Flight Change !

[MassDisLovers]

Just got an e-mail today saying that our 1:30 pm return flight out of Orlando has been changed to 10:51 AM.
I called Delta to say we cannot take this early flight, and they basically said "Oh well, sorry, this is all we have ". Will we make it? We are using DCL transportation from the port to the airport.

 

[DLW8]

We had an 11:41 flight home on Delta a few weeks ago and were picked up at port at 8:30 (we had a car service). The port is only 35 - 40 minutes away from MCO and we were there in plenty of time.

However, I would suggest going to the buffet for breakfast and leaving the shiip early, just to be sure. You never know if there will be an accident on the highway or a long line at security, better to be at the airport sooner rather than later.

I believe that DCL's busses run early, you can leave the ship around 7:30 or so (can't recall exactly) and then just get on a bus to head to MCO.

We even had to wait in line at security, and were at the gate in plenty of time for our flight....don't stress!

 

[abdmom]

Assuming that you are returning to BOS on Feb. 20 - They have a direct flight at 7:10 pm MCO to BOS. Flight number 1102. Also direct at 3:10 pm flight #1516. (They may not have wanted to offer you these because the fares are quite high) They have flights around noon and the afternoon that stop in Atlanta on the way to Providence (PVD). They also have flights out of Melbourne to PVD. I found these by looking at nwa.com, but they're Delta branded flights.

Whenever I've had my flights changed adversely, I usually have to find my own flights that work, call them, give them flight numbers and times and get them to change to the flights that I've found. The call center people are usually not that helpful in these situations.

 

[Grandma4ever]

Please do not let the airline get away with this. Airlines are the only industry where you buy one thing and they can provide you with what ever they seem to want to without regard to us. It is WRONG and should not be allowed.

Next we are going to go to buy a car and pick out the one we want then go to pick it up and find that the dealer has decided that we need a different car. Then we must take what they decided. Would you allow a car dealer to do this? Why are we so understanding with the airlines then. My next vacation I am making the two day drive so as to avoid the stress of trying to make sure my flights will work.

I am sorry that they are doing this to you. Many folks have made filghts that early but I would not want to risk it. Best of luck and enjoy your cruise.

 

[SSRJen]

Same thing happened to us, however, our flight was changed the night before we were to fly back home! We called and told them there was no way we could make the flight! They had pretty much the same reaction, but we were prepared with the flight we wanted to be on. They changed it for us. So, don't take the first no as an answer. Call back and have it changed. You don't want to worry about making the flight your entire cruise!

 

[MagicMe]

Oh well is not an acceptable answer to your problem. I would definitely have them change it. I agree that there first job is to try to get you to take the flight they are providing as it is probably a less populated flight and has lesser fares. They broke your contract so they have to provide you with a reasonable replacement flight. I personally think that 10:41 may be to close. Granted, if everything works out, you could probably make it easy but I'd be stressing about getting up early, getting breakfast, getting off the ship as early as possible, getting to the airport, getting through security, etc, etc. What happens if you can't get off the ship as early as normal, what happens if there is an accident on the highway back to the airport, etc. Push back on them to rectify the situation that they created.

 

[Julylady]

I have had a similiar experience. Before you call know exactly what flight you want to be rebooked on. If that flight costs more, they need to get a supervisor's approval. I have had to wait on hold for up to 10 minutes to get that approval, but it has always happened. I think they try to rebook you on a flight that costs the same or is cheaper. If you don't insist, they save money. Delta is the WORST for this. Northwest used to let you change your flights online, but no more since Delta took them over.

 

[kcashner]

They tried this on me last year....and changed me to a flight that was totally impossible. When I protested, they came up with a flight that didn't even appear on the internet, but it got me there and worked "OK, but not well" in my schedule.

Can you make an 11 am flight--yes normally, but you can't use the onboard check in service (which is great), and you won't be there the recommended 2 hours early.

I'd insist on a later flight--tell them that the cruise line will not let you book before noon! You may have to spend the day hanging out at the airport, or rent a car and go to downtown Disney or do something else for the day...but insist on a flight that will WORK with the cruise, not one that will stress you out.

 

[crashbb]

Oh well is not an acceptable answer to your problem. I would definitely have them change it. I agree that there first job is to try to get you to take the flight they are providing as it is probably a less populated flight and has lesser fares. They broke your contract so they have to provide you with a reasonable replacement flight.

Although, in most cases, the airlines will move you to a different flight, they have not broken the contract and they do not need to provide a replacement flight.

Your ticket gets you from A to B, on the day of you ticket. Changing the time or adding a connecting city does not break the contrast.

That being said. OP, check the Delta/NWA schedule. If there are flights that work better for you, call and ask to be switched to them. In the circumstances, the airline will likely make the switch.

 

[lbuher]

I also read something on another site the other day that said that this is the ONLY situation (when the airline changes the flight time on you) when airlines will allow for a refund with no penalty - though I'm not positive that it's true for ALL airlines. You might want to do some researching on that possibility, IF there is another airline that might work for you?

 

[sayhello]

The other thing you want to do is, check your original flight online. I have seen (personally) MANY times where Delta has bumped people off flights because they found they could sell your seat at a HIGHER price! This is all perfectly legal, unfortunately. If you see that they are selling seats on your flight, in the same class (ie, coach vs business or first class), bring that to the customer service rep's attention. They will usually (with a supervisor's approval) move you back to your original flight. Be nice, but firm with them. They are doing what's easiest & cheapest for them, not for you, and if you accept it, then they're ahead of the game. Delta is, by far, the worst at pulling this kind of trick.

Sayhello

 

[mkmommy]

I just called Delta/NWA on Saturday and got flights changed.

Originally booked a 7:00 AM flight, that flight disappeared and we were leaving later in the day. I was checking the other day and I notice a 7:00 AM flight again so I asked to change back and they did, it took some time but they did it. Like everyone is saying try again and know what flight you want to be on.

Good Luck

 

[TnRobin]

Add me to the list of people Delta did this too. They took my direct flight, changed it to one with a change in Atlanta and had me leaving out 5 hours earlier. After being told that there was no other way, I politely asked for a supervisor, told them that I could not leave earlier as I had to work and that the flights leaving after my scheduled time would result in me missing the Cirque D Soliel performance that I had already purchase. They refunded me my money in full - no penalties.

Be polite, but be firm.

 

[Vegaslover]

Airtran changed our flight time on our last cruise. I was so mad at first! But then I realized it was a blessing in disguise. Southwests flights were cheaper with better flight times. So I cancelled my airtran flight and rebooked on Southwest.

 

[tvguy]

That's too early for my comfort zone. One little delay getting off the ship, getting to the airport, or getting checked in, and you've missed your flight.
Just tell them the truth, Disney Cruise Line recommends no flights before 12:30 pm, and tell them to change your flight. Yes, I know Disney themselves does book flights before 12:30, but it's their policy, and if the airline has a question, they can easily check the DCL website to verify.

 

[3mmm]

United did this to me last spring break and there was not a single flight available to get us back to Grand Rapids that day. They offered to refund my money, like that was an option. I had to get back home some how. We ended up flying into Chicago and having friends drive two cars to Chicago to pick us up. To get a one way rental car was $700 and we needed 2 as there were no vans available. We paid our friends as he has been out of work and we would never have asked them to spend 8 hours of their weekend picking us up if they wouldn't have accepted it. For all of our trouble and expense, United gave us $25 vouchers toward a future flight, but we probably won't be able to use them.

Back to the original question, we could have made our 10:45 flight, but as there was no back-up plan if we missed it, I wasn't willing to take the chance. If there is availability on later flights, I might take the chance.

And I did not believe anything United told me. I checked every single airline that flies to Grand Rapids myself. They were all completely booked with thousands of kids returning from spring break and it is hard to squeeze in an extra eight people.

 

[plyeng2ff]

Our last trip to disney world, delta tried to change our flights from 6 am to 5 pm, but after to two days of our TA agrue with them. Delta changed us to a flight with Northwest so don't settle for Oh Well.

 

[MassDisLovers]

Thanks everybody for the good suggestions, I will call back tomorrow and be as firm as I can. A refund is not an option. We leave in 6 weeks and it's school vacation week here in the Northeast, so there is nothing available. I booked very early , got the best prices and so now I am wondering if that's what this is about.... are they trying to re-sell my cheap seats at an outrageous fare ??? Well, wish me luck, maybe I'll get someone who is more pleasant than the one I got today!

 

[MassDisLovers]

After reading all these postings last night I had some renewed courage (and information) and I decided to call Delta right then - I thought it might be less busy than waiting for today. After being on hold for over 15 minutes I got the NICEST woman I could have ever asked for. She listened to my "we can't make a flight that early" story and said, "Just a minute, I have to put you on hold and check the schedule". She came back and OFFERED me flight 1516 (the direct flight) from MCO to Boston without me even asking. So... all's well that ends well and YAY for the Disboards!

Thanks everyone and Merry Christmas!

 

[Grandma4ever]

After reading all these postings last night I had some renewed courage (and information) and I decided to call Delta right then - I thought it might be less busy than waiting for today. After being on hold for over 15 minutes I got the NICEST woman I could have ever asked for. She listened to my "we can't make a flight that early" story and said, "Just a minute, I have to put you on hold and check the schedule". She came back and OFFERED me flight 1516 (the direct flight) from MCO to Boston without me even asking. So... all's well that ends well and YAY for the Disboards!

Thanks everyone and Merry Christmas!

Great! Now your job is to make sure that they do not make any other changes before you leave on vacation. Have a great one and enjoy like you are living for the rest of us who are still in the planning stages!