How do I dispute a travel charge?
Sources checked . Final review by Sean Williams pending.
Ask the airline, cruise line or hotel for the refund first, in writing. If that fails, dispute the charge with your credit card issuer. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, send a written dispute to the issuer's billing-error address within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
| Deadline | Within 60 days after the first statement with the charge is sent (Fair Credit Billing Act) |
|---|---|
| Where to send | Issuer's billing-error address, not the payment address |
| Issuer acknowledgment | Within 30 days |
| Issuer resolution | Within two billing cycles, no more than 90 days |
| Airline refunds owed under DOT rules | Within 7 business days for credit card purchases |
What should I do before disputing a charge?
Ask the company for the refund in writing and give it a reasonable deadline. Keep the booking confirmation, the cancellation or change notice, and every reply.
How do I dispute a travel charge with my card issuer?
- Find the billing-error address on your statement or the issuer's website.
- Write a letter or use the issuer's dispute form, naming the charge, date and amount.
- Explain why it is wrong, for example a service that was cancelled and not refunded.
- Attach copies, not originals, of receipts and the merchant's replies.
- Send it so it arrives within 60 days after the first statement with the charge.
- Keep proof of when you sent it.
What happens after I file?
The issuer must acknowledge your dispute within 30 days and resolve it within two billing cycles, and no more than 90 days, under the federal billing error rules. You can withhold the disputed amount while it investigates, but must pay the rest of the bill.
Dispute the charge if the company owes a refund and has not paid by its deadline. Use travel insurance instead if you cancelled for a covered reason and the supplier does not owe a refund.
What if an airline owes me a refund?
Under DOT rules, refunds for cancelled or significantly changed flights are due within 7 business days for credit card purchases. If an airline does not pay, you can dispute the charge and file a complaint with DOT. See what to do when your flight is cancelled.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to dispute a credit card charge?
- Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, send your written dispute so the issuer receives it within 60 days after it sent the first statement showing the charge.
- Should I contact the airline before disputing?
- Yes. Ask in writing first and keep the reply. Card issuers often ask whether you tried to resolve it with the merchant.
- Can I dispute a charge for a cancelled flight?
- If the airline cancelled, you declined alternatives and it has not refunded you within DOT's deadline, a dispute is reasonable. You can also file a complaint with DOT.
- Do I have to pay the disputed amount while it is investigated?
- You can withhold payment of the disputed amount and related charges during the investigation, but you must pay the rest of your bill.
Sources
Founder, Egretline Travel ยท Tampa, Florida
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