Backup flight tickets?

[HueyDeweyLouie]

I purchased non-refundable roundtrip United tickets that I'm stuck with. But with all the problems they are having I'm worried about delays, lost baggage, horrid service etc. I know this may sound anal... but would it be stupid to get a "refundable anytime" ticket from another airline say Southwest, just as a backup to be safe in case United messes up? And if it goes ok, I can just refund the unused Southwest ticket. My main concern is delays.

With that said since I have roundtrips will United still honor my RETURN flight, if I don't use the DEPARTURE flight? I'm not really a travel expert so any advice is much appreciated. I would be willing to spend extra money to buy a refundable backup (departure) ticket just so that I can began my Disney vacation right away and get to my CG PS dinner on time. Which may I add is reserved under my credit card, so if I miss the dinner (b/c of delay) they charge me.

 

[canwegosoon]

What time is your flight, any connections,and what time is your PS? When is your trip? Because United and others seem to always make schedule changes up until the 30-60 day mark...if they make change your flight times, I believe you can get a full refund even on non-refundable tickets.

 

[gw_lit]

With that said since I have roundtrips will United still honor my RETURN flight, if I don't use the DEPARTURE flight? I'm not really a travel expert so any advice is much appreciated.

If you don't take your departing (first) flight on a roundtrip ticket the airline will cancel the return flight. My other concern would be what happens if there is a weather delay, you could be delayed by hours (I'm not sure how much time you have to get from the airport to CG is everything is on time) and still miss your CG PS.

if they make change your flight times, I believe you can get a full refund even on non-refundable tickets.

The change on the flight times must be fairly significant (i.e. a change of 5 minutes isn't going to be eligible to be refunded) in order to be refunded. Even if you get your refund 30-60 days out, you'll still have to re-purchase tickets which could cost significantly more since you're much closer to the travel date, this will especially be true if you're flying at any kind of peak time.

 

[HueyDeweyLouie]

What time is your flight, any connections,and what time is your PS?

Theres an 8 hour window between morning departure to PS at night, so there should still be plenty of time available for a backup flight in between. My United tickets are non-stop 2 hr 45 minute flight.

If you don't take your departing (first) flight on a roundtrip ticket the airline will cancel the return flight.

Thanks for that info.

 

[safetymom]

I think you will be fine with United. Keep an eye on United on www.flyertalk.com I don't see the need for a backup ticket.

No you can't miss the first leg of your journey and then take the return flight. Your ticket will be cancelled.

 

[canwegosoon]

You should be fine, but I did have a flight moved back 2 hours, and that might be hard for you to do(hopefully that won't happen). I have had good luck with United, and I did not wait really long for our luggage.