Delta moved our flights up, ME and OAC questions

[egesicki]

Reading emails tonight I find out Delta has changed our 11:30am flight out of Miami on debarkation day to 11:15. When I added transfers DCL told me the earliest flight for ME and OAC was 11:30. I suppose I need to call DCL tomorrow and inquire. I did not book air through DCL. Anyone had this happen before? Were you still able to do ME? OAC? Get a refund on transfers? TIA!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Reading emails tonight I find out Delta has changed our 11:30am flight out of Miami on debarkation day to 11:15. When I added transfers DCL told me the earliest flight for ME and OAC was 11:30. I suppose I need to call DCL tomorrow and inquire. I did not book air through DCL. Anyone had this happen before? Were you still able to do ME? OAC? Get a refund on transfers? TIA!

When an airline changes a flight, they have to ask if the change is acceptable to you. If it's not, you say "no" and they either have to get you a flight that works, or refund your money, for you to find another flight. It's worked that way for us twice.

The first time, they tried to change our direct flight to a one stop that left 2 hours earlier and arrived 3 hours later than our original flight. I said "no" and they booked us on another airline with practically the same flight times as our original ones.

You can cancel DCL transfers up until 3 days before your cruise. You could go ahead and cancel those transfers, and (re)book them once onboard, also, if you wish.

 

[sparklinducky]

With Delta they have to move your flight mode than 90mins before they will offer any type of refund. We have a flight that was changed 60mins and they refuse to refund the flight.

When an airline changes a flight, they have to ask if the change is acceptable to you. If it's not, you say "no" and they either have to get you a flight that works, or refund your money, for you to find another flight. It's worked that way for us twice.

The first time, they tried to change our direct flight to a one stop that left 2 hours earlier and arrived 3 hours later than our original flight. I said "no" and they booked us on another airline with practically the same flight times as our original ones.

You can cancel DCL transfers up until 3 days before your cruise. You could go ahead and cancel those transfers, and (re)book them once onboard, also, if you wish.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

With Delta they have to move your flight mode than 90mins before they will offer any type of refund. We have a flight that was changed 60mins and they refuse to refund the flight.

I believe they still have to ask you if it works for you. In this case it wouldn't. Even that 15 minutes changes plans for the traveler. It's certainly worth a call to the airline to let them know about the transfer constraints and how the new flight won't work.

 

[sparklinducky]

I believe they still have to ask you if it works for you. In this case it wouldn't. Even that 15 minutes changes plans for the traveler. It's certainly worth a call to the airline to let them know about the transfer constraints and how the new flight won't work.

In my case they did not ask and when we called to complain they basically told us tough luck.

 

[bumbershoot]

I believe they still have to ask you if it works for you.

Agreed. I've had airlines (Delta most recently) change my flight by very little time and when I look at the flight online it asks in red for me to confirm it, and if I don't agree to it I need to call.

It's not like someone calls me; but I have to confirm it online.

 

[adamki]

Call Delta to see if they can work out a different flight (or stick with the 11:15, if you are comfortable, it should be OK). To be clear, Delta does not "have" to ask or work with you, but in all probability, they will. See the "Conditions of Carriage":

Delta will use its best efforts to carry the passenger and baggage with reasonable dispatch. Times shown in timetables or elsewhere are not guaranteed and form no part of this contract. Delta may without notice substitute alternate carriers or aircraft, and may alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket in case of necessity. Schedules are subject to change without notice. Delta is not responsible or liable for making connections, or for failing to operate any flight according to schedule, or for changing the schedule or any flight.​

That said, if you call Delta and the agent is anything less than helpful, hang up and call again.

 

[clten]

If you keep the 11:15 flight, you will not be able to use Onboard Airline Check-in. Disney won't make an exception (ours was once moved from 11:50 to 11:25 and we couldn't use Onboard Check-in. Disney doesn't know what the original flight time is, they just know when it is scheduled when they go to check you in. If using Onboard Airline Check-In is important to you, I'd call Delta and see if they have any reasonable alternatives for you. No they don't have to refund your ticket for a 15 minute schedule change but most airlines will work with you if they have another flight. Check their schedule before you call so you can give them the flight you would prefer rather than letting them suggest an alternative.

 

[dclpluto]

If you keep the 11:15 flight, you will not be able to use Onboard Airline Check-in. Disney won't make an exception (ours was once moved from 11:50 to 11:25 and we couldn't use Onboard Check-in. Disney doesn't know what the original flight time is, they just know when it is scheduled when they go to check you in. If using Onboard Airline Check-In is important to you, I'd call Delta and see if they have any reasonable alternatives for you. No they don't have to refund your ticket for a 15 minute schedule change but most airlines will work with you if they have another flight. Check their schedule before you call so you can give them the flight you would prefer rather than letting them suggest an alternative.

They are cruising out of Miami. Miami has a latter time using on board Che k in. The time for the earliest flight Miami is 1 pm I believe. Yes Mco is 11:30

 

[clten]

They are cruising out of Miami. Miami has a latter time using on board Che k in. The time for the earliest flight Miami is 1 pm I believe. Yes Mco is 11:30

Thanks for the info on Miami. I had assumed that DCL had provided the correct info as the OP indicated that DCL said their earliest flight could be 11:30. I was just responding because I know they keep that time very strictly. But if the earliest flight is 1pm for Miami, they wouldn't have been able to use Onboard Airline Check-In even with their original flight time. So maybe it's a good thing this came up and the question was asked rather than going in thinking they got the right info from DCL originally!

OP, I did forget to add that you can still use DCL transfers to the airport even if your flight is before their Onboard Airline Check-in time, you just have to make sure you leave yourself enough time when leaving the ship to clear customs at the port and go through check-in at the airport.

 

[MPS516]

Maybe 2 issues, Disney Ground Transfer and Onboard Check in. Onboard check in is for flights after 1:30p out of Miami.
*This service is available to Guests flying out of Miami International Airport on domestic flights (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, as well as international flights on American Airlines and United Airlines.

Pre-registration is required and scheduled flights must be after 1:30 PM on the day your cruise ends. Airline-specific baggage fee may apply and can vary by airline. Each luggage piece can weigh no more than 50 lbs. In addition, some Guests may be selected to check in at the airport and will be unable to use this service.

With flight time changes, I can speak only from just over 3 million flight miles with now Delta (Northwest prior and Republic before that), if the change is hour or less you may or may not receive an e-mail notice. If you check your itinerary, there is usually a note in red near the top indicating there was a change and the original time is stricken through and the new time next to that. When change is greater than an hour I have normally also received an e-mail. For flights less than 2 hours change from original Delta will give you the option to change for a fee, greater than 2 hours they will change no fee (IME). I have had some very helpful phone agents when I have called and told them due to arriving travel plans the earlier flight does not work and they have helped me change to later, often involving a supervisor. Almost every time I have gotten by with no fee, however as pointed out, I have a bit over 3 million flight miles.

For Disney Ground Transfers, if I was comfortable with an 11:30 flight, I suspect I would be equally comfortable with an 11:15 flight. Since Onboard Airline Check-in is not available with either, I would probably arrange a towncar or taxi and do walk-off with my luggage on departure.

 

[egesicki]

Update: I called DCL at lunch today. Despite what it says on their website, I got the same 11:30 info when I called today. I checked the Delta flights available online. The next one that works is 2:18, but it connects thru MSP instead of ATL, and the connection is only 45 min. I fly through MSP often for work and I'm not sure I want to do it with two kids. I noticed today flights are a couple hundred less than when I booked. I'm tempted to keep the 11:15 but ask about refunding the difference, maybe try to score a port upgrade or book some extra alone time. Thoughts about the potential to receive a refund?

 

[adamki]

Don't hold your breath on a refund of the fare difference, unless you purchased tickets that are refundable or changeable without a fee.

IME, it would be extraordinary to get them to give you a travel voucher for the difference. By the book, you would have to pay the change fee (Delta's standard is $200 per ticket) and if the fare difference is more than that, you would get a refund.

You should try because, as they say; You don't ask, you don't get.

 

[lanejudy]

DCL's website definitely indicates flights out of Miami must be after 1:30pm for OAC. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/air-ground-transportation/

Unfortunately, the phone reps are not always the most knowledgeable, even about Disney's own policies.
If using the OAC is important, I'd look for an afternoon flight that fits the requirements. If you go with the earlier flight, you can still put your bags outside your stateroom on the last night, you'll just have to collect them in the terminal to go through Customs. If you'd like help, a porter can assist you through Customs and out to the shuttles.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[egesicki]

Update: I finally got time to call Delta today. I decided to forego the later flight that qualified for OAC in favor of getting home earlier in the day. On a Sunday night before work and school the extra couple hours are like gold. Keeping their selection I didn't have to call, but I really wanted to see if they might do anything for the flight before the cruise. A few days ago when I looked at schedules I noticed our flight to FLL was less expensive. I also noticed there were seats to MIA two hours earlier which was what I really wanted before but wasn't willing to pay for when the rates were higher. I am so pleased, the very helpful rep changed our flights to MIA at no charge! Two less hours of layover, two more hours of vacation, and easier to get to our hotel! All in all I'm really happy how it turned out. One door closes but another one opens.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Agreed. I've had airlines (Delta most recently) change my flight by very little time and when I look at the flight online it asks in red for me to confirm it, and if I don't agree to it I need to call.

It's not like someone calls me; but I have to confirm it online.

On our last trip (ETA with Delta) from 9/12-9/21/16 all our flights (5 total-getting there and getting back) had minimal changes. Yes there was an alert regarding changes but it was an alert...there was nothing for me to confirm nor did it really "ask" me if these changes were ok. Just a notification. It did give you instructions if the changes were not to your satisfaction.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Here's what it said:


Nothing to confirm nor anything with them "asking" me if the changes are ok.