Changing Airline tickets

[Mommy Poppins]

We booked our air thru US Air when the "military" rates came out. Our return flight time is horrible--early on a Saturday morning. We would rather leave later in the day or early on Sunday morning. My DH didn't think about this he just booked because it was a good rate.

Now, of course, I've looked at the tickets and times, etc. and want to change them. Since then, I've found comparable and cheaper airfare with US Air with better flight times. Anyone know how I can do this without incurring astronomical fees?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Not that I know of. If they are identical flights with identical codes, they you might get a voucher if they are less expensive, but, to change a time you incur fees.

 

[mcnuss]

Just call them and ask! But the longer you dilly dally, the worse your chances are of making the change.

 

[safetymom]

There is a $100 change fee if you want to change your dates or times.

 

[Jillpie]

Why not just cancel and then rebook?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Jillpie
Why not just cancel and then rebook?

You still pay the fee.

 

[Jillpie]

Gail, I'm not sure what you mean. If she cancels the flights completely and then on another day, books a whole new set of flights, what is the fee? It wouldn't be considered a change fee?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Jillpie
Gail, I'm not sure what you mean. If she cancels the flights completely and then on another day, books a whole new set of flights, what is the fee? It wouldn't be considered a change fee?

If you cancel your plans, you do not get a refund. It is generally held as a credit. They will hit the OP with a rebooking fee or cancellation fee. The only exception to this is a non restricted fliight or cancellation within 24 hours of purchase. The only airline that I know of that does not charge a change or cancellation fee is SWA.

For usair policy, start your reading here: http://www.usair.com/customers/changes/refunds/

 

[Mommy Poppins]

I don't mind paying a one time $100 fee to change our tickets. That is worth it to me. However, we have 7 tickets! Will the $100 be charged per ticket?

 

[safetymom]

Yes it would be per ticket.

 

[Mommy Poppins]

That's kind of what I figured. I think I'm still going to go into AAA and see if they have any ideas.

Thanks for all your replies.

 

[safetymom]

Good luck. Since TA's don't make a commission on airline tickets I wouldn't expect them to do much unless they really want your business.

You might have better luck contacting the airline directly.

 

[Mommy Poppins]

Thanks safetymom. I think we actually have a local US Air office, maybe I will stop in there.

 

[Jillpie]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
If you cancel your plans, you do not get a refund. It is generally held as a credit. They will hit the OP with a rebooking fee or cancellation fee. The only exception to this is a non restricted fliight or cancellation within 24 hours of purchase. The only airline that I know of that does not charge a change or cancellation fee is SWA.

For usair policy, start your reading here: http://www.usair.com/customers/changes/refunds/

I had no idea you can't get a refund! I just thought they would just refund your credit card if you cancel. Well thats lousy. I learned the hard way that you must be definite about your plans as we just went through the whole "change fee" thing this past Spring when my DH was still out of work. What a major hassle. So if the OP cancels, and she decides to book new flights say 3 weeks later, they consider that a rebooking and not a whole new transaction? They get ya comin and goin .

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Jillpie
I had no idea you can't get a refund! I just thought they would just refund your credit card if you cancel. Well thats lousy. I learned the hard way that you must be definite about your plans as we just went through the whole "change fee" thing this past Spring when my DH was still out of work. What a major hassle. So if the OP cancels, and she decides to book new flights say 3 weeks later, they consider that a rebooking and not a whole new transaction? They get ya comin and goin .

No, it is called "cheap travel" with non refundable airfares. If you are not solid about your travel dates, then you need to book refundable airfares, at a much higher price. They don't get you coming and going, they are a business and as such need to make money.

 

[Jillpie]

Gotcha. You'd think I'd know this after booking the last 4 trips with nonrefundable tickets. I guess its because I've never had to do any changing or cancelling before last spring, so never really had to think about it. That was a real duh moment .

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Jillpie
Gotcha. You'd think I'd know this after booking the last 4 trips with nonrefundable tickets. I guess its because I've never had to do any changing or cancelling before last spring, so never really had to think about it. That was a real duh moment .

LOL, I have those moments all the time. Brings comic relief to the household.

 

[erikthewise]

There is one situation in which you can usually get a complete refund or free rebooking. That's when the airline cancels your flight, or changes your flight time by a couple hours or more. This has happened a lot the last couple years, and has happened to me on our last two WDW trips.

You can pray hard that this happens to you! Then you may be able to change to a more desirable flight without charge. If not, at least you still have tickets, and haven't spent $700 for nothing.

 

[sln88]

No, it is called "cheap travel" with non refundable airfares. If you are not solid about your travel dates, then you need to book refundable airfares, at a much higher price. They don't get you coming and going, they are a business and as such need to make money.


But, why is it ok for them to change our flights, but we don't get to charge THEM a change fee? Sure, they need to make $, but if the OP wants to change to a similarily priced flight, they should let her. Will they? Of course not. It would be the right thing to do.

 

[safetymom]

I think on the cheaper tickets there should be a change fee. I wouldn't want to try and manage the loads on a plane if people could change their plans on a whim.