Korean airlines service

As a recent expat arrival to Indonesia, I tend to listen more than talk when confronted with an unpleasant situation in the business sector. However, I do not extend this courtesy to the international airlines.

I recently had the misfortune to attempt to get a refund for a full price ticket, round trip from Alaska, USA to Jakarta on Korean Airlines. Difficulties in securing a tourist visa for my Indonesian wife made the trip impossible. The cost of this ticket was US$1,650.

When this situation was explained to Korean airlines, they at first told me that they could not refund the money because payment had been made with a credit card (?). When the Korean representative realized that I was not buying this explanation, she then told me that I had to return to Alaska to obtain my refund.

I have attempted countless times to deal with Korean airlines over the phone and in writing. Apparently they think that I will eventually go away and they will keep my $1,650 without rendering any service.

As a result of this experience, I feel compelled to alert my colleagues and the general public to the nefarious business practices of Korean airlines.

ROBERT S. FINNEGAN

Jakarta