The actor criticized the airline for refusing a medical waiver on her canceled ticket, citing her ailing 92-year-old father. Air India claims the ticket was non-refundable.
March 20, 2025: Lisa Ray Criticizes Air India Over Medical Refund Denial, Airline Responds
Indian-Canadian actor Lisa Ray has taken to social media to criticize Air India for refusing to waive the cancellation fee on her flight ticket, which she canceled due to her father’s medical emergency. The 52-year-old actor claimed she submitted a doctor’s letter confirming her father’s condition but was still denied a waiver.
Air India’s Response
Air India responded publicly, expressing sympathy and requesting her email details to look into the issue. However, sources from the airline clarified that:
- Lisa Ray had booked a non-refundable ticket through a third-party travel agent, and the waiver denial was not Air India’s decision but rather the agent’s.
- The airline offered her the option to reschedule, but she declined the alternative.
- The refund policy depends on the fare class of the ticket—fully refundable, non-refundable, or partially refundable.
Lisa Ray’s Counterargument
Lisa Ray, best known for her role in Water (2005), argued that in cases of medical emergencies, many international airlines provide refunds, citing her past experience with Emirates, which granted her a full refund under similar circumstances.
“This is not about money but about principle. In legitimate medical emergencies, why should a passenger be penalized—especially when other airlines offer refunds?” she questioned.
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Other Recent Complaints Against Air India
Lisa Ray’s criticism follows a series of high-profile complaints against Air India in recent months:
- Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was assigned a broken seat on a flight from Bhopal to Delhi.
- Congress leader P. Chidambaram called the airline’s service “incompetent” following a flight delay.
- Actor Tillotama Shome slammed the airline for not notifying passengers about an 8.5-hour delay.
- Journalist stranded in Milan due to an 18-hour flight delay, missing her sister’s wedding.
- Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej has repeatedly criticized Air India for business class downgrades and refund refusals.
What’s Next?
While Air India maintains that non-refundable tickets come with fixed terms, Lisa Ray’s criticism raises questions about customer service and emergency policies. The incident has reignited debates over airline transparency and passenger rights in India.
Tags:
Lisa Ray, Air India Controversy, Airline Refund Policy, Medical Waiver, Customer Rights, Air Travel Issues, Non-Refundable Ticket, Travel Disputes, Tata Air India, Flight Cancellation