Earlier this year, I bought a non-refundable, non-transferrable
e-ticket from British Airways, for a round-trip from London to Cape
Town, travelling in November.  Owing to personal circumstances beyond
my control, I am now no longer able to complete this trip.  I have
approached BA, who refused to contemplate either a refund, changing
the name on the ticket, changing the flights, or issuing me with
credits.  Is there anything that I can do to try and recover some of
my losses?

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Clarification of Question by londonrich-ga on 28 Aug 2003 07:37 PDT

I am happy to pay anyone who provides information which results in a
refund of more than airport taxes and charges.

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Clarification of Question by londonrich-ga on 08 Sep 2003 03:32 PDT

I will pay USD $50 plus 5% of any money recovered (of original fare of
approx GBP 650)

I think the only thing you can do is see whether the circumstances
which forced you to cancel this journey are covered by your travel
insurance. In that case, you  will be able to claim the money back
from the insurance company. If you do not have insurance, I think you
might be stuck!

Also, depending on your circumstances and the rules of the airlines,
there may be exceptions. Simple as it may sound, you can try
contacting them again and see if a different customer service
representative/manager is a little more lenient. Sometimes it's as
simple as getting a different (and nicer) person on the line. Also, I
find that writing letters (not e-mails)to the company expressing
concerns, they are often willing to do things to help satisfy (and
keep) regular customers. Good luck.

That line should have read: 

Also, I find that writing letters (not e-mails) to companies expressing
concerns is productive; they are often willing to do things to help satisfy (and
keep) regular customers. Hope that helps!

Hi londonrich...

I have the same dilemma...I booked a flight earlier this summer for
late next month and now I have changed my mind about going. No way
will the airline permit me to change my travel plans or destination. I
will follow this question closely...