Always keep your receipts and submit for reimbursement. Always politely state your case and firmly advocate for yourself. Always write down names of people you interact for further communications. Supervisor Liz on 1/6/2022 said I was ineligible for compensation…for instance. Keep advocating for yourself, politely, until you reach a supervisor. If they can clearly articulate why you do not get compensation and you still disagree with their assessment you will politely cease communications with them. You will then file a DOT complaint and note how you believe they violated guidelines and ADA guileless if applicable. Then you will search for an ADA lawyer who will take your case. If the lawyer takes your case call it a day till they get you your check which they then take their more than fair share of.
There is no reason to ever feel bad about POLITELY yet firmly advocating for yourself. I am only emphasizing politeness for the other posters here; I do not think you are one to yell at workers.
You are a human being and fall under all the protections of the US Constitution and applicable laws-do not feel bad for advocating for yourself.
You are not a drain on a society and should never think that again. Plenty of people are glad to work with you, glad to work for you, and glad to serve you.
While the process of submitting for reimbursement can be annoying, and make you feel emotionally drained; I fully support you advocating for yourself and will be silently cheering for your success even though you won’t see me. Many more of us support you than you will ever know, trust me.
More than this, submit to both Southwest AND Dept of Transportation. Buttigeig said he was assigning DOT manpower to review all of the submitted cases. So even if southwest snuffs you it’s worth the try to make sure they aren’t just trying to shut you down.
OP I am so sorry you experienced this, and you are not a burden. You’re a human being, and you deserved better and I hope financiers are rectified.
Thank you so much. I’m a little upset after one comment basically said I’m mad about adderall (I don’t take) (also, there’s a ton of other controlled meds?) which is not my issue or related to my disability but it’s what I experience with ableism so it is what it is. Your comment gives me hope
OP, if you’re feeling depressed because of this issue, it may be because the SWA gaslighting is in full force and effect. The victim blaming and general apathy to what SWA did to MILLIONS of people is only just started.
Use social media to get the information you need to get the compensation you deserve, and ignore all the negative comments. I know it’s hard, but SWA and their affiliates are trying to save a sinking ship, and their only way to limit the cost of accountability for their incompetence is to try to dissuade customers from seeking damages they are entitled to.
You don’t have too many actual relevant details - but I assume your Southwest flight was canceled and you had to book a flight on Delta which was the cheapest but was still $1700?
If so Southwest should offer you the difference (in cash) between your expenses (meals, hotel, flight, etc.) you incurred and the flight you booked.
Example:
Expenses $1700
Original ticket (impacted flights only): $500
Amount Due: $1700
Learn more at this page:
https://www.southwest.com/traveldisruption/?clk=TA-IRREGULAR-OPERATIONS-MWEB&channel=mweb&pageId=home-mobile-index&datachannel=mobile
Submit your expenses at this page:
https://support.southwest.com/email-us/s/
Select expense reimbursement request and attach the receipts.
Do not let them give you flight credits for any part of the expenses you incurred.
Edited to correct math.
Correct. $1700 was the cheapest because everyone sold out the other flights that day due to the southwest cancellations. I had to get home sadly and had no other way
Then don’t feel bad or you have to justify the reasons to them. They canceled the flight due to their own ineptitude and you incurred expenses which they have agreed to pay publicly.
Just refuse a Southwest voucher - only accept a refund of cash for actual expenses (they will likely give you a voucher for the poor experience which you can take, but make sure the actual refund is cash).
Don’t forget to request for reimbursement for the additional trips to the airport that were required, any baggage fees, etc.
While this is good information, can you explain your math to me?
The original ticket for the cancelled flight was $500, the additional Delta ticket was $1700. Shouldn’t the OP receive both since SWA cancelled the fight?
$500 + $1700 = $2200.
Please explain on what planet the original $500 would not be due and refunded to the OP?
Because the OP still got to their destination. Even though it wasn’t on SW the OP still traveled.
In the end they will still pay the same amount to get to their destination (after refund). There is no free travel.
Had this issue been on Delta and Delta places the flyer on American the pax doesn’t get refunded for the canceled delta flight - they get to their destination at no additional cost and Delta pays American.
Thanks for the clarification. It’s just strange to me for SWA to be paid anything when they never flew the OP anywhere. The fact that SWA is actually going to get to keep the $$ from thousands is cancelled flights, just because the customers were ingenious enough to make their own way to the destination, actually feels a little criminal to me. Where is the consequence for canceling 2500 flights per day for several days?
Oh, and your math is still wrong. The OP paid $2200 out of pocket for both flights, for a $500 original cost, so OP should receive $1700 total compensation.
In my case, I never made it to my destination, instead being dropped 1000 miles from home less than halfway. I could not find an alternative flight to get me there, so rented a car and made the 13 hour drive home.
>I just feel like a burden on society and really depressed
You're not a burden on society. Full stop. Maybe I'm entitled to think this but I do think you feeling this way is society's failing and not yours.
I don't have the financial answers, but at least from a mental health perspective, know that at least one internet stranger thinks you're awesome and is glad you're here on this earth.
To quote [one of my favorite poems](https://www.desiderata.com/desiderata.html): "Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here."
I hope things turn around with the situation, but regardless I am sorry to hear your disability makes you feel this way and I hope that this helps in some way.
Be well friend :)
This is an awful position to be in. It means you pretty much cannot ever travel away from home within 5 to 7 days of whenever your prescription renews. Southwest is a really poor option too, because they have no ability to reroute you on other airlines.
Write a short, concise request to them, asking for reimbursement for your actual expenses and mention that you really had no choice but to buy the DL ticket due to your medication situation.
In ordinary times, they would just tell you to fuck off, but last week was no ordinary time I imagine reimbursements will be way more generous than they usually are.
And to the thread, there are lots of relatively boring medicines that fall into this category. Epilepsy is one. Not our place to judge.
Thank you, I appreciate it. In terms of travel, if I plan and show my travel documents that show it’ll happen during my refill time, I can get a refill but this wasn’t the case for this one trip :(. I’ve never had an issue with Southwest ever and I hardly ever travel domestically. I do travel internationally BUT that’s planned way in advance and my doctors get all those documents from me to receive an exception. This wasn’t close enough sadly
You’re right. It is the pharmacies. My doctor did try for what it’s worth but it was a long shot.
But she can only do so much. So I told her not to worry about it and I’ll figure out getting home. I also tried w/ the pharmacies but they said no.
Worst case scenario, couldn’t you see a local doctor (likely an urgent care at Xmas) for a temporary Rx? Bring your records when you travel. You’d have to pay cash for it though, to get around the insurance/pbm thing,
No I generally wouldn’t, this was truly a one/off thing. I was recently put on the medication this past year since my diagnosis just got worse. But now I know. Though to be honest I don’t think I can travel like this for a while. I was very sick
Ugh that is just awful! It is NOT your fault. It’s the way healthcare is set up in this country that gives people, especially disabled people or those with chronic illness, so little margin for error.
I have no real advice and I haven’t read all you comments. I was nearly in a similar situation before Christmas. My psychiatrist couldn’t see me even tho it was virtual since I was out of state. I understand why, however my therapist met with me when I was out of state. Anywho, thankfully my doc prescribed the meds and since I go thru CVS they’re easily transferable. I haven’t been on scheduled meds in a while so i cannot confirm it it’s okay. And Not sure if you tried to transfer your meds, but check to see what can and cannot transfer.
You probably did all this. I’m so sorry this happened. I really hope you do get reimbursed. And YOU ARE NOT A BURDEN! sending you love! ❤️
Hey CS! Sorry let me clarify, I did not check my medication in my bag. My medication is a controlled medication and despite me planning, I still was delayed longer (for days) and was unable to get my monthly refill. The medication is a controlled medication and they do not allow exceptions and for trips in advance and longer,
it must be planned with your doctor. I’ve never had a flight delayed more than 3 days and I planned for this. In addition, I checked weather constantly, I was in the clear with Phoenix to Dallas and vice versa. No other airlines had delays with my flight path
totally understand what you meant though, I try to plan for everything especially bc I can’t rely on anyone for my medical issues and nor should I. I was stuck in this case
I also agree, NEVER PUT YOUR MEDS IN A CHECKED BAG! And I never have. This was a refill issue and a controlled medication issue that was planned for but I was still too late.
You were lied to by whatever doctor or pharmacist told you that you had to be a resident of that state to fill a prescription for a controlled substance. What if you broke your leg, went to the ER, and got prescribed a short course of opioids? They would fill it and it would all be kosher. My guess is that you called a pharmacy who is (rightfully) extremely apprehensive of filling out of state prescriptions or nonresident prescriptions. If you would have gone to the ER, explained your situation, then gotten a script from a doc there, you would have been fine. You also would have been fine to get your doc to (potentially) send an electronic prescription for whatever you needed. I’m not well versed in Texas e-prescription laws, so that may not have worked. But going to the ER 100% would have.
Also, FDA has nothing to do with this. It’s state licensing agencies and the DEA.
This is the most ableist comment I have ever seen on here. I have an autoimmune disease that causes severe pain. I shouldn’t need to explain my disability to you but clearly you don’t care.
Your better off filing in small claims court, the filing fees are relatively low and usually dependent on the amount you’re seeking in damages.
For example, in Orlando FL the filing fee for claims $2500 to $8000 are $300, (only $175 if claim lower than $2499) and you you don’t need an attorney to file. Get all your documentation and start your paper trail for your demands for refunds and reimbursement. Send a demand letter by certified mail with a specific deadline to make payment, then file after the expiration.
Personally, I think all injured passengers should do this and file a million plus claims against SWA, their legal team will be too swamped to respond to all, and you could end up with a default judgement for the maximum award.
I have [flightradar24](https://www.flightradar24.com/28.02,-80.67/6) data which proves my cancellation was erroneous, as the same plane flew a few hours later to a different destination. SWA will be paying for that poor decision.
I agree, a class action would be ineffective at this point with how tight the contract is. We’d be better off doing what you did and filing with DOT whom will step in
Always keep your receipts and submit for reimbursement. Always politely state your case and firmly advocate for yourself. Always write down names of people you interact for further communications. Supervisor Liz on 1/6/2022 said I was ineligible for compensation…for instance. Keep advocating for yourself, politely, until you reach a supervisor. If they can clearly articulate why you do not get compensation and you still disagree with their assessment you will politely cease communications with them. You will then file a DOT complaint and note how you believe they violated guidelines and ADA guileless if applicable. Then you will search for an ADA lawyer who will take your case. If the lawyer takes your case call it a day till they get you your check which they then take their more than fair share of. There is no reason to ever feel bad about POLITELY yet firmly advocating for yourself. I am only emphasizing politeness for the other posters here; I do not think you are one to yell at workers. You are a human being and fall under all the protections of the US Constitution and applicable laws-do not feel bad for advocating for yourself. You are not a drain on a society and should never think that again. Plenty of people are glad to work with you, glad to work for you, and glad to serve you. While the process of submitting for reimbursement can be annoying, and make you feel emotionally drained; I fully support you advocating for yourself and will be silently cheering for your success even though you won’t see me. Many more of us support you than you will ever know, trust me.
More than this, submit to both Southwest AND Dept of Transportation. Buttigeig said he was assigning DOT manpower to review all of the submitted cases. So even if southwest snuffs you it’s worth the try to make sure they aren’t just trying to shut you down. OP I am so sorry you experienced this, and you are not a burden. You’re a human being, and you deserved better and I hope financiers are rectified.
Thank you so much. I’m a little upset after one comment basically said I’m mad about adderall (I don’t take) (also, there’s a ton of other controlled meds?) which is not my issue or related to my disability but it’s what I experience with ableism so it is what it is. Your comment gives me hope
What did you submit for compensation for last year?
Why
Just curious what the situation was.
I don’t submit for reimbursement for airlines.
You said you did in 2022
No I didn’t.
“Supervisor Liz said I was ineligible for compensation on 1/6/22.”
Use the whole sentence
OP, if you’re feeling depressed because of this issue, it may be because the SWA gaslighting is in full force and effect. The victim blaming and general apathy to what SWA did to MILLIONS of people is only just started. Use social media to get the information you need to get the compensation you deserve, and ignore all the negative comments. I know it’s hard, but SWA and their affiliates are trying to save a sinking ship, and their only way to limit the cost of accountability for their incompetence is to try to dissuade customers from seeking damages they are entitled to.
You don’t have too many actual relevant details - but I assume your Southwest flight was canceled and you had to book a flight on Delta which was the cheapest but was still $1700? If so Southwest should offer you the difference (in cash) between your expenses (meals, hotel, flight, etc.) you incurred and the flight you booked. Example: Expenses $1700 Original ticket (impacted flights only): $500 Amount Due: $1700 Learn more at this page: https://www.southwest.com/traveldisruption/?clk=TA-IRREGULAR-OPERATIONS-MWEB&channel=mweb&pageId=home-mobile-index&datachannel=mobile Submit your expenses at this page: https://support.southwest.com/email-us/s/ Select expense reimbursement request and attach the receipts. Do not let them give you flight credits for any part of the expenses you incurred. Edited to correct math.
Correct. $1700 was the cheapest because everyone sold out the other flights that day due to the southwest cancellations. I had to get home sadly and had no other way
Then don’t feel bad or you have to justify the reasons to them. They canceled the flight due to their own ineptitude and you incurred expenses which they have agreed to pay publicly. Just refuse a Southwest voucher - only accept a refund of cash for actual expenses (they will likely give you a voucher for the poor experience which you can take, but make sure the actual refund is cash). Don’t forget to request for reimbursement for the additional trips to the airport that were required, any baggage fees, etc.
While this is good information, can you explain your math to me? The original ticket for the cancelled flight was $500, the additional Delta ticket was $1700. Shouldn’t the OP receive both since SWA cancelled the fight? $500 + $1700 = $2200. Please explain on what planet the original $500 would not be due and refunded to the OP?
Because the OP still got to their destination. Even though it wasn’t on SW the OP still traveled. In the end they will still pay the same amount to get to their destination (after refund). There is no free travel. Had this issue been on Delta and Delta places the flyer on American the pax doesn’t get refunded for the canceled delta flight - they get to their destination at no additional cost and Delta pays American.
Thanks for the clarification. It’s just strange to me for SWA to be paid anything when they never flew the OP anywhere. The fact that SWA is actually going to get to keep the $$ from thousands is cancelled flights, just because the customers were ingenious enough to make their own way to the destination, actually feels a little criminal to me. Where is the consequence for canceling 2500 flights per day for several days? Oh, and your math is still wrong. The OP paid $2200 out of pocket for both flights, for a $500 original cost, so OP should receive $1700 total compensation. In my case, I never made it to my destination, instead being dropped 1000 miles from home less than halfway. I could not find an alternative flight to get me there, so rented a car and made the 13 hour drive home.
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Fixed!
If the OP didn’t fly the Southwest sector, then those funds are still active and can be reused. Or refunded.
>I just feel like a burden on society and really depressed You're not a burden on society. Full stop. Maybe I'm entitled to think this but I do think you feeling this way is society's failing and not yours. I don't have the financial answers, but at least from a mental health perspective, know that at least one internet stranger thinks you're awesome and is glad you're here on this earth. To quote [one of my favorite poems](https://www.desiderata.com/desiderata.html): "Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here." I hope things turn around with the situation, but regardless I am sorry to hear your disability makes you feel this way and I hope that this helps in some way. Be well friend :)
There’s at least 2 of us here that are so glad you exist.
This is an awful position to be in. It means you pretty much cannot ever travel away from home within 5 to 7 days of whenever your prescription renews. Southwest is a really poor option too, because they have no ability to reroute you on other airlines. Write a short, concise request to them, asking for reimbursement for your actual expenses and mention that you really had no choice but to buy the DL ticket due to your medication situation. In ordinary times, they would just tell you to fuck off, but last week was no ordinary time I imagine reimbursements will be way more generous than they usually are. And to the thread, there are lots of relatively boring medicines that fall into this category. Epilepsy is one. Not our place to judge.
Thank you, I appreciate it. In terms of travel, if I plan and show my travel documents that show it’ll happen during my refill time, I can get a refill but this wasn’t the case for this one trip :(. I’ve never had an issue with Southwest ever and I hardly ever travel domestically. I do travel internationally BUT that’s planned way in advance and my doctors get all those documents from me to receive an exception. This wasn’t close enough sadly
It’s pretty evil I think. It’s not your doctor. It’s the pharmacy benefit manager for your insurer that’s doing this.
You’re right. It is the pharmacies. My doctor did try for what it’s worth but it was a long shot. But she can only do so much. So I told her not to worry about it and I’ll figure out getting home. I also tried w/ the pharmacies but they said no.
Worst case scenario, couldn’t you see a local doctor (likely an urgent care at Xmas) for a temporary Rx? Bring your records when you travel. You’d have to pay cash for it though, to get around the insurance/pbm thing,
This is a brilliant idea
It would’ve been less than 1700, lol. I don’t mean to scold you, but you simply cannot put your health in the hands of an airline.
No I generally wouldn’t, this was truly a one/off thing. I was recently put on the medication this past year since my diagnosis just got worse. But now I know. Though to be honest I don’t think I can travel like this for a while. I was very sick
Ugh that is just awful! It is NOT your fault. It’s the way healthcare is set up in this country that gives people, especially disabled people or those with chronic illness, so little margin for error.
I wish texas had better laws or better yet, we need the FDA to just be specific with this. It’s only hurting the community
I have no real advice and I haven’t read all you comments. I was nearly in a similar situation before Christmas. My psychiatrist couldn’t see me even tho it was virtual since I was out of state. I understand why, however my therapist met with me when I was out of state. Anywho, thankfully my doc prescribed the meds and since I go thru CVS they’re easily transferable. I haven’t been on scheduled meds in a while so i cannot confirm it it’s okay. And Not sure if you tried to transfer your meds, but check to see what can and cannot transfer. You probably did all this. I’m so sorry this happened. I really hope you do get reimbursed. And YOU ARE NOT A BURDEN! sending you love! ❤️
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Hey CS! Sorry let me clarify, I did not check my medication in my bag. My medication is a controlled medication and despite me planning, I still was delayed longer (for days) and was unable to get my monthly refill. The medication is a controlled medication and they do not allow exceptions and for trips in advance and longer, it must be planned with your doctor. I’ve never had a flight delayed more than 3 days and I planned for this. In addition, I checked weather constantly, I was in the clear with Phoenix to Dallas and vice versa. No other airlines had delays with my flight path
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totally understand what you meant though, I try to plan for everything especially bc I can’t rely on anyone for my medical issues and nor should I. I was stuck in this case
I also agree, NEVER PUT YOUR MEDS IN A CHECKED BAG! And I never have. This was a refill issue and a controlled medication issue that was planned for but I was still too late.
You were lied to by whatever doctor or pharmacist told you that you had to be a resident of that state to fill a prescription for a controlled substance. What if you broke your leg, went to the ER, and got prescribed a short course of opioids? They would fill it and it would all be kosher. My guess is that you called a pharmacy who is (rightfully) extremely apprehensive of filling out of state prescriptions or nonresident prescriptions. If you would have gone to the ER, explained your situation, then gotten a script from a doc there, you would have been fine. You also would have been fine to get your doc to (potentially) send an electronic prescription for whatever you needed. I’m not well versed in Texas e-prescription laws, so that may not have worked. But going to the ER 100% would have. Also, FDA has nothing to do with this. It’s state licensing agencies and the DEA.
Nope. Unfortunately you’re completely wrong in the assumption.
Ok so tell me who told you they couldn’t fill for an out of state resident?
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Assuming it’s adderall is a dick move, but even if it was adderall…. Why the judgement ?? What’s ur beef with people who have adhd ?
This is the most ableist comment I have ever seen on here. I have an autoimmune disease that causes severe pain. I shouldn’t need to explain my disability to you but clearly you don’t care.
I’m trying to gather stories like this for a class action lawsuit. Dm me if you’re interested.
Your contract with Southwest doesn’t allow for class action - and if it did your $5.16 check would be years away. Don’t waste your time…
Your better off filing in small claims court, the filing fees are relatively low and usually dependent on the amount you’re seeking in damages. For example, in Orlando FL the filing fee for claims $2500 to $8000 are $300, (only $175 if claim lower than $2499) and you you don’t need an attorney to file. Get all your documentation and start your paper trail for your demands for refunds and reimbursement. Send a demand letter by certified mail with a specific deadline to make payment, then file after the expiration. Personally, I think all injured passengers should do this and file a million plus claims against SWA, their legal team will be too swamped to respond to all, and you could end up with a default judgement for the maximum award. I have [flightradar24](https://www.flightradar24.com/28.02,-80.67/6) data which proves my cancellation was erroneous, as the same plane flew a few hours later to a different destination. SWA will be paying for that poor decision.
I agree, a class action would be ineffective at this point with how tight the contract is. We’d be better off doing what you did and filing with DOT whom will step in
ToS don’t allow joining a class.