Cost issues with Safair - Upgrade of flight due to medical problem

<p>Whilst in Cape Town for one week I had ear pressure problem equalising and an added irritation of a middle ear infection. I could only see the doctor on 3rd January due to the holidays. I was due to fly back on Friday 6th January. </p> <p>I contacted Safair call centre and spoke to Azemahle, told her the medical problem and after upgrading my airticket to fly back on Monday 9th, and paying in the difference in cost from my previous flight which was R800, I emailed her th doctor's letter. Azemahle said "It's our Policy we don't refund passengers for upgrades". </p> <p>I explained that it was a medical reason and clearly if I had flown back on the original flight I could have disrupted other passengers if I had a burst ear drum. She did not seem at all interested in my dilemma nor the fact that it would now be costing me more money to stay in CT another 3 nights. I then asked for a senior person in the Finance Department and was put through to Rishaan, her team leader who also came up with the same answer that it is Safair's policy not to reimburse the passenger. </p> <p>I mentioned that I am a pensioner and a single parent and was quite amazed that no compensation would be given to me for the upgrade, even 50% refund I would have been happy with. R400 would mean a lot more to me than the airline. </p> <p>But, no joy! I mentioned to Rishaan that I now have no option but to put my story on Hello Peter and he was not at all concerned. </p> <p>What a bad start to the new year!!</p> <p>Lorraine</p>