Frustrated wtih United & the BIG Airlines!!!

[treloarf]

I hate to beat a dead horse, but this just doesn't seem right. On 9/25 I booked a flight (6 weeks in advance) from Pgh to MCO on United for Nov. 12-15- only direct flights were 7:25 am & 3:25 pm - the 7:25 was $425 & the 3:25 was $181. Since we were only going for 3 nights I wanted to get there early. So for $181 I had to go thru Chicago - a 6 hour trip -leaving at 6:25 am & arr. 12:30p.

NOW the 7:25 am flight is only $181 & they added a 9:40 flight & it's only $181 both flights get in before my 6hour flight. THEY WON'T CHANGE MY TICKET except if I pay $100 - IT's NOT FAIR!!!!

 

[canwegosoon]

I hate to beat a dead horse, but this just doesn't seem right. On 9/25 I booked a flight from Pgh to MCO on United for Nov. 12-15- only direct flights were 7:25 am & 3:25 pm - the 7:25 was $425 & the 3:25 was $181. Since we were only going for 3 nights I wanted to get there early. So for $181 I had to go thru Chicago - a 6 hour trip -leaving at 6:25 am & arr. 12:30p.

NOW the 7:25 am flight is only $181 & they added a 9:40 flight & it's only $181 both flights get in before my 6hour flight. THEY WON'T CHANGE MY TICKET except if I pay $100 - IT's NOT FAIR!!!!

If they change your flight time you can request a different flight . I'll keep my fingers crossed that your flight gets bumped back, or you never know check $$$ if there is a sale (and sometimes there is, it might drop enough to cover the $100...that's what happened to me last year..even ended up getting a voucher for additional $35) I (sorry to say this) will not fly through Chicago if I can help it ...United is horrible there. Don't forget to check the entertainment book for coupon too to help defray that $100 cost you might beable to get the right code tickets at this point.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Just remember, those flights are opperated by US Airways. Since you are on a UAL flight right now, they'd have to switch that to the UAL codeshared flight. I'm not quite sure how they handle all of that, since it is actually a flight on US Airways metal.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

It sounds like you purchased a deeply discounted ticket and those almost always carry a change fee of some amount. The airline is simply adhering to the terms of the ticket you purchased, which is completely fair.

 

[treloarf]

I know the rules to change a non-refundable ticket (I've been flying for many years)!!!!!............but

if it was Airtran, it would only be $50 (which I may consider since the ticket was only $181) and on SOUTHWEST, no fee, I could just change it for another ticket (I believe that's how it works because I couldn't find anything on their website that said they charged a fee other than you could apply it toward another flight)

I live in Pgh. & many of my neighbors have lost their jobs thru USAirways - & I feel badly for them, but I'm tired of these big airlines & their rules/prices - look how they price gouge the poor traveling businesman!

SORRY didn't mean to get ramble - it's just killing me to travel 6 hours when I can be there in 2!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mturner]

While it is true SW will change your flt for no charge IF you are lucky enough to find a different flt in the same catagory such as Internet Fare etc. they have many different cat and the low fares go quickly, otherwise you have to pay the difference between the fare cat.

i changed once the next day and had no problem as i found the same cat. flt.

too bad about United.. it actually is my fav. airlines.that is why i really read the fine print before i actually book. 6 hours is a long time tho Ohare is an interesting people watching place and a great airport.

 

[safetymom]

You have a choice when you travel. If you don't like the policies of one airline you look at the next. All the airlines have room for improvement. There are some policies of the lower priced carriers I don't agree with either.

 

[bicker]

I think the point is that there is a difference between not liking something and it being "unfair". While we as consumers often feel powerless, the reality is we have the ultimate power: We can simply choose not to make a purchase if we don't like the terms and conditions. When we don't choose to use that power, we do need to acknowledge that our acceptance of the terms and conditions means that imposing those terms is indeed fair.

 

[debden]

Unfortunately there is no way around the airline rules.The airlines are always changing the flight times so maybe you'll get lucky and if they change your 7:25am flight (even if it's only a half-hour) you can jump on the phone and say that's not convenient and ask to be switched to one of the other flights that you want.
But if it gets down to the wire and it doesn't look like they'll be changing your flight times (which would be a first) I would just pay the $100 difference and take the flight I would be most happy with.....It's worth it in the long run.
I hope everything goes your way.
Debbie