Air: Medical Documentation / Death Certificates Refund Exchange Waivers

At Trip Designs, we have a lot of empathy toward our clients facing travel that is interrupted or required because of serious illness or death. That said, airlines have strict requirements when asking for refunds and/or exchanges.

When a passenger requests a refund or exchange penalty waiver due to his/her illness or an illness of a family member, the only acceptable form of proof is a medical certificate/hospitalization record. Doctor's notes in general, are not accepted.

Also, the medical certificate/hospitalization record should show that the passenger’s or family member's health has worsened after the date of the original ticket purchase and that the passenger or family member had requested medical help (admittance in a hospital or emergency rooms).

On the other hand, when a passenger requests a refund/exchange penalty waiver due death in family, the only acceptable form of proof is a death certificate.

In either case, proof of relationship is required for parents and siblings (birth certificate) and spouses (marriage certificate).

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We wish it were an easier process, so please bear with us as we help you arrange travel in this difficult time.