Advice on how to approach a costly Priceline cancellation

Hello;

Allow me to preface this topic with a simple acknowledgment that I fully grasp severity of the situation I have put myself in and thoroughly understand that Priceline rules and regulations do, indeed, provide clear indication that purchasing a vacation package through them is a non-refundable (seemingly non-transferable?) sale. Unfortunately, I've come to understand this all just a little too late. So, please only provide helpful advice or assistance. I'm beating myself up enough that I do not need to further add salt to the already blistery wound.

Does anyone have some experience with (or a good strategy to) Priceline.com in regards to seeking a refund for a trip I cannot take in 5 months?

I purchased the "insurance", but I was foolish enough to have not read the fine print. Priceline offers NO refunds / cancellations, and if you purchased the insurance you must file a claim, but ONLY if you fall under their coverages (which I do not), including: 1.) a sickness which debilitates you severely enough for a doctor to write a letter to Priceline insisting you cannot fly, 2.) the death of an immediate family member at the time of or just before the trip, 3.) loss of employment (must be at the job for at least 3 years), 4.) being directly involved in a documented automotive accident at the time of or just before the trip, 5.) having your home made uninhabitable due to a list of unfortunate events, 6.) the airline changes or cancels and the flight...

It goes on, but ultimately ends with the final coverages which involve having a terrorist attack or natural disaster happen in the destination city. Doubtable, but...anyway.

I wouldn't be so upset about it and would almost be willing to bite the bullet, but there's shy of $3,000 of my money at stake, so its just a little too hard to swallow.

when did you purchase the package? if you are within 7 or 14 days from the purchase, there are travel insurances that provide "cancel for any reason" coverage

how about honesty and asking for a one time repreive/forgiveness? i've done that before with Priceline but that was years ago. and, since it's been close to a month since the purchase, it's gonna be kinda hard to come up with something legitimate (excuse wise anyway).

What can of package did you buy?

Can you resell it on Craigslist?

vanmichaels said:   Hello;

Allow me to preface this topic with a simple acknowledgment that I fully grasp severity of the situation I have put myself in and thoroughly understand that Priceline rules and regulations do, indeed, provide clear indication that purchasing a vacation package through them is a non-refundable (seemingly non-transferable?) sale. Unfortunately, I've come to understand this all just a little too late. So, please only provide helpful advice or assistance. I'm beating myself up enough that I do not need to further add salt to the already blistery wound.

Does anyone have some experience with (or a good strategy to) Priceline.com in regards to seeking a refund for a trip I cannot take in 5 months?

I purchased the "insurance", but I was foolish enough to have not read the fine print. Priceline offers NO refunds / cancellations, and if you purchased the insurance you must file a claim, but ONLY if you fall under their coverages (which I do not), including: 1.) a sickness which debilitates you severely enough for a doctor to write a letter to Priceline insisting you cannot fly, 2.) the death of an immediate family member at the time of or just before the trip, 3.) loss of employment (must be at the job for at least 3 years), 4.) being directly involved in a documented automotive accident at the time of or just before the trip, 5.) having your home made uninhabitable due to a list of unfortunate events, 6.) the airline changes or cancels and the flight...

It goes on, but ultimately ends with the final coverages which involve having a terrorist attack or natural disaster happen in the destination city. Doubtable, but...anyway.

I wouldn't be so upset about it and would almost be willing to bite the bullet, but there's shy of $3,000 of my money at stake, so its just a little too hard to swallow.

Are you open to rescheduling? If you work directly with the hotel, they can sometimes accomodate a change in date even on a Priceline purchase. Though no guarantee, this is a big YMMV depending on the hotel.

I found this guide from an ex-Priceline employee with some suggestions:

http://christinaeba.wordpress.com/2008/04/28/how-to-get-out-of-p...

if you got a sinus infection, your doctor would likely write a note that you could not fly.

bopc1996 said:   "Death of a family member"? HmmmmDoes a pet turtle qualify as a family member?

Don't travel and Dispute your charge right away!

I have to say, I'm happy that I posted this topic. I know that I put myself in the situation and that's a stick situation in and of itself, but I truly appreciate the constructive advice so far. It's still been less than 30 days, so maybe I can still talk to a human at Priceline and be honest. My only fear is if that doesn't work they'll notate my account should I call back.

Hmm. A lot of things to consider. Thank you, everyone. If anyone else stumbles upon this and has further ideas or experience, please share. It's incredibly helpful.

I would be willing to bet that the flight time(s) of at least one of your flights will be changed within that 5 months (most likely only 10-15 minute change, but maybe more). Does the insurance policy state a specific amount of time the flight must change to be able to get refunded?

seems sketchy that you would post this. State your reason why you cannot go. Buyer remorse? You opened up the topic.

I did get out of one. No lying or anything. It was a name your price and it was not where I thought itd be on the map. They booked me at a Marriott and would not budget until I called the hotel manager and they told me they would tell Priceline that i could cancel. Priceline called them to confirm and then let me out of it. I was stunned.

You might be able to move the dates or get a credit card directly from the hotel.

You can usually transfer the reservation to somebody else, thus allowing you to sell it (at a discount).

Give goroomer or cancelon a try. They're free to list and you pay only if you resell.