Delta

[brekin67]

I double checked my air itinerary. I was shocked that my schedule had changed. Departing about 2 hours earlier and leaving me in Ohio for 8 hours layover. I called to ask them to switch to another flight. The first person and I had some difficulty with our languages/accents. I am a fast talking redneck, and she had as much difficulty trying to understand me as I did her.
She was unable to give me either of my choices for alternative flights. She told me they were booked full, and I told her they were not because I had the flights pulled up while she was talking. She also told me there would be a charge to change my itinerary. We ended the call and I called back and spoke to another person who gave me the flight I had just asked for and was told No. There was also no charge. I hate when my schedules get changed without my knowing. I like to pick my own plane and my own seat. I am glad it all worked out.

 

[Macduffy]

Delta changed our flights too. Luckily Expedia emailed me immediately and I got an even better flight (well... we arrive in MCO much earlier LOL). Good for you for not taking NO for an answer. Especially after THEY created the problem!

 

[Jestocost]

Delta has a reputation for being one of the worst airlines when it comes to schedule changes and the fact that they have merged with Northwest and are consolidating schedules isn't helping the situation. You were very wise to stick to your guns and find someone who would do what the airlines should be (and usually are) prepared to do to address problems that arise from those changes.

That said, passengers do need to understand that the airline's real contractual obligations are to get you from point A to point B on a given day. They have a wide degree of latitude when it comes to timing, routing and other factors when it comes to satisfying that obligation. This can lead to serious customer satisfaction issues that a given airline may or may not be willing to resolve.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Yep, Delta is good at chaning your schedule, without notice. This has happened to me every time we have flown Delta. Now I know to check my schedule regularly and call them if they make changes (sometimes only as little as 1 min. in departure time). I too love to book Delta since I can change seats. The first time this happened to me I was very upset. By the time I noticed what had happened, the only seats available were at the back of the plane. I was concerned about making our connection. We changed that flight (no cost) to one that gave us an extra hour.)

When I've asked them about the no notification, the say they start notifying the closer flights first. What I've learned is unless you are within 2 weeks of your flight, you won't hear from them.

Once they change your flight you have to call them to accept the new flight. Last year I did notice that at least my original seat selections were still there, once I confirmed, on the phone, my acceptance. It only makes sense that if the flight is leaving at a slightly different time that all the seat selections should remain. I've also learned that if I can't understand the person on the phone (Buffy from India?) I hang up and call back.

I had actually forgotten about checking my itinerary (daily) with Delta. This year, to save on luggage fees we are, for the first time in years, flying SW. Originally our flight was $280/rt.all fees from ONT (Ca) to MCO. No luggage fees. Delta couldn't beat it. And then this week with the air fare sale I was able to change our ressie and the flight is now only $220 rt. We now have a $174 credit with SW for a future flight. (Perhaps WDW?)

So, to save on luggage fees (would have been $90 for 3 bags for the 3 of us) and to only have to pay $220 complete, I will deal with the hassle of not getting to pick my seat. I'll check in the earliest they'll allow and hope for the best. We are making connections so I hope we'll be able to sit together on our second legs. If not, I'll sit with DD10 and my DM will have to sit with strangers. And now that you reminded me, not having to check my schedule daily is a nice bonus.