A Reddit user has become popular online after sharing how ChatGPT helped him get back over ₹2,08,250 from a non-refundable trip.In a post called “Never take no for an answer,” the user said he had booked a flight and hotel package to Medellin, Colombia through Expedia. But he had to cancel at the last minute because of a health issue. The problem was that both the airline and hotel had a no-cancellation policy, and he didn’t buy travel insurance.

Not wanting to lose his money, he asked ChatGPT-4o for help. He explained that he had Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and even got a doctor’s note. Then he used ChatGPT to write a detailed letter to Expedia and the hotel, explaining his situation.

At first, Expedia and the hotel said no to a refund. But after sending the AI-written letter, things changed. The user said the hotel gave him a full refund because of his medical issue. This story has led to a mix of praise and doubt online, but it shows how some people are using AI tools like ChatGPT to solve real-life problems.The airline, however, was stricter. Its rule was to give refunds only in cases of death or serious illness. He asked ChatGPT to help again, and it wrote another letter focusing on how mental health issues affect travel. Within an hour, the airline also agreed to refund.

The Redditor said he would have lost ₹2 lakh if not for ChatGPT. The story went viral, with many calling it a smart way to use AI. Some said using AI like this could be helpful for people who struggle to speak up for themselves.
However, others were doubtful. Some wanted proof and screenshots. A few also questioned if it was right to use a medical issue to get around strict rules.