Check your Delta flights! **CHECK AGAIN**

[DebbieB]

I am planning to call them at lunchtime. I pulled up my itinerary and they changed it again! Now they have us arriving at JFK at 2:25 and leaving for MCO at 2:25. Ahhh, I don't think that will work. I'll update after I call later.

 

[pilferk]

jaccceee - you must be watching the same flights we are out of BDL - Delta keeps changing the flights - looks like the fight today is 799 - but that is for 1st class - they dont have the regular seats for sale yet it seems. I am assuming that they switched back to a MD88 and need to re-seat all the other people that have already bought tickets for the other flight they have been selling for the past month which was an Airbus.

We are going in October and have been holding off - I noticed last week they were 218 + fees but we didnt buy so we are still waiting/watching.

We were told that first class flight for $799 isn't actually a flight...it should be "taken away" soon. (Edit: The CSR that told us this was WRONG! In fact, the reason it is only showing 1st class available is because the flight was newly created, but none of the passengers on the "NWA" version of the flight were moved over to it).

We're booked out of BDL for mid-September and got the word yesterday of MASSIVE changes to our itinerary. We'd booked non-stops both to and from Orlando. Now we're on a flight to DETROIT, less than an hour layover, and then on to Orlando. Our arrival time has pushed back more than 2 hours...

We were booked on a similar itinerary on the way home...having us leave 2 hours earlier than previously scheduled AND arriving 2 hours later. We found ONE non-stop leaving at 5:30 PM, since that scheduling didn't work for us, but the Customer Service supervisor we talked to has no faith it will actually fly, and says we'll likely get shuffled around again.

We booked these flights because they were cheap (cheaper than SW..then and now), AND because they were non-stop. I think it's a load of patooie for Delta to make such drastic schedule changes less than 90 days from travel, when they know full well that airfare has gone up since these bookings. I smell a bit of "bait and switch", though I'm sure some will argue the contrary.

 

[pilferk]

For those of you watching the BDL flights and time - also check Northwest since they are now part of Delta. We booked our Aug. flights on Delta and it has been changed to Northwest at the same time - first flight out in the morning (non-stop). The flights from BDL to MCO through Atlanta are listing at $201 today on the Delta sight for mid-Oct. They don't seem to be listing the non-stops though.

You're gonna wanna check your flights.

We were on the same ones (6:50 AM out of BDL, to MCO). We booked originally as Delta flights, and they were changed to NWA flights in March. I'm not sure when the changeover occurs, but that NWA flight has been eliminated. In fact, the CS supervisor we talked to said Delta is in the process of eliminating MOST non-stop flights (unless you're going to a hub). (edit: Not true, the CSR was woefully misinformed...sound familiar??)

We're not too happy with Delta right now......i

 

[pilferk]

Wow! Thanks for the heads-up! I just checked our October flights - what a mess. DH and I were originally flying out on the 6:50am non-stop flight BDL to MCO and then back on the 5:40 pm non-stop flight MCO to BDL. One of our tickets was cash and the other used miles.

They have been re-arranging the flights over the last several weeks but we still had our approximate times, just a switch from Delta and an MD88 to NWA and an Airbus. Today, however, the website says we are going BDL to MCO on the same flight, but they bumped me to a 1-stop with a layover in DTW and left DH on the non-stop coming home!

DH's itinerary still shows an NWA non-stop flight coming home at 5:40 pm but if you search for new flights for that day, you see a Delta flight coming home at 5:30 pm. The rep was able to get me on the non-stop at 5:30 but then realized DH is still showing on the 5:40. Now, I can't believe they are going to have both an NWA and a Delta plane leaving for Hartford within 10 minutes of each other. I'm still on hold - the rep is trying hard but still can't get us on the same plane. And, if you look at DH's itinerary, the BDL to MCO times show the correct times but when you click on the flight number, it is going somewhere other than what shows on the itinerary itself. My confidence is slipping here, though my brain says Delta will get this right in the end.

After a long time on the call, the rep just came back on and said that the computer system itinerary info has not caught up with the actual flight changes for all passengers but that he now has me on the correct flights (both directions non-stops) and now DH's flights are WRONG! The computer will not let the rep change DH's info just yet - we have to call tomorrow to make sure DH's itinerary changes to the new flight information. Oh, well - we will get to WDW one way or the other - no sense stressing too much, I guess. And, I must say, the Delta rep was extremely friendly and really did try to help us get this fixed.

BOTH directions, non-stops? Do you have the flight numbers?

We were told they weren't DOING a non-stop to Orlando out of BDL....if they are, I surely want us put on it!

 

[pilferk]

Double post...sorry!

 

[DebbieB]

Update - I called and got us on a flight going through Atlanta. We'll leave about 20 minutes earlier than the original JFK flight but arrive 2 hours earlier! I would have booked through Atlanta originally but it was not available with miles. I'm happy we're going through Atlanta now, they have practically hourly flights to Orlando if we should miss the connection.

 

[pilferk]

Update:

After jumping through the Delta CSR ring AGAIN, we were able to get back on a non-stop flight out of BDL to MCO.

For anyone having problems....tell them you want Flight 1221 out of BDL. It doesn't come up for the CSR's on a regular search even though there IS coach availability. It's too "new" in the system, and is only showing 1st class available...which is incorrect once the CSR looks closer.

So, after some hoop jumping, etc.....we're basically back to where we started!

Apparently, here's what happened (told to me by illuminations here on the DIS boards and then confirmed by a MUCH more helpful Delta CSR than the ones we encountered yesterday):
Originally, it was a Delta flight. In March, the flight was changed over to an "Operated by Northwest" flight, to do some consolidation out of BDL. THIS week, they decided, instead of NWA operating the flight, it would become a Delta flight (again). When that happened. they "cancelled" the NWA flight and the NWA auto-rebooking software took over....rebooking us to stay with NWA as a carrier and ignoring the newly created Delta non-stop flight. The new Delta flight, which we actually saw yesterday but only with 1st class availabilty, has not hit the system "in full" yet. In fact, the only seats you can buy are 1st class seats. The CSR today said she expects that to change by the end of the week (Friday, she said).

We were able to re-route to this flight AND all get seats together (the 5 in our travelling party, and the 2 in the party accompanying us).

 

[MrsToad]

Update:

After jumping through the Delta CSR ring AGAIN, we were able to get back on a non-stop flight out of BDL to MCO.

For anyone having problems....tell them you want Flight 1221 out of BDL. It doesn't come up for the CSR's on a regular search even though there IS coach availability. It's too "new" in the system, and is only showing 1st class available...which is incorrect once the CSR looks closer.

So, after some hoop jumping, etc.....we're basically back to where we started!

Apparently, here's what happened (told to me by illuminations here on the DIS boards and then confirmed by a MUCH more helpful Delta CSR than the ones we encountered yesterday):
Originally, it was a Delta flight. In March, the flight was changed over to an "Operated by Northwest" flight, to do some consolidation out of BDL. THIS week, they decided, instead of NWA operating the flight, it would become a Delta flight (again). When that happened. they "cancelled" the NWA flight and the NWA auto-rebooking software took over....rebooking us to stay with NWA as a carrier and ignoring the newly created Delta non-stop flight. The new Delta flight, which we actually saw yesterday but only with 1st class availabilty, has not hit the system "in full" yet. In fact, the only seats you can buy are 1st class seats. The CSR today said she expects that to change by the end of the week (Friday, she said).

We were able to re-route to this flight AND all get seats together (the 5 in our travelling party, and the 2 in the party accompanying us).

Sorry I didn't get home in time to answer your question, but I'm happy it all worked out for you! The Delta/NWA/Back to Delta switches at least explain how we ended up going through Detroit.

For what it's worth, I've added a reminder to Outlook so that I will check our flights a minimum of once a week - these may not be the last changes!

 

[pilferk]

The CSR today said she expects that to change by the end of the week (Friday, she said).

Delta's site is now showing the update, and regular coach seats are available for purchase. I'm sure the travel sites will be showing them soon.

 

[TiggerD]

As I had posted a few days ago, we also had problems with our flight from BDL and was switched to a 1-stop in Detroit on the 10th of September, we are now confirmed on the Delta 1221 leaving at 6:50a.m. non stop and also a non stop on Delta on our return trip on the 19th. I will keep checking every other day just to make sure it stays that way.

 

[francie57]

Just checked my flights and sure enough they had us going through Detroit. I called Delta and am now on my original DELTA flight (before it was changed to another NWA nonstop) No. 1252 out of MCO at 5:30. Should be receiving the confirmation any moment. Thanks for the heads up. Hope they get this all worked out soon since we have never had any changes to our flight until this upcoming trip.

 

[pooch]

As I had posted a few days ago, we also had problems with our flight from BDL and was switched to a 1-stop in Detroit on the 10th of September, we are now confirmed on the Delta 1221 leaving at 6:50a.m. non stop and also a non stop on Delta on our return trip on the 19th. I will keep checking every other day just to make sure it stays that way.

Flight 1221 has available seating for $109, much cheaper than SWA's current $220 and, although I swear I will never use Delta because of threads just like this, I am so tempted because of the price. Our quick trip was contingent upon cheap airfare. I got $79 each for the trip back to BDL on SWA but I still need to get down there. $109 would fit pretty close to my "no more than $89 each way" promise but I can't deal with flight changes. Our schedule is too tight already.

What kind of guesses do you all have about the stability of this flight? Please look into your crystal balls and give me some advice!!!

 

[francie57]

Not sure if there are two flights out of BDL at 6:50 a.m. because Delta's site is showing that flight as #3414. We are on that flight for our trip in Aug. I called today to check on that flight and my return flight since we were taken off of our non-stop from MCO to BDL and put on one with a stop in Detroit. We are not back on our non-stop with Delta, as we had originally booked. I will be checking daily now to make sure they don't change us again. We have never had this trouble with Delta on any of our previous trips - just a small time change. Hope they get all this merger stuff worked out.

 

[Mouse511]

We just booked Delta 1229 from BDL and 1238 from MCO in Oct for 218. These are both nonstop - lets hope that Delta doesn't mess with these flights again.

 

[pilferk]

Flight 1221 has available seating for $109, much cheaper than SWA's current $220 and, although I swear I will never use Delta because of threads just like this, I am so tempted because of the price. Our quick trip was contingent upon cheap airfare. I got $79 each for the trip back to BDL on SWA but I still need to get down there. $109 would fit pretty close to my "no more than $89 each way" promise but I can't deal with flight changes. Our schedule is too tight already.

What kind of guesses do you all have about the stability of this flight? Please look into your crystal balls and give me some advice!!!

Well, up until this week, I would have told you that I was about 95% sure that the flight was going to fly. That's because it's flown for YEARS...we've taken it a bunch of times, and so have friends and family. It was like a mainstay in Delta's BDL schedule!

After this week, and the CSR nightmares (and misinformation) we went through, I'd knock that down to 75%. And that's probably me being both pessemistic and being gun-shy. I think likely the worst thing that happens is they start futzing with the carrier again, and you have to call Delta CSR to get BACK on the non-stop (like what happened this week).

One other thing to consider: Baggage fees on Delta. Since you mention it's a quick trip...maybe you're traveling with only a carry-on, so it's not a factor. But if you're briging LUGGAGE....remember to add in the $15 first bag fee to your fare.

 

[pilferk]

Not sure if there are two flights out of BDL at 6:50 a.m. because Delta's site is showing that flight as #3414. We are on that flight for our trip in Aug. I called today to check on that flight and my return flight since we were taken off of our non-stop from MCO to BDL and put on one with a stop in Detroit. We are not back on our non-stop with Delta, as we had originally booked. I will be checking daily now to make sure they don't change us again. We have never had this trouble with Delta on any of our previous trips - just a small time change. Hope they get all this merger stuff worked out.

3414 is the NWA carrier flight, I believe. At some date (and I'm not sure when...maybe Sept 1), they're changing that flight BACK over to a Delta flight.

You look to be OK. Keep an eye out, just to be sure, and if the decide to move the changeover to before your travel date, call CSR and have them move you to the Delta flight (1221, likely) that will take the NWA flight's place.

FYI, you might want to call Delta CS. They SHOULD be able to get you on flight 1238 (leaving at 10:25 AM) or 1252 (leaving at 5:30 PM), which are both non-stops from MCO to BDL and look like they're running throughout August and September. Your original NWA operated non-stop flights, by your date, have already changed carrier BACK to Delta...which is why you were re-routed. They're trying to keep you on NWA flights (or, rather, their auto-booking software is). However, I've checked multiple dates in August and they ARE offering the NWA 3414/Delta 1252 (and 1238) itinerary for purchase. If you can buy it through their site, the CSR's (unless the flights are full) should be able to re-route you that way....without charging you since you originally were on non-stops, anyway.

 

[francie57]

I did call Delta yesterday and we are on the 3414 to MCO (we always take this first flight of the day) and we are on the 1252 back which was our original booked flight. We were changed to a flight with a stop in Detroit for some reason so I called and had that changed back to our original 5:30 non-stop. I will definitely keep checking each day to make sure they don't change us again. We have never had this happen to us before. We usually book the first non-stop to MCO and the non-stop back that leaves around 5:30-6:00. The only adjustments we have had in the past was with a few minute time difference. Hopefully we will be good to go with these flights. Have our seat assignments made so now it is just a waiting game and a constant check to make sure it stays this way.

 

[pooch]

about this & we've sort of decided to play the waiting game. Delta's site will allow 9+ seats at the $109 price at this point so I may have some time there. SWA is a great deal higher than normal and will also allow 8 seats to be booked on that flight so I think (read: hope & pray) that price will go down. I'm going to look at both every day for at least the next week and see what happens.

Question for Pilferk since you seem knowlegeable: Is the 6:50 on Sat a standard flight for Delta? I am a SWA lover so I've never looked at Delta but the price is tempting!

 

[pilferk]

about this & we've sort of decided to play the waiting game. Delta's site will allow 9+ seats at the $109 price at this point so I may have some time there. SWA is a great deal higher than normal and will also allow 8 seats to be booked on that flight so I think (read: hope & pray) that price will go down. I'm going to look at both every day for at least the next week and see what happens.

Question for Pilferk since you seem knowlegeable: Is the 6:50 on Sat a standard flight for Delta? I am a SWA lover so I've never looked at Delta but the price is tempting!

The 6:50 is standard for Delta EVERY day.

 

[pooch]

The 6:50 is standard for Delta EVERY day.

Still afraid to book but I appreciate the input!!