Exchanging unused tickets

On Sept. 10, 2001, my husband purchased three tickets from Continental through Orbitz to travel on Sept.21, 2001. After the 9-11 tragedy, he called Orbitz to cancel the tickets and get a refund and was told the refund had to come from Continental. He spoke several times with Continental informing them that because of our reluctance to fly we would be cancelling our reservations and would like a refund. We received a cancel confirmation and were told that Continental was not refunding tickets, that due to the special circumstances the paper tickets we hold would be good for two years that all we had to do was purchase tickets and pay the difference. On August 25 we reserved 4 tickets on Continental hoping to exchange the tickets we are holding and pay the difference in the fare. Continental is declining this offer and stating they gave out refunds. Please direct me in resolving this problem.

This is a tricky situation since the ticket was originally purchased through Orbitz and not directly from Continental. At this point I would call Continental’s CEO, Gordon Bethuneat, at 1-800-932-2732, and explain the situation stating that you want it resolved.

Joel