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LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to share a short story that I wish you could publish for the benefit of everyone.
On December 5th 2024 I purchased 2 tickets for my wife and I to travel to Dominica for the Easter break 2025 from Caribbean Airlines.
Due to an accident (I fell off my roof) shattered my Left Femur and Fractured my L4 Lumbar Vertebrae I had to cancel our trip.
I call the airline, which after forwarding them, the Hospital Admission letter and Letter of discharge, the Xrays and Scans of my leg and back, pictures of the aftermath of my leg (skin damages, staples etc..) they finally agree to put my ticket on hold to be used before December 5th 2025.
Due to the state of my recovery, and that according to my Surgeon, could take up to 1 year before filling the way was before the accident and while still in recovery mode, I decided that it was best not to travel until I felt fit to do so and certainly not going hiking in Dominica.
I contacted the airline today September 4th via their Chat Bot and a very nice young man explained to me that Caribbean Airline policy is simple;
1. Tickets are not transferable to another person (even with a potential loss of money),
2. Tickets are not refundable unless I furnish them with the same documents I already did in April and if I were to travel for the same route, I would have to provide them with a marriage certificate to ascertain that the person travelling with me is indeed my wife??? The reservation was made for us 2. Marriage certificate???
3. Last but not least, any refund would only be for ME not for my wife! So in other words they would reimburse me only US$362.50 of the US$725.00 because my wife did not fall from the roof and did not shatter her femur and fracture her L4 Lumbar Vertebrae (lucky her).
4. I asked if I could transfer my US$725.00 to my sister in law in St. Lucia for her to come for her birthday, losing US$200 along the way…not possible either?
So I wanted to share my story. Sometimes it is not about money but more about Principles!
Why would a regional airline be so difficult when it comes to these instances of medical emergency? I would understand if I had changed my mind and lost my money, this is far different. I would love to hear what the community at large’s opinion is. Are we taken for granted by these regional airlines, who could not survive without our travels? Is it so difficult to transfer plane ticket money to a family member to travel? Why could not I use my credit to buy my sister in law her ticket on her behalf??
So there is no point in re-sending documents they already have, I cannot add anything to it. I lost US$725.00 and Caribbean Airlines lost a customer for life. As I will be able to travel eventually and I will get to Dominica as planned, however I would rather swim there than ever fly Caribbean Airlines.
Community members be on your guard!
DBC
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Sadly, that is how Caribbean companies treat their own. I had bad experience with Inter Caribbean also…
Im so glad that im reading this.These Airlines only care about the Almighty dollar and dont care about their Customers.We are living in the Last and closing days before JESUS comes so its just pure WICKEDNESS is going on all over the world.
Sorry to hear about your accident. Most airlines and travel companies operate in this way. Refunds after a certain point are almost impossible.
I have a similar issue with them also , Three years ago i bought two ticket round trip for me and my daughter ( who at the time was going to celebrate her second birthday ) to jamaica after a few day I recieve a email saying my daughter does not have a return ticket so without puchasing a new ticket she won’t be able to return to antigua so I have to puchase that other ticket for her to return to antigua.
This was american airlines for me. I had to send my 17 year old daughter to Miami on her own. No place to stay and nothing planned. They said either I send her or lose the ticket and money. Luckily a nice lady allowed my daughter to stay by her sister. A lady my daughter never knew and saw in her life. Second story: I bought a ticket on Jetblue and on the day of the flight they said that I did not have a seat. Lol, I had to buy a seat on the spot or i would not be able to board. My question was, what was the ticket for? A ride on the wing or wheel? I never asked for a designated seat so what the hell!! Had to pay or miss the flight… smh. I totally understand your concerns.
Most if not all airlines would do the same. It is a gamble you either take or dont travel.
This was american airlines for me. I had to send my 17 year old daughter to Miami on her own. No place to stay and nothing planned. They said either I send her or lose the ticket and money. Luckily a nice lady allowed my daughter to stay by her sister. A lady my daughter never knew and saw in her life. Second story: I bought a ticket on Jetblue and on the day of the flight they said that I did not have a seat. Lol, I had to buy a seat on the spot or i would not be able to board. My question was, what was the ticket for? A ride on the wing or wheel? I never asked for a designated seat so what the hell!! Had to pay or miss the flight… smh. I totally understand your concerns.
I feel the pain but I’ve had same problem with one liat well not me alone thousands of people and I have the same feelings never again will I fly with that brand and yes been doing lots of flying since 2023 hope you get well soon take care and no more roof tops for you call a personal next time.
Time to DUMP Kamala’s CAribbean Airlines! Give LIAT 20/20 a chance.
There’s no such thing as a LIAT 2020. Just ask the African owner.
As an airline agent, I’d like to provide some clarity. Each airline has its own ticketing rules, and it’s important to understand how these work before purchasing.
🔹 Name Change Policy
• Airlines generally do not allow full name changes, to prevent ticket resale or fraud.
• What can be done is a minor correction (usually 2–3 letters) in either the first or last name, so long as it does not alter the passenger’s identity.
🔹 Ticket Validity
• Caribbean Airlines tickets are valid for one year from the original date of purchase.
• In comparison, with some other carriers (e.g. LIAT20 / Air ), if you don’t travel on the scheduled flight, the ticket may expire immediately without value.
🔹 Refunds & Flexibility
• Caribbean Airlines offers 50% refundability on many tickets, depending on the fare rules.
• This is more favorable compared to some airlines where unused tickets are non-refundable.
🔹 Special Considerations (Injury, Emergencies, etc.)
• We’re sorry when unforeseen events such as injury prevent travel. However, the airline must follow a vetting process when passengers request exceptions or waivers.
• This process ensures fairness and protects against fraudulent claims, while still allowing genuine cases to be considered.