providing you with the value of that product several months ago. That's really egregious.

Even the most iron fisted policy-oriented airline employee would stumble around trying to find a good explanation on why THAT is fair.

In some respects I feel badly for the two reservation agents and two supervisors. Assuming they are human, they'd have to understand the disappointment and outrage someone in their own family would feel in this situation. Regardless, if I DID have a family and if I was talking to you on a recorded line at a bankrupt airline with layoffs just a few weeks away... I may think twice about agreeing with you. Your post is a painful view into the tragic irony of airlines.

But who cares. You are ultimately the one holding the burden of a battered airline, industry, and policy. Your crime? Supporting the industry by booking a flight to Hawaii. I feel frustrated just reading your post and I wish I could do something.

You deserve a private jet to Hawaii. If it means anything from a stranger, I'm so sorry that you went through this, and I hope you still enjoy your trip the way you deserve.