[BiblioDel]

I am very disappointed in USAirways, which I fly often.

I was scheduled to fly with my 12-year old daughter in three weeks. Three days ago I tore my ACL. I have to have surgery, so I can't take the flight.

I called USAirways expecting that in this extreme case, they would let me transfer the ticket to my wife. I even would have understood a transfer fee.

Instead they said "no." I have to cancel my ticket, pay a $90 cancellation fee, AND buy a new ticket for my wife for $880!

Rather than accommodating an injury and the needs of a minor child, USAirways is forcing me to spend almost $1000.

That's not right.

[Matt_FLL]

Most people don’t know this, but if an airline charged you their actual cost plus a little profit, you’d pay a lot more. Airlines will sell cheap tickets which generally do not cover the cost for you to fly. They charge other travelers (mostly business travelers) up to six times more to subsidize your ticket. The net result is that more people get to fly and airlines get the most revenue. Remember airlines don't really make profits (well, MONEY actually, hence all of the bankruptcies!).

Airlines can’t pick and choose who is a business traveler, right? They have to sell different “products”. They use ticket restrictions (e.g., Advanced Purchase requirements, Change Fees, etc.) to put fences around their customers. Business travelers have to book at the last minute and want to change their flight if a meeting ends an hour early. They also want a refundable ticket. Like most people, you purchased the lowest-fare "product" available when you booked. It’s non-refundable and comes with a hefty change fee and other restrictions. I hear that you are injured and have a child—but rules are rules. The entire system would break if they made exceptions, especially since trip insurance exists.

The best advice is to get trip insurance next time. This is much more affordable than paying for a non-restricted ticket. You could have gotten your money back after you got injured.

I know that doesn't help now, but I just wanted to point this out. Until then, I wish your family a safe trip which you have a speedy recovery.