Lynn McKain: US Airways Wouldn't Refund Tickets Despite Cancer Diagnosis (POLL, VIDEO)

US Airways Refunds Cancer Patient's Tickets. Is That Fair?

A Washington, D.C. woman who got mad at US Airways after the airline declined to refund her non-refundable tickets despite a recent cancer diagnosis got her money back after her complaint set off a firestorm of criticism online.

Lynn McKain was given the all-clear to fly from her doctor earlier this year as she planned for a dream vacation in Belize. McKain and her family purchased five non-refundable tickets for $4,200 before she learned that her cancer had returned, CBS New York reports.

McKain told local news station WUSA that refunding the family's tickets is "a human thing to do, the compassionate thing to do."

The airline was under no obligation to refund the tickets, but US Airways spokeswoman Liz Landau told Fox News & Commentary on Tuesday, “We are so sorry to hear about the situation with Mrs. McKain and we empathize with her." The airline offered the family vouchers, prompting Ms McKain to tell WUSA: "Big deal -- I may not be alive. What good is a voucher gonna do me?”

After a minor uproar online and numerous reports, the airline changed its tune Tuesday night, offering the family a full refund for the trip from BWI airport to Belize.

"It feels like a lot of stress has been taken of my shoulders," McKain told WUSA after she found out the tickets had been refunded.

WATCH: Coverage of the refund ordeal.

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