Continental changing flight times for April

[PrincessKsMom]

My departure flight is getting later (this is the second change in 1 week). Originally 6:10 p.m. now 8 p.m. My return flight is getting earlier. Originally 1:50 p.m. now 12:15 p.m. I would prefer an earlier departure and later return flight.

Is it possible for me to request (and get) flight times more to my liking? As of right now the flights are actually about $25 cheaper than when I booked so it's not a matter of me wanting more expensive flights. And there are options more in line with what I would prefer, with plenty of seating available.

Is it even worth worrying about this now? And if I accept these changes now, does this negate my ability to ask for different flights later?

Any advice, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

You should be fine contacting them and switching to another flight, both changes are over 1.5 hours. My only word of caution is be polite, there is nothing contractually obligating them to change your flights, but most will if its "significant" which can vary by airline. Some consider 60 minutes significant, others 4 hours.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Thank you. I actually sent them a message through their website. Wasn't sure if I'd hear back or not, or what my chances were of making the change. I'll wait to hear back from them. If I don't hear in a few days, I guess I'll try to call.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Thank you. I actually sent them a message through their website. Wasn't sure if I'd hear back or not, or what my chances were of making the change. I'll wait to hear back from them. If I don't hear in a few days, I guess I'll try to call.

This is one of those things you are much better at calling about and talking to a representative then doing this via e-mail communications.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I took your advice and tried to call. I got a recording saying "We are unable to take your call at this time. Please try again." What was I thinking? I'm sure they have enough on their plates right now trying to get everyone where they need to be for the holidays because of the huge snowstorm we just had on the East Coast. I'll periodically continue to try, but know I probably won't be able to get through until after Christmas. It's not like there's a huge rush. I'm just afraid the airfare will go up or the new flights will begin to book up and then they'll be less likely to accomodate my request.

Either way, I"m going to Disney!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Spoke with an agent today and he was more than helpful. I mentioned my old flight times and the new ones I was assigned. I mentioned I would like to chose different flights, if at all possible. I had a list so I knew what I was looking for. Before I could even mention the flight times, he was already offering them to me. Said it wouldn't be a problem at all and there would be no charge to change the flights. We even shared a joke about my trying to call yesterday and how I was surprised I had gotten through today. He mentioned how it was all his fault because he made it snow. I also asked, on the outside chance, if he could get me three seats together on both flights and he did!

Once we were done with the flight changes, he offered to sign us up for their frequent flyer program and mentioned I should contact the insurance company I had purchase insurance from to update them on my new flights, as well as to confirm what was and was not covered by way of future reasons for cancellations.

Now let's just hope they don't continue to monkey with the flight times, although I'm sure they will. It's still 4 months off.

Thanks again for your advice JLewisInSyr!