Watch CBS News

US Airways Denies Refund For Stage-4 Cancer Patient

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- No bending the rules.

An airline has refused to budge even when confronted with a life and death situation.

US Airways has denied a refund for a Washington D.C. woman suffering from stage-4 breast cancer.

As CBS 2's Kristine Johnson reports, Lynn McKain and her family had been planning a dream vacation to Belize. The family booked five "non-refundable tickets" totaling $4,200.

But before the McKains could take off for their vacation, Lynn was diagnosed with breast cancer and advised to begin chemotherapy immediately. The McKains had to cancel their vacation plans.

When Lynn contacted U.S. Airways to notify them of her situation, and ask for a refund, her request was denied. US Airways offered nothing more than a voucher that would allow the McKains to use the tickets at another time. But Lynn McKain, who has already began chemotherapy, pointed out that tickets at a later date may be useless.

"Big deal -- I may not be alive. What good is a voucher gonna do me?" Lynn said.

Even after receiving letters and medical documents from McKain explaining her condition, US Airways still chose to stand by its policy. A spokesperson told CBS that "unfortunately we do not offer refunds on non-refundable tickets, but we'll work with her to waive her change fees, and make sure that she can use her tickets at another time.

McKain has held out hope that US Airways will alter its stance.

"It's the human thing to do. It's a compassionate thing to do...I would like nothing more before I die than to sit on a beautiful beach," Lynn said.

In response to inquiries from CBS, a US Airways spokesperson said they could make the vouchers transferable so that a family member could use them in the future.

Do you think that U.S. Airways is doing enough for Lynn McKain? Should they giver and her family a full refund? Let us know in our comments section below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.