Patent ID: 7228313
Filing Date: 2007-06-05
Classification: G06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for facilitating the automated refund or an unused ticket comprising the steps of: setting an aging period, via a first party computer system, wherein the aging period establishes a criteria for determining how old a ticket must be before it is assumed that the ticket will not be used; identifying, via the first party computer system, the scheduled departure date of an issued ticket for selected purchasers; adding, via the first party computer system, the aging period to the scheduled departure date and if the scheduled date plus the aging period is earlier than the current date, determining, via the first party computer system, whether at least one segment of the ticket has not been used, wherein the segment is one leg of a multi-leg trip; when at least one segment of the ticket has not been used, calculating, via the first party computer system, the residual value of the ticket by analyzing the residual value of each segment using segment information, wherein analyzing the residual value includes analyzing fare basis codes, used ticket segments, unused ticket segments, fare paid for ticket segments, penalty information and if the ticket is refundable; and, issuing, via the first party computer system, a refund from a third party carrier, wherein the ticket previously provided access to travel on the carrier.