Air Asia Refund If Visa Denied?

[AyG]

I've read on a Thai-language website that Air Asia will give you a refund (less a small fee) if you book a flight from KL to the UK before applying for a visa and the visa is subsequently refused. I can't find this information on the Air Asia website. (In fact, the website states the opposite.) Does anyone know if this is true?

Thanks in advance.

[7by7]

If their own website states that they wont give you a refund then I would surmise that they wont give you a refund!

The UKBA's advice is, and always has been, not to buy a ticket until one knows one has the visa.

[thrilled]

I had trouble with A thai aorline,I put A dispute in with the credit card.I received some money back around 25-30%.I believe when these airlines get your money,it's very hard to get it back.Rhats only my opinion.

[SantiSuk]

The scheduled airlines with their fully refundable or switchable fares - more expensive of course - are appropriate to your situation if you can't wait. Some of the Middle East airlines have cheapish fares that have only limited penalties for cancellation though (I'm thinking about £75 from memory).

[Wallaby]

I would have thought an airline doesn't allow you to fly unless you have a visa. Though I can't honestly say how often I am asked.

When I was going from Australia to live in New Zealand in 2000 I flew with Qantas and they checked my visa because I only had a 1 way ticket but they insisted I have a return ticket. They said this was because I was only a permanent resident of Aus. I said that if I was a permanent resident of Aus then I was automatically a permanent resident of NZ. They didn't agree so I had to buy a return ticket then and there to get on the flight.

No surprises that when I got off in NZ I was told it was a load of tosh and I only needed a 1 way ticket. Took me 4 months to get the refund of my return ticket.

I think it is something about the airline must ensure a flyer has a visa otherwise they get a fine.

[7by7]

I would have thought an airline doesn't allow you to fly unless you have a visa.

Correctish. Most airlines will refuse to carry passengers on international flights unless they are happy that the passenger will be allowed in at the other end; i.e. they have a visa or do not need one.

Though I can't honestly say how often I am asked.

When checking in in for an international flight they want to see your passport. This is to check the above. So you are effectively asked every time.

I think it is something about the airline must ensure a flyer has a visa otherwise they get a fine.

Indeed.

In the circumstances you describe, the extra ticket was purchased due to the airlines incompetence, so you were entitled to a refund. Purchasing a ticket before receiving the visa is not only the individuals choice, but also against the advice of most embassies and most airlines; so no refund is due, except at the discretion of the airline (unlikely, especially in this case as Air Asia do say that they will not refund in these circumstances!).