Connecting Flight Disaster

[MzGemini]

I purposely booked a flight with the transfer in the States so I would be able to go through customs before I even leave Halifax. Last year, I transfered in Toronto, Canada and our flight was late and I had to literally run with three suitcases and a six year old to go through customs. I tried avoiding that this year by booking my transfer through New York instead. Little did I know....

I hope no one got the wrong impression..I said I was leaving on a Friday morning flight BUT I did not mean this Friday. My flight doesn't leave until Nov. 30th. So, I have some time to figure this out. Well, at least until September 5, when American Airlines seat sale ends and the airline said I would then have to pay full price to transfer flights after that date.

Sorry, if there was any confusion, I just wanted people's advice who would know New York and/or the way flights are handled. Thanks to everyone who is helping me find a solution.

I'm still waiting for the Manager to call me back. The TA says hes a hard guy to get ahold of. SURE!

 

[Lewisc]

Do your homework. Go the the airlines website and see what's available, with a "real connection". You can go to Expedia first and look.

I purposely booked a flight with the transfer in the States so I would be able to go through customs before I even leave Halifax. Last year, I transfered in Toronto, Canada and our flight was late and I had to literally run with three suitcases and a six year old to go through customs. I tried avoiding that this year by booking my transfer through New York instead. Little did I know....

I hope no one got the wrong impression..I said I was leaving on a Friday morning flight BUT I did not mean this Friday. My flight doesn't leave until Nov. 30th. So, I have some time to figure this out. Well, at least until September 5, when American Airlines seat sale ends and the airline said I would then have to pay full price to transfer flights after that date.

Sorry, if there was any confusion, I just wanted people's advice who would know New York and/or the way flights are handled. Thanks to everyone who is helping me find a solution.

I'm still waiting for the Manager to call me back. The TA says hes a hard guy to get ahold of. SURE!

 

[bab31]

Lisa did you charge this on your credit card? Gives you a lot more power if you did.

 

[MzGemini]

Yes, I charged it to my VISA.

I was just talking to the TA and she said the manager is negotiating with a representative from American Airlines to put me on another flight. Keeping my fingers crossed they can work something out. She said hopefully they will call me back with good news.

Its too bad I had to fight with them just to get them to call the airline. I will not be booking through them again.

 

[bab31]

If they dont work this out to your satisfatction, You can let Visa know about it and ask to file a ( why can I not come up with this word....!) it is not complaint- but they will investgate your claim of not getting what you have paid for. Thank goodness you put it on your credit card. sounds like it will all work out and I am glad for you that your trip is not until November, would not be a pleasent way to start your vacation.

 

[NancyIL]

I use sites like Kayak to see what fares/schedules are like, then I book directly with the airline. Had you booked this on American Airline's web site, you would've seen a little note that you change airports. You learned the hard way that some airlines fly out of multiple airports in a major metropolitan area.

Good luck with the travel agency. Now you know that in the future, you should check with the airline.

 

[MzGemini]

Now you know that in the future, you should check with the airline.

Trust me, I learned my lesson. I will not trust what I read on travel agencies websites. I will now go directly to the airline website. The TA told me the flights through Washinton are the same way. On their website, Washington has two airports but the flight plan won't state what airport you are transfering through. Live and learn I guess.

 

[MzGemini]

If they dont work this out to your satisfatction, You can let Visa know about it and ask to file a ( why can I not come up with this word....!) it is not complaint- but they will investgate your claim of not getting what you have paid for. Thank goodness you put it on your credit card. sounds like it will all work out and I am glad for you that your trip is not until November, would not be a pleasent way to start your vacation.

Thanks Babs. I know what you mean.... I'm hoping it won't come to that and the travel agency will help me fix this since their website didn't state the transfer was between 2 airports. I don't think it was unreasonable for me to assume the transfer was through the same airport where it wasn't stated otherwise. Within 1 hour after I compained to the travel agency they took that flight plan off their website so I hope that means they see the problem.

 

[seashoreCM]

The travel agent has the faulty web site so they are definitely on the hook. If THEY get cooperation from the airline, so much the better for THEM.

You might want to do print screens of the various web pages on their site by starting a duplicate/dummy booking but not going so far along as to actually book and pay. These would come in handy if the affair goes to court but only after they fix the web site in the meantime.

 

[MzGemini]

The travel agent has the faulty web site so they are definitely on the hook. If THEY get cooperation from the airline, so much the better for THEM.

You might want to do print screens of the various web pages on their site by starting a duplicate/dummy booking but not going so far along as to actually book and pay. These would come in handy if the affair goes to court but only after they fix the web site in the meantime.

I have done this. I printed each step in the booking process for that flight. Those print outs are my only proof that the airports were't listed. The first confirmation e-mail from the TA didn't even list what city I was transferring through let alone which airport. All it had was the orignal deaprting city and the destination city. It wasn't until I got the confirmation e-mail from the airline (2 days later) that it stated which airports.

 

[cbrfan]

If they dont work this out to your satisfatction, You can let Visa know about it and ask to file a ( why can I not come up with this word....!) it is not complaint- but they will investgate your claim of not getting what you have paid for. Thank goodness you put it on your credit card. sounds like it will all work out and I am glad for you that your trip is not until November, would not be a pleasent way to start your vacation.

Dispute. And I agree...that's the OP's best bet to get it resolved.

 

[bab31]

gosh have I been feeling reeaallly oollldd over that word ...DISPUTE!

Thanks!

 

[cbrfan]

gosh have I been feeling reeaallly oollldd over that word ...DISPUTE!

Thanks!

You're welcome. I HATE when that happens!!

 

[MzGemini]

I just wanted to give an update...I got a confirmation e-mail today that they switched my flight plan so I will have my connecting flight at the same airport in New York at no extra charge. Thank you, to everyone for your help.

 

[cbrfan]

So glad you got it worked out. Enjoy your trip!!

 

[MrMarv]

Thanks for keeping us informed; I'm glad they finally got it right!!!

Have a great and a very safe trip!!