Airfare Help?

[Hawaii]

Hi - I am purchasing my airfare today as long as the price stays the same in the next few hours. We are purchasing thru Continental - I am sure I could read thru but you guys are so quick and great. My question - We are a family of four and in case something happens say sickness do you get your money back or a credit? We have always used Southwest. Is it easier to just do over the computer or should I call Continental? Just nervous to push the button and then have something go wrong- I know this seems silly but for 4 people alot of money. Thanks so much for your help.

[loria]

i would invest in trip insurance--a little bit of money and it buys a lot of peace of mind--

[Pia]

Only if you have trip insurance. I don't fly Continental only AA for the most part and I believe their policy is that you have 12 months from the date of purchase to use the ticket but each ticket has a $150.00 "change fee" plus any difference in fare so for four it will be $600.00 in change fees plus any difference in the cost of the ticket - I believe this is Delta's policy also but their change fee might only be $100 per ticket but I'm not sure.

Pia

[Hawaii]

I hope I am not sounding "stupid" but if I buy trip insurance thru continental that covers a flight cancellation if someone gets ill, etc. Do I also need to buy additional insurance for the villa - is that separate -sorry but this is our first time doing this - thanks so much for everyone's patience with a first timer.

[traveler22]

Yes, if you buy it through the airline it is only covering your flight. You can purchase trip insurance to cover the villa or puchase trip insurance for the total cost of you trip which is easier IMHO. There is a number of Trip Insurance companies including the one on this page call CSA right by all the smiles . travelguard.com and travelsafe.com are some other companies. Good Luck

[crasherino]

We actually just dealt with Continental on this when we had to switch our STJ trip from Feb to March. Not only are you charged a $150 change fee, you also only get back the fare difference as a credit that cannot be applied to the $150 fee.

Other airlines don't do that and will give you back the difference in cash if requested.

The issue that we moved our trip for was probably not covered by Trip Insurance so just make sure you read the policy you get to know what is and isn't covered.