Cancelling trip due to pregnancy

[Revenge]

Hi all

Mrs Revenge and I have a 3-4 week trip booked to the United States and Canada in October to visit family and friends and we just found out we are (well she is pregnant. She is only 5 weeks in so early days yet but we think it would be prudent not to go in light of this news.

The Air NZ cancellation fee is $500 per person. I have called my travel insurance company and they said that pregnancy is covered under the policy so there is nothing stopping us going unless we have doctor's advice advising us not to. Essentially they say that if we decide not to go, that's our decision, and they won't pay for the cancellation fees.

We may be able to change our flights to a future date following birth but would prefer to cancel for maximum flexibility and instead go to Canada another time in the future, booking from scratch. Do you think there's any chance of the airline waiving the cancellation fee?

Thanks!

 

[trippin_the_rift]

On behalf of every person in the world with young children, let me be first to say:

Congratulations to both of you, BUT:

GO ON THE TRIP!!

THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO TASTE FREEDOM!

YOUR LIFE WILL CHANGE 100000X OVER ONCE KIDS COME INTO THE WORLD!!

 

[Pushka]

Congratulations. I became a first time grandparent just over a week ago.

My son and DIL went to Hawaii at around 25 weeks. They loved it. Many think that a pre birth trip is the best time to travel as long as both are well.

They did cancel a trip to Thailand when she was in the early days due to Zika concerns. The Hotel was very helpful. I’d try calling ANZ and you never know.

 

[Denali]

I'm not being snarky but OP didn't share why he and his wife think they should cancel, there could be a real reason or fear that are none of our business.

Not everyone has trouble free fertility or pregnancy or financially ready (money, annual leave ect) so any advice to his question?

 

[mannej]

Congrats, can I suggest that the OP speaks to a doctor/OB before making a decision on whether to continue the trip or not?

 

[Revenge]

Congrats, can I suggest that the OP speaks to a doctor/OB before making a decision on whether to continue the trip or not?

Thanks, the doctor is being consulted and should she advise that we should not go, then that makes the decision simple and the insurer will cover it.

 

[Revenge]

I'm not being snarky but OP didn't share why he and his wife think they should cancel, there could be a real reason or fear that are none of our business.

Not everyone has trouble free fertility or pregnancy or financially ready (money, annual leave ect) so any advice to his question?

You are absolutely right, one of the key factors playing into this for us is that we don't want to use so much time off on this trip that we would rather use to have time off when the baby comes. We also won't be able to afford to go to see family both before and after the birth, and think it would be better to go after the birth to introduce the baby to family.

Anyway, I'll give Air NZ a call and see what they say. I'll report back.

 

[Pushka]

I'm not being snarky but OP didn't share why he and his wife think they should cancel, there could be a real reason or fear that are none of our business.

Not everyone has trouble free fertility or pregnancy or financially ready (money, annual leave ect) so any advice to his question?

I think that’s what the previous responses did? And being a public forum posting a question like this kind of opens up a public debate doesn’t it? Plus a rider that if both were well it was fine? Pregnancy in itself is not a reason insurance companies allow refund for cancellation.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

You are absolutely right, one of the key factors playing into this for us is that we don't want to use so much time off on this trip that we would rather use to have time off when the baby comes. We also won't be able to afford to go to see family both before and after the birth, and think it would be better to go after the birth to introduce the baby to family.

Anyway, I'll give Air NZ a call and see what they say. I'll report back.

I don't know how to say this without sounding like a jerk (which is not my intention) so bare with me. Airlines hear these excuses all the time. Passengers try all sorts of stunts to try and get a full ticket refund. And being 5 weeks into the journey is almost as good as not being pregnant at all. Doctors will always err on the side of caution, and thus they will always say don't fly. If your insurance company will cover it - then the airline will see it as legit. If insurance doesn't cover it - then you know the insurance company thinks you're trying to scam them. Hope this insight helps.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

If insurance doesn't cover it - then you know the insurance company thinks you're trying to scam them. Hope this insight helps.

I disagree the insurance company will see it as a 'scam'. It might be natural for some parents to be cautious. That's not fraudulent.

But I feel that unless there are medical reasons to cancel, our premiums shouldn't bear the cost - or be increased - just because someone is being cautious.

 

[get me outta here]

I think what the airline and the travel insurance company will hear is that it is basically a change of mind.

 

[cove]

We flew when Mrscove was pregnant.....and no issues. Just get your doctors advice.

 

[blackcat20]

As above, see what your doctor thinks. I had no troubles travelling pregnant right up until 30 weeks which was when I decided was my limit.

 

[Pushka]

I think it’s a case of change of mind although your Dr may be willing to sign a medical waiver.

 

[docjames]

Firstly, congratulations.

I’d suggest rather than seeking advice on the internet, speak to your doctor/s (GP and/or obstetrician) and take their advice regarding travel. For most pregnancies, travel is not an issue until later in the pregnancy.

If the doctor’s advise is it is medically necessary to cancel / avoid travel, then the doctor should be able to provide you with a letter stating as such, which you can then use to seek refund from the airline and/or claim on your travel insurance.

 

[get me outta here]

What do people think about 'warning' AirNZ before getting a better reason?
The OP has pointed out that it is a matter of taking leave for the baby rather than for a trip before the baby comes, and having time and money to show the baby to the relos later. It is a change of mind, unless a better suggestion is avaiable for cancellation ...

You are absolutely right, one of the key factors playing into this for us is that we don't want to use so much time off on this trip that we would rather use to have time off when the baby comes. We also won't be able to afford to go to see family both before and after the birth, and think it would be better to go after the birth to introduce the baby to family.

Anyway, I'll give Air NZ a call and see what they say. I'll report back.

 

[Revenge]

Hi all

I have spoken with Air New Zealand they've cancelled the reservation and kindly issued me with a credit for the full amount, which I can later use to rebook on new flights at a later date (will charge change fees $100pp and service fees $60pp plus fare difference) or cancel altogether to get a refund less cancellation free of $500pp.

I am happy with the outcome as this gives us the flexibility to figure things out and decide later. It's essentially a date change but without having to specify the dates for the moment.

Thank you all for your input. I do appreciate the comments suggesting we should go, given it will be our last chance to travel without children, but on balance considering personal circumstances, we would prefer to postpone. We are lucky enough to have had a good opportunity to travel extensively and see the world!

 

[Denali]

Good news. Be sure to double check what is the date cutoff for rebooking. Is it 12mths from cancellation or 12ths from original booking. I only mention this as Ive seen someone online get caught out with Virgin previously so it always stuck in my head.

Congrats.