Non-Refundable Plane Tickets

I purchased two plane tickets using my Orbitz account and my credit card, however the tickets were for someone else, so I am not the passenger named. I would like to cancel the tickets, as they are not needed. However, I am finding that if I do so, a credit of the balance of the tickets, minus the change fees, would be issued in the passenger's name. Seems like a pain to me, that even though I bought them, any credit can only be used by the other person? Anyone have any experience in a situation like this? 

I purchased two plane tickets using my Orbitz account and my credit card, however the tickets were for someone else, so I am not the passenger named. I would like to cancel the tickets, as they are not needed. However, I am finding that if I do so, a credit of the balance of the tickets, minus the change fees, would be issued in the passenger's name. Seems like a pain to me, that even though I bought them, any credit can only be used by the other person? Anyone have any experience in a situation like this? 

I was in the same situation a few years ago, and they wouldn't give me (the purchaser) any sort of credit.  I ended up eating the cost of the ticket, which sucked

It really does suck, but I guess it was my own error in purchasing non-refundable to begin with. Though I don't think I can afford refundable tickets, so either way it's a lot of money... gone. 

I was in the same situation a few years ago, and they wouldn't give me (the purchaser) any sort of credit.  I ended up eating the cost of the ticket, which sucked

This happened to my parents too.

However, I am finding that if I do so, a credit of the balance of the tickets, minus the change fees, would be issued in the passenger's name. Seems like a pain to me, that even though I bought them, any credit can only be used by the other person?

Even though the refund credit is initially issued to the passenger is there anyway that they can then transfer the credit back to you?

Even though the refund credit is initially issued to the passenger is there anyway that they can then transfer the credit back to you?

Maybe they could use it to buy a ticket in your name the next time you need to travel?

I suppose that is possible, but it's my ex boyfriend, so not sure how accomodating he would be to that idea.

I suppose that is possible, but it's my ex boyfriend, so not sure how accomodating he would be to that idea.

Ooh, ouch.  In that case, I'd ask him straight out to pay you back the cost of the ticket. 

Ooh, ouch.  In that case, I'd ask him straight out to pay you back the cost of the ticket. 

Ditto.

I charged the tickets on my card, and he would have paid me when he came to visit. Considering I am the one that called it off, I think it would be wrong of me to expect him to pay. So, that's where I am at with that. 

I charged the tickets on my card, and he would have paid me when he came to visit. Considering I am the one that called it off, I think it would be wrong of me to expect him to pay. So, that's where I am at with that. 

I don't think it would be wrong if he was going to pay you for them anyway. It's not like you were giving him a gift of the tickets. 

Well I think it's wrong, I am the one that cancelled the trip, so I won't be asking him for any money.

Oh well.  Then I guess you're just out the money. Kinda sucks

Yes well the whole situation sucks, but it is what it is. I just wanted to know if anyone else had dealt with anything like this and if there was any way around it. I got my answers now, thanks.

What a run around. I read up on non-refundable tickets and you are in fact entitled to a refund of the taxes and service fees. Makes sense that you shouldn't be able to be taxed for an item or service you are returning. Sounds simple right, the taxes and fees should be returned to the credit card. Of course it's not as simple as it seems. I booked my tickets through Orbitz.. what a pain. Never again. They keep pushing me off on the airlines then the airlines send me back to them.. nightmare circle.

I haven't cancelled the tickets at this point, in part because of the nonsense about the money and in part because it just makes me sad, and seems so final. Blah.