American Airlines Dilemma

[nluvwithdisney]

Guys,

I need your advice. I booked our flights back in March for our November trip this year. We originally had a 7:00 am flight on November 11 and a 8:00 pm flight returning on November 20.

American Airlines has drastically changed my flights. On the 11th we are now leaving at 9:30 am. On the 20th the flight has been bumped up 5 hours to 3:30 in the afternoon. I can handle the 11th but the 20th is extreme. The 8:00 flight was perfect because we were driving to Orlando from Jacksonville that day after visiting friends.

What recourse do I have?

 

[DebbieB]

Check the online schedule and see if there are any later flights. If there are, call them and ask to be switched. You could also check if they have flights the following morning (extra hotel would be your expense). You would be entitled to a refund due to the schedule change, if you wish to cancel and go with another airline. Keep in mind that there are likely to be more changes before November, most airlines are constantly juggling their schedules these days.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Guys,

I need your advice. I booked our flights back in March for our November trip this year. We originally had a 7:00 am flight on November 11 and a 8:00 pm flight returning on November 20.

American Airlines has drastically changed my flights. On the 11th we are now leaving at 9:30 am. On the 20th the flight has been bumped up 5 hours to 3:30 in the afternoon. I can handle the 11th but the 20th is extreme. The 8:00 flight was perfect because we were driving to Orlando from Jacksonville that day after visiting friends.

What recourse do I have?

I agree with DebbieB. Call American. DebbieB did a good job defining your oprions.

Effective August 22, American Airlines is eliminating their evening (approx. 8:00 p.m.) flight from Orlando to Chicago-O'Hare. Effective August 23, American is eliminating their early morning (approx. 7:00 a.m.) flight from Chicago-O'Hare to Orlando. They're cutting service from 5 flights per day in each direction to 4 flights per day -- even though they've already sold plenty of tickets on the flights that are being cut.

This schedule change messed me up too. We have two trips to Orlando on American later this year, and we were ticketed on American's evening flight to Chicago for both. For both trips, American moved us to their afternoon flight (approx. 3:30 p.m.) -- 4 1/2 hours earlier -- which will be their latest nonstop from Orlando to Chicago.

I called American. For one trip, I decided to go with a connection through Miami that leaves Orlando around 6:30 (even though I usually avoid connections). For the other trip, I kept the new return flight on the final day, but American allowed me to change our inbound flight to an earlier flight to gain back the time we lost on he final day.

There was no fee and no hassle for these changes. I would have preferred to keep out original schedule, but, of course, that's not an option.

If your plan is to be in Jacksonville on the last day, consider asking American to put you on the evening connection from Jacksonville to Chicago. You would leave Jacksonville after 5:00 p.m., and you would change in Dallas. You would avoid the 2+ hour drive from Jacksonville back to Orlando. (Your rental car might cost more because of the one-way rental.) If the agent says he or she can't do that, ask to speak to a supervisor. Remember, American in inconveniencing you, not the other way around.

 

[agnes!]

I've been told in the past that there is no charge for a one-way car rental in Florida (& that this was a state law, but am not sure about that.) We have travelled from Tampa/Orlando & Miami/Orlando with no additional charges. Check out MouseSavers.Com for any possible rental car deals...

That's too bad about American changing your flights. Hope the rest of your trip goes much better ,
agnes!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I cancelled my AA flights and re-booked on my favorite airline, Midwest Airlines out of Milwaukee. Initially I did AA, against my better judgement, as in March the fare difference was about $150. Now only $40, and for $40 more I will GLADLY fly Midwest.

 

[littlestix]

I had a recent problem with a flight for October on Northwest. They changed our flight from Indy - Orlando and also from Orlando -Indy. I was not at all happy. They didn't even offer a flight from Orlando-Indy that I could deal with. Anyway, I called them up and was able to get a full refund (over $750.00 for 4 people). Later that same day.........I got a Ding from SW and was able to get great non-stop flights for $328.00.

 

[JoeCathyAngelina]

Them changing your flight time is your ticket to cancelling the flight and get a full refund "IF" a better or cheaper flight comes up before your trip. Use the change to your advantage and keep an eye out for a better deal. I did and it worked for me.
Good Luck

 

[eeyore45]

Them changing your flight time is your ticket to cancelling the flight and get a full refund "IF" a better or cheaper flight comes up before your trip. Use the change to your advantage and keep an eye out for a better deal. I did and it worked for me.
Good Luck

I wrote them about how disappointed I was, what would make me a "loyal" AA customer, they know that Orlando is a vacation destination, and the flights they cancelled... yada yada (I had the same flights booked as you for Oct) the response was.. cancel full refund...

WOW... ok, fine then!!

Thanks Dan about the info on WI, I always forget that airport!!

 

[amyjo]

After reading this, I am glad I booked Midwest out of Milwaukee. I almost bought the flights on American that are being eliminated! I did pay a bit more for Midwest, but I think it's going to be worth it.