Easy Cancellation Package Was Misleading for My Situation
I would not book through SmartFares again. I purchased an Alaska Airlines ticket through SmartFares and paid an additional $35 for the Easy Cancellation Package because I believed it would give me some flexibility if my travel plans changed. Unfortunately, when I needed to cancel my trip, I was told that my ticket could not be canceled. The only refund I received was the $35 Easy Cancellation Package fee. The airfare itself was not refundable, and no future flight credit was available because it was a Saver fare. I contacted Alaska Airlines directly to see if there were any options available. They confirmed that because the ticket was purchased through SmartFares, they could not make any changes or offer any assistance. They also confirmed that the Saver fare had no remaining value as a future flight credit or refund. What disappointed me most was that I paid extra for the Easy Cancellation Package, yet when I needed to cancel, it did not provide the flexibility I expected. I wish the limitations of the Easy Cancellation Package had been explained much more clearly before purchase. My advice to future travelers is to read all the fare rules very carefully and fully understand what the Easy Cancellation Package does and does not cover before purchasing. If the price difference is small, I would strongly recommend booking directly with the airline instead of using a third-party travel agency. It can save a great deal of time, frustration, and uncertainty if your travel plans change.