Man Claims ChatGPT Helped Him Get Over Rs 2 Lakh Travel Refund, Internet Demands Proof
A Reddit user has gone viral for sharing how ChatGPT helped him recover over $2,500 from a non-refundable trip, a story that's sparked both admiration and scepticism online.
In a post titled "Never take no for an answer", the Redditor explained how he had booked a flight and hotel package to Medellin, Colombia via Expedia, but had to cancel last minute due to a medical condition. The catch? Neither the airline nor the hotel allowed cancellations, and he hadn't opted for travel insurance.
Faced with losing thousands of dollars, he turned to ChatGPT-4o for help. He described his condition, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and even obtained a doctor's note. Then, using ChatGPT, he drafted a persuasive letter to Expedia and the hotel, explaining his situation.
According to the post, while Expedia initially cited a strict no-refund policy and the hotel refused to make an exception, the AI-generated letter changed things. "The hotel granted me my refund due to a medical condition," he wrote.
The airline, however, was less cooperative. Its policy allowed refunds only in the event of death or terminal illness. The Redditor shared this response with ChatGPT, which then composed another letter highlighting how mental health conditions can significantly impact travel. Within an hour, the airline allegedly agreed to issue a refund as well.
Posts from the chatgpt
community on Reddit
His takeaway? "Had I not used ChatGPT, I would have had to hire a paralegal... It saved me from losing $2,500."
The story quickly made the rounds on social media and Reddit, with many users praising the creative use of AI to navigate rigid corporate policies. "This is actually genius," one user commented. "Using AI as your personal advocate is the future."
But not everyone was convinced.
Some users called for proof of the refunds, expressing doubt about the timeline and the airline's swift reversal. "Impressive if true - but screenshots would make it more believable," another commenter wrote.
Others debated the ethics of using a medical condition, especially a mental health diagnosis, as grounds for a refund when the policies were clear.
"Redact the personal info and post screenshots of the emails. We're all curious to learn ourselves, and verify the authenticity of the post," another user commented.
"I think the commenters are missing the takeaway on this post. It's a good reminder that Chatgpt can be such a strong advocate for people who may not have the ability, knowledge, or assertiveness to stand up for themselves. Although I agree, in this situation, lying was unethical and OP took advantage," a user wrote.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's 'cheesy peesy' romance in new ad make fans go aww: ‘Love how Anushka blushes'
Amid speculation about their plans to leave India for London, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have teamed up to promote Dubai tourism. In a new ad film, the couple showcases their chemistry, with Virat playfully revealing how he used to get nervous before taking Anushka on dates. Also read: Happy Virat Kohli laughs his heart out with Anushka Sharma at Lucknow airport a day after RCB's big win In an ad film, for a campaign launched by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, Virat and Anushka are seen lounging beside a bonfire, enjoying a romantic night out. The video has emerged on Reddit. 'How are you so amazing?' Anushka asks Virat. To which, he responds, 'What can I say I have learnt from the best', making Anushka blush and mention 'cheesy'. 'Pessy,' says Virat. In another scene, Virat and Anushka are standing at a picturesque Dubai waterfront spot when they notice another couple, prompting Virat to affectionately remark, "Cute couple!" Anushka thinks the other couple might just be friends, but Virat disagrees, confidently saying they're definitely a couple. When Anushka prods further, Virat says, 'They are on a date... See he is nervous. Even I used to be'. The statement made Anushka go 'aww'. The chemistry between Virat and Anushka has fans swooning. One fan shared, 'When did Virat get so good at acting? He surely can replace newbies in Bollywood', with another writing, 'VK is a natural . He should try some acting gigs after retirement'. 'So they are not moving to UK but Dubai,' one wondered, with another mentioning, 'I was thinking they were gonna to UK'. 'Unpopular opinion but I feel that even Virat is a better actor than Anushka,' wrote one. One user said, 'Virat is terrific! But I love how Anushka blushes. I have always loved it. It's so natural and spontaneous. I am sure having Virat as the "co-star" helps'. Virat and Anushka have teamed up with Dubai Tourism for the 'Dubai, Ready For a Surprise' campaign, through which they will be showcasing the city's charms through a film. In a statement, Virat shared, 'Dubai holds a special place for Anushka and me –. The moment we land, everything – from the flavours to the energy – feels just right. Even my favourite chole bhature tastes just as good here! But what amazes us is how the city feels familiar yet always has something new to offer. Whether it's adventure, peaceful moments in the dunes, or just vibing to the perfect playlist on the beach, there's always something for everyone'. To this, Anushka added, "Every visit to Dubai feels like a new discovery. Whether it's for work, or to be with friends, the city surprises you in the best ways. It is a warm city, extremely comforting yet very exciting and there is something new to explore always. From thrilling adventures to unexpected moments, Dubai has a way of matching every mood and every need'. Anushka got married to Virat in 2017 in an intimate ceremony in Italy after dating for several years. The couple welcomed daughter Vamika on January 11, 2021. They welcomed their second child, Akaay on February 15, 2024.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Indian YouTuber recounts terrifying hiking experience in Norway, praises volunteers for swift rescue: 'Angels do exist'
Hiking can be a highly rewarding experience, but it also carries inherent risks. Without proper preparation, sudden weather changes and challenging terrain can quickly transform a peaceful outing into a potentially life-threatening situation. A recent incident in Norway involving Indian content creator Akash Banerjee and his wife, Nidhi, serves as a stark reminder of these dangers. While hiking to Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, they found themselves in a perilous situation. (Also read: Man trekking to Kedarnath with 40kg load to earn daily wage captures hearts online) Banerjee took to Instagram to share his harrowing account, recounting the chain of events that unfolded: "I don't believe in angels & fairies - but I encountered them myself in Norway. Still shaking my head in disbelief (and relief that angels do exist)." He explained that after reaching the summit and soaking in the scenic views, disaster struck on their way back. Nidhi slipped, severely injuring her ankle, around 4 kilometres away from the nearest civilisation. The couple was left stranded in freezing cold winds, with rain approaching and no immediate way to move Nidhi to safety. Banerjee, unsure of what to do next, was advised by fellow hikers to call Norway's emergency number, 113. Reluctantly, he called the number, uncertain of what to expect. However, what followed was nothing short of miraculous. "Within minutes, the responders used my phone to pinpoint our location and assured me that help was on the way," Banerjee wrote. True to their word, within an hour, a team of rescuers, including doctors, arrived at their location. The team used a vacuum bag to secure Nidhi's leg and a portable stretcher to transport her safely to the base camp. What left Banerjee in awe was that these volunteers were not professional rescuers, but ordinary Norwegians who gave their time to help those in need. (Also read: ChatGPT falsely claims Norwegian man killed his sons, he takes legal action against Sam Altman's OpenAI) Adding to the surprise, Banerjee discovered that the rescue operation was provided by the Norwegian People's Aid (Norsk Folkehjelp), an NGO that offers rescue services and first aid free of charge. The volunteers, who came from various professions, such as a surveyor and a petroleum industry worker, had selflessly stepped in to assist. Banerjee praised the nation's community spirit and hospitality, remarking that Norway's generosity and willingness to help made it one of the happiest nations in the world. Check out the post here: A post shared by Akash Banerjee (@ Banerjee's post quickly went viral, with social media users praising the actions of the Norwegian volunteers. One user commented, "It's called sense of community and civic sense. Civic sense isn't just picking up garbage, it's having the compassion to be kind to everyone." Another added, "Beautiful country. Lovely, helpful people. So glad you got all the assistance you needed and more."
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
‘Hope your...: Employee fakes sick leave for Coorg trip, gets caught dancing in viral reel; boss's reaction leaves internet in splits
In a bizarre incident, an employee faked having a 'stomach flu' to skip work and enjoy a fun weekend trip to Coorg, which turned into a nightmare. The employee claimed to have been exposed in a Reddit post after being noticed by his boss in a viral vacation video. The employee shared a video of himself enjoying a trip to Coorg last month. He captioned the Reddit post, mentioning, "Last month I took Friday off for a trip to Coorg. Told my manager I had stomach flu. Got tagged in a background reel of someone dancing at the homestay." The video quickly went viral and blew up on Instagram with 13K likes. How did the boss find out about the viral reel? The employee later revealed in the post that on Monday, his skip-level manager sent the reel link and said, 'Hope your stomach is better.' Further, he thanked God that he is still employed, but since the incident took place, none of his work-from-home requests have been approved by his manager. 'He doesn't trust me now,' he added. The post sparked discussion on social media, and some even shared their own experiences. Netizens react to the viral post As soon as the post surfaced on social media, it quickly went viral, and netizens started sharing their reactions to it. One wrote, "Wish the social media team would have noticed this for some tips." "Deleting insta rn," another added. While one said, "This is hilarious." Well, such incidents are not uncommon. In our everyday lives, we come across stories of overly cautious, toxic bosses who are also common. In an unrelated post, an employee made a shocking claim about her boss that she is asking her to send her GPS location even while she is on leave. The woman wrote on Reddit that she applied for leave due to the cancer surgery of one of her family members.
