Viral Reddit Post: Traveller Uses ChatGPT As 'Lawyer' To Get Rs 2.14 Lakh On Non-Refundable Trip
The traveller said they did not purchase insurance for cancellation when booking the flight and hotel to Medellin. When the trip had to be cancelled, they used ChatGPT to get refunds.
A traveller managed to get money back from their non-refundable hotel and airline bookings via an unlikely source of help — ChatGPT. A Reddit user has claimed that the artificial intelligence chatbot helped them get refunds on their trip to Medellín, Colombia. According to their post, using ChatGPT saved $2500 or Rs 2.14 lakh.
The post has sparked a debate about the usefulness of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence in daily life.
The Redditor wrote that they did not purchase insurance for cancellation when booking the flight and hotel to Medellin through Expedia. When the trip had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, they faced a problem. Both the hotel and the airline had a no-cancellation policy.
They asked ChatGPT to act as their 'lawyer'. A medical excuse- Generalised anxiety disorder or GAD was given as the reason for the cancellation. “I did get a doctor's note about it. I asked ChatGPT to write a letter for me for Expedia to advocate for me. Their response was that there was no cancellation policy,” the post read.
“And the hotel refused to honour my refund due to medical conditions. ChatGPT researched Expedia policies, the hotels, policies, and the airline policies. It then wrote a letter for me advocating. The hotel granted me my refund due to a medical condition,” the Redditor claimed.
As for the airline, the company initially refused to refund the money and stated that it was only possible in case of terminal illness or death. The traveller used ChatGPT to write another letter. The letter described why and how the person’s condition could affect the flight. It also accused the airline of being biased “based on a mental illness.” The company gave back the money.
“So what I’m trying to get at is… had I not used ChatGPT? I would have had to hire a paralegal. And that would’ve cost me more money,” the post continued.
The post instantly went viral on social media. A section of the audience was not ready to buy the traveller’s story.
“Pics or it didn't happen,” a comment read.
“So you used ChatGPT to lie and commit fraud. Is this post supposed to be impressive?” an account wrote.
“Alternatively: buy travel insurance. If you didn't and you had to cancel, that's entirely on you. You didn't deserve the refunds,” a user noted.
Some people saw both sides of the situation. “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,” an account wrote.
What are your thoughts on the matter?
