Continental - Check your reservations

[Thumper4me]

Continental changed their flight times on May 1st for my Labor Day weekend trip to WDW. Originally, we were scheduled to return at 5:45pm. It has now been changed to 2:40pm. I will be losing 3 hours of my vacation. I was lucky. I just happened to look at it on Sunday. Now, I have to figure out if I want to cancel and rebook through AirTran or add an extra day to my vacation.

 

[wdw&sonny]

My June 11, 9am flight from Cleveland to MCO was "deleted". I just happened to check on Sunday 5/1/11 as well. They had moved us from the 9am flight that I booked on 12/2/10 to a 6pm flight. I would lose 9 hours, plus have to cancel ADRs, change car rental info, reschedule things at home...

I called and the customer service rep was typically not helpful. He said they "deleted" my flight and I could have a refund or change to the later flight.

I am so mad. They also have a 7:15am flight, but of course that was full. I explained that it wasn't full when I made my reservation on 12/2/10 and that I should have priority to that flight over others who reserved later. He just said that the system doesn't handle it that way.

They never emailed me to tell me of the change. Why would they cancel a full, popular flight?

How can they give me my choice of seat when they can't even assure me of my choice of flights?

I emailed them through their website, but I am sure that will fall on the deaf ears of middle-management.

Better all check your reservations.

 

[crashbb]

My June 11, 9am flight from Cleveland to MCO was "deleted". I just happened to check on Sunday 5/1/11 as well. They had moved us from the 9am flight that I booked on 12/2/10 to a 6pm flight. I would lose 9 hours, plus have to cancel ADRs, change car rental info, reschedule things at home...

I called and the customer service rep was typically not helpful. He said they "deleted" my flight and I could have a refund or change to the later flight.

I am so mad. They also have a 7:15am flight, but of course that was full. I explained that it wasn't full when I made my reservation on 12/2/10 and that I should have priority to that flight over others who reserved later. He just said that the system doesn't handle it that way.
They never emailed me to tell me of the change. Why would they cancel a full, popular flight?

How can they give me my choice of seat when they can't even assure me of my choice of flights?

I emailed them through their website, but I am sure that will fall on the deaf ears of middle-management.

Better all check your reservations.

I'm confused by this. Are you actually expecting them to kick people off of that flight so that you can get on it?

 

[wdw&sonny]

Exactly...I know that sounds crazy, but think about it. Why am I penalized for planning in advance?

They should change their policy:

Instead of just choosing 1 flight, you should be able to pick your first, second third choice. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to receive a flight near to your desired time.

Since we all know that airlines can change or cancel flights, we would all have incentive to book early. The airline would in return be less hated if they cancel a flight, b/c you would be more likely to blame yourself for not scheduling earlier.

Continental thinks they are providing a special service by letting me pick my seat, but they can't even let me pick my flight.

 

[crashbb]

I'm sorry that you cannot get on the flight that you want, but I think that your idea is awful and most lead to mass confusion. Can you imagine the domino effect it would cause?

Frankly, it would lead to airlines being MORE hated. Especially amongst those who actually make the airlines money - the business traveller who books at the last minute.

You likely paid less for your flight than those who booked later. Perhaps the airline should give priority to those who paid more - after all, you'd only have yourself to blame for choosing a cheaper fare.

If you are worried about losing ADRs etc. you can ask about flying out the night before.

 

[wdw&sonny]

Just to be clear, I am hoping that I don't sound argumentative...just trying to rant and vent a bit.

At least "first come, first served" would enable the airline to provide an explaination. So far, several Continental customer service reps can only keep repeating that there was "a schedule change". Cancelling a flight is not a schedule change. It is a cancellation. It's advertising for a phantom flight.

Business traverlers scheduling last minute would be no more effected than they are now. The same itinerary changes would occur. It would effect the same number of people. It would just occur with a sense of fairness, not randomness.

If the airline's policy was "Flight itineraries are subject to change. If a scheduling change should occur priority will be giving to our customers with the earlier booking date" I would be more likely to do business with them than if their policy was "Flight itineraries are subject to change. If a scheduling change should occur priority will be giving to our customers that paid us the most money".

To me it's similar to if you are standing in line and a new register opens. Good businesses recognize that "the next person in line" should be served next. Not just let the first person to spot the opening to be next.