Hotwire - attempt to cancel airline ticket 5 minutes after making purchase was denied

# 13 for July 13, 2003

Complaints.com received the following on July 12, 2003:

From: raymond bertoia [ray92262 AT yahoo.com]

RE: Hotwire - attempt to cancel airline ticket 5 minutes after making purchase was denied I had gotten a phone call that said my aunt was dying and had only between 3 and 36 hours to live. So my husband and I decided to book a flight to Florida, because that is where we thought the funeral would be. Then my cousin called and said don't come to Florida because as soon as she dies we have to go to Boston and bury her. Unfortunately we had just booked a ticket on Hotwire. We immediately called Hotwire back, not even five minutes had passed since we made the booking.

They would not hear of giving us a credit, or changing the ticket. They took a very hard line and were very rude. I know that technically it is my fault but I want everyone to know that a thousand dollars is a lot to pay, for a moment of panic and trying to get a ticket. You may think this will never happen to you but what if you get a flat tire on the way to the airport or get stuck in traffic.

They said they could not resell the ticket, but the United Agent told me that Hotwire buys the tickets in bulk so they already actually had the ticket. We're not stupid, we ALL know that anyone can really help you if they want to. Then thigns got worse. The next day as it happens, they decided to have the funeral in Florida since it would have been difficult for her husband to travel because he is on dialysis. We tried to change the ticket, but since our flight had already gone they refused to do this. I know this sound like a complicated story but that is what life is like. I know I will spend a lot of time warning everyone what a bad idea using Hotwire was, and the ticket wasn't even that cheap. I don't know if you can help me but if you can I would surely appreciate it. I will not be able to attend the funeral because I couldn't afford two sets of last minute tickets and I was completely worn out by the experirence. I talked to Sandy at Hotwire who will review my case but it didn't sound promising. Our confirmation # was 7542065386 and Sandy can be contacted at - 360 285 1861 Any help you can give us will be completely apprectiated. Sincerely Carol and Ray