Delta Keeps Changing Our Flight!

[Dislifer]

We booked our flight through Expedia and this is the 2nd time Delta has changed our flight! The current flight leaves too early (I can't get out of work). I called and my alternative is a flight that leaves later...fine....but instead of the 2.5 hour flight, it will now take close to 5 hours!!! When traveling with children, thats a BIG difference!

Any experienced travelers out there with suggestions???
We are not leaving for a few months.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

Delta changes their schedules (the big changes, not the 15 min. changes) 4 times a year. I believe the next one is Nov. 1, but if you call they can tell you. If you fly before then, decide what you want now. If not, wait until the next schedule change to see what is available.

If you want a shorter flight and can't get out early from work, what about checking the next am? Or is there another airport close by?

 

[Hopefully]

Delta has changed either the departure to Orlando or the return trip nearly every week. These are just the 10 -15 minute changes, so not a huge deal. That said though, it has now added up to a 45 minute difference, leaving Disney earlier in the afternoon. Since we will be using DME, and the early pickups they schedule, we will now not be able to eat lunch before we leave for the airport on our last day. I am a little disappointed in this (I would rather leave later than earlier) but I am going to Disney, and I can not let something like this be a big deal to me
I hope you are able to find a better flight. One year we went in the evening and stayed at a Fairfield Inn at MCO. We headed to Disney early the next morning, and it worked out great. Would that work for you? Good Luck in finding the flights that are best for your family and Enjoy!

 

[Dislifer]

Thanks for your advice! If I do wait until Nov. 1 ... that's cutting it a little close (for THAT time of year)...Do you think that would be ok?

 

[mbb]

keep checking, and keep calling...

Yes, it's a pain, and *can* be a worry, especially when traveling with children, and having to make arrangements with work. At least you know what's going on, and you're staying on top of it. (And their ResAgents should be making notes on your PNR every time you call)

Odds are, you might even end up with a flight that is close to what you originally booked

Would I call every day? No, but I would give them a jingle every few weeks

I'll start calling in late October for our flight in early February.

HTH!!...and you get the flight you need, and it stays that way!!

 

[arminnie]

Delta changed a flight for my dad that made him go from having a 1 hour layover in Atlanta to a 4 hour layover.

I called Delta and was able to cancel the reservation and get a full refund (on a non-refundable fare) because of the schedule change.

I would not have done that for a 15 minute change, but my dad is 84 and doesn't need to be hanging around the airport that long by himself.

If flying on another airline is an option, you should be able to cancel the Delta reservation with no penalty because they changed the flights.

 

[Lisa345]

I find that checking the internet every once in a while works best. Delta's call center has become very difficult to deal with. There is a huge language barrier sometimes that can not always be easily dealt with. I have 4 seats that I used my FF miles for. I had to book FC because no coach were available. When I checked the Web site on Wednesday, not only had the times been changed, but they had downgraded one of our segments to coach. Not a big deal if I hadn't had to use so many miles. It took 4 phone calls to get it straightened out. Not great customer service.

So I guess my advice is keep an eye on it and don't hesitate to call to get the situation fixed. If the 1st person you talk to doesn't seem to be able to help, hang up and call again.

 

[seashoreCM]

I had to book FC because no coach were available. When I checked the Web site on Wednesday, not only had the times been changed, but they had downgraded one of our segments to coach..

If they have difficulty putting you back in first class you might ask them downgrade the whole thing to coach, refunding the difference in miles and you end up with what you had wanted in the first place.

I dare say that, after you booked your trip and then the airline has a schedule change, you are entitled to more convenient flights and seats are no longer limited in the manner known as capacity control.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm