Delta changed my flight

[aagee]

I just got an email from Delta. They moved my departing flight up 3 hours. They changed my returning flight from nonstop to connecting. Am I just stuck, or do I have options? I have a nonrefundable flight. I couldn't find anything on their website.

Thanks

 

[DisneyNutMary]

That's the one thing I hate about Delta, from booking to flight date, they always seem to change. But I fly them for the great prices.
If I remember correctly for our last flights in Jan, if the time change is more than 3 hours, they will switch you for free to another flight. I've never had a direct flight go connecting, but I'm sure they have to work with you because of the added travel time, and other considerations- like the hassle of connecting when traveling with children, elderly or disabled.
Call and speak to an agent, hopefully things can be worked out in your favor in the long run.

 

[CarolMN]

I just got an email from Delta. They moved my departing flight up 3 hours. They changed my returning flight from nonstop to connecting. Am I just stuck, or do I have options? I have a nonrefundable flight. I couldn't find anything on their website.

Thanks

First, look to see if there are now other Delta flights that you like better. Don't worry right now if they cost more.

Then call Delta and say that the changes they made don't work for you. Ask if they will move your party to the flights you want. Odds are in your favor since they made the changes that they did.

If you ask, they might refund your money because of the changes, but that may not be in your best interests if the alternatives are now more expensive than what you currently have.

Good luck!

 

[DebbieB]

I just got an email from Delta. They moved my departing flight up 3 hours. They changed my returning flight from nonstop to connecting. Am I just stuck, or do I have options? I have a nonrefundable flight. I couldn't find anything on their website.

Thanks

I've found Delta to be very accommodating when there is a schedule change. I've used them twice to MCO with frequent flyer miles. The flights I originally wanted were too many miles, so I booked the best one with lower miles. Both times there were schedule changes and I was able to switch to the flights I originally wanted with no additional miles needed. Before I called them, I had the information ready for the flights I wanted.

 

[chasgoose]

Yeah as others have said Delta should accommodate you on a flight that better suits your schedule so long as there are seats available. Before you call though. Go on the DL website and find the flights you want (pick a backup just in case) and make sure you have all the info ready when you call (flight #'s, times, and connecting cities) so you can ask them instead of having them offer you something that still might not be what you want.

In these situations being informed and proactive is best. That's why I always have a general awareness of alternative flights on my airline and other airlines when I travel. So if something goes wrong I can ask for the next best option instead of just taking whatever they are willing to give me.

 

[jsilvers]

If you ask, they might refund your money

Under the circumstances described, if asked, Delta is required to issue a refund.

The Department of Transportation has made clear that if an airline makes significant changes to a passenger's itinerary - specifically including a change from nonstop to connecting - the passenger is entitled to a refund, if that's what they want. See, e.g., http://www.dot.gov/sites/dot.dev/files/docs/20010925.pdf.

 

[Kimberle]

Delta always changes flights. Check their policy on their site. You can request another flight.

 

[seashoreCM]

You might even hand pick flights to/from different airports if there are no really suitable alternatives using the original routing. Then you call to quietly request the re-changes.

It's usually not worth the trouble if the time change is just one hour, but note that a non-stop that became a connecting itinerary beginning one hour earlier and ending one hour later is a two hour change.

An airline schedule change that shortened the connection (layover) time below your comfort level is also fair game for a re-change of your choosing even if the connection time is still legal.

If the airline moved up your Disney bound flight, that is generally favorable for a Disney guest. You may if you wish to just leave that part alone (and reselected seats), unless the new flight time is too early in the morning for your comfort.

 

[Greysword]

Everyone has mentioned the process, so I will add a couple of nuggets. First, always keep an eye on your Delta flights. DL changes planes and schedules frequently before departure. The biggest risk to getting you seats rebooked and your party separated. Just keep a frequent watch (weekly until a couple of weeks out then daily).

Also, frequent DL fliers take advantage of this policy to get great flights for low miles. Much like Debbie's experience, they will book low level awards (hard t do) with multiple connections (up to three) with the anticipation of DL make a change of 90 minutes or more. Then the frequent fliers call and get a nonstop from their home that would have cost triple the points. It is all part of the DL plays with their customers

Good luck and have fun!

 

[aagee]

I guess I'll just go with the change for now. They really don't offer a better flight, unless I leave lot earlier coming home. Not really a fan of a 7:15am flight going down, but I guess it's better to have more time at WDW than less.

Kind of hard not to feel like they tricked me, though. When I booked there were 3 nonstop choices, now just one,really early AM.

Thanks for all the info

 

[kaytieeldr]

They didn't trick you. Your purchase provides transportation from Point A to Point B on the dates you reserved (barring unforeseen circumstances beyond [any] airline's control. See Delta's Contract of Carriage.

Legacy airlines like Delta release their schedules 331 days prior to actual flight departure. A variety of situations, including but not limited to: economics, equipment, sales, available gates, airport changes... - ultimately affect flight availability and departure times.

 

[aagee]

I understand that. However, their multiple nonstop options at desirable times made me choose delta over other airlines. Those options are all gone.

 

[DebbieB]

I understand that. However, their multiple nonstop options at desirable times made me choose delta over other airlines. Those options are all gone.

Have you checked the other airlines? You can ask for a refund and book elsewhere.

AirTran used to do that a lot. They seemed to change flights to undesirable times after it was too late to get a decent price elsewhere.

 

[chasgoose]

Connecting flights aren't that horrible though. Yes it adds some time to your trip, but if the departure time is better than its not that bad. I make a lot of cross country flights to or from small cities where connecting is the only option and I appreciate the opportunity to get off the plane for a bit.

 

[aagee]

I'm sure the connecting flight won't be too bad. It's my first solo trip, so I'm a little more worried than usual

Do you think a 1 hour layover in Atlanta is ok?

 

[HiMagicFan]

OMG!!! Are you guys serious!!!!

I have a trip coming in september. because of the fares we have to do airline 1 from home to lax then was going to do delta from lax direct to mco.

when they change times do they send you notification via email? we are planning on flying first class - will they honor that on the rebooked flight?

OMG!! I am freaking. Never thought of these things as we normally take one airline the whole way. Prices two months ago were $750+ and just two nights ago were $950+

With the "new"way I plan to book our trip ~ I got us back to $700 plus I have us in First Class flying LAX-MCO-LAX. So I am kinda happy I didn't book it earlier.

Seriously, I know I gotta read the find print (will do that tonight) but does anyone know if they send you an email versus you having to constantly check?

 

[aagee]

They send you an email if your flights change any.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

OMG!!! Are you guys serious!!!!

I have a trip coming in september. because of the fares we have to do airline 1 from home to lax then was going to do delta from lax direct to mco.

when they change times do they send you notification via email? we are planning on flying first class - will they honor that on the rebooked flight?

OMG!! I am freaking. Never thought of these things as we normally take one airline the whole way. Prices two months ago were $750+ and just two nights ago were $950+

With the "new"way I plan to book our trip ~ I got us back to $700 plus I have us in First Class flying LAX-MCO-LAX. So I am kinda happy I didn't book it earlier.

Seriously, I know I gotta read the find print (will do that tonight) but does anyone know if they send you an email versus you having to constantly check?

Don't ever count on an airline notifying you of changes. Check your flights yourself.

If your flight changes, you can be rebooked in first class if there is room. You cannot count on this.

 

[MacDalt]

Just booked my flight for $98! I WAS obsessively checking airline rates every week. NOW I guess I will obsessively check my Delta reservation and seat assignment every week !

 

[crashbb]

OMG!!! Are you guys serious!!!!

I have a trip coming in september. because of the fares we have to do airline 1 from home to lax then was going to do delta from lax direct to mco.

when they change times do they send you notification via email? we are planning on flying first class - will they honor that on the rebooked flight?

OMG!! I am freaking. Never thought of these things as we normally take one airline the whole way. Prices two months ago were $750+ and just two nights ago were $950+

With the "new"way I plan to book our trip ~ I got us back to $700 plus I have us in First Class flying LAX-MCO-LAX. So I am kinda happy I didn't book it earlier.

Seriously, I know I gotta read the find print (will do that tonight) but does anyone know if they send you an email versus you having to constantly check?

They *should* contact you, but I tend to check just in case. Especially if I were in a situation like yours (admittedly, that isn't a risk I'd take in the first place). How much time do you currently have between flights?

But, yes, assuming that you paid for First Class AND assuming that are First Class seats available on the new flight, they will honour your First Class ticket on the rebooked flights (it may limit your choices if you don't like the flight that they rebook you on).