I received a letter from American Airlines today demanding $532.00 for a flight that I never made, so I decided to send them a little letter:
To Whom it May Concern:
I received an invoice from American Airlines today in the amount of $532.00. I have examined the document and following an investigation, have concluded that a mistake by American Airlines has been made.
The originally scheduled flight, which can be identified by record locator number [removed], was changed by American Airlines to a schedule not accommodating to my needs. As a result, the ticket was left unused and measures were taken to recover the amount in question following American Airlines’ refusal to refund the ticket.
I have been advised that pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 41712, it is unlawful for an airline carrier to apply non-refundability provisions to tickets that require the payment of a penalty for a change of flight time or date.
As personal matters made it necessary to change carriers, demanding payment for this flight may be construed as deceptive and an unfair method of competition in air transportation, which is prohibited by 49 U.S.C. 41712.
Therefore, I request that American Airlines remit the charges specified on the invoice, assert that this matter will not be pursued further, and provide written notification that these actions have been performed within 10 business days.
I appreciate your prompt and professional response in this matter. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Regards,
William Reading
Update: I’m pleased to say that I got a prompt reply from American Airlines:
Mr. Reading,
I have taken the unused ticket and closed it.
With that transaction, I have also cleared the credit card chargeback of $532.00.
Regards,
[Removed]
