A flight cancellation nightmare  left a Hudson Valley family fighting for a refund - until News 12 got involved. 

The family shared their travel horror story in the hope that it doesn't happen to anyone else.

Mirna Ramirez, of Airmont, and her sister recently said a tearful goodbye to their parents and aunt who are now safely back in Costa Rica. However, it was not the flight her family was supposed to take.

Ramirez says their original flight on July 7 with Volaris at John F. Kennedy International Airport was canceled without notice - and no one was at the counter when they arrived at the airport.

She says she is frustrated because they even checked in and purchased $265 worth of checked bags hours before the flight.

"In not one moment while on the website did they mention that this flight had been canceled," she says.

Ramirez wants the checked bags fees and the $522 for the return flight refunded.

A Volaris customer service agent only offered them a new flight - with the earliest availability in October -- or an electronic credit.

"My parents couldn't wait until then, they have health issues," she says. "We want them to return our money that we paid."

News 12 attempted to contact Volaris by phone and email but has not received a response.

Ramirez says she won't be using the airline anytime soon.

Her parents and aunt shelled out another $667 for return flights to Costa Rica with another airline.

UPDATE: The Luna family learned they will be getting their money back after they contacted News 12 about their story.