had to change flight and now paying for it big time

[bellaphia]

We already booked flight and room for Feb trip back in July...had to change our flight so now not only do we have to pay the difference of the flight but the fee change with continental...all said in done paying a difference of 520. ontop of original cost.
tried to get fee waived but the reps for continental were sooo nasty-spoke with three different people as well as a supervisor-
anyone have any advice as to how we might be able to get the fee change waived?

 

[DebbieB]

The legacy airlines are pretty strict with their change fees.

 

[Lewisc]

Continental offers fares that are fully refundable (and changeable). You want the flexibility of a full fare ticket without paying $$$ what it costs.

Southwest doesn't charge change fees. The time to review the terms of a ticket is before you purchase.

Four different Continental employees told you no. A customer who keeps asking is the one who's "nasty".

How much would it cost to book with another airline? Your only other option is to hope a significant schedule change gives you the option to get a refund. I'd only take that approach if the cost to book with another airline is almost as much as what Continental wants to charge you.

 

[KC78]

I don't get why people respond to someone's innocent question with so much attitude...boggles the mind!

 

[Hannathy]

Because people buy non changeable, non refundable tickets because they are the cheapest knowing the rules and then complain when they are held to those very clear rules.

 

[bavaria]

And when they are told 'no' by four different people they come to a message board and ask how the rules can be broken for them. The rules are in place for a reason - the cheapest tickets have the most restrictions, and these are clearly laid out.

If you want to avoid change fees, buy refundable tickets. But don't expect to pay the DISapproved prices for those tickets.

 

[DoctorK]

I don't get why people respond to someone's innocent question with so much attitude...boggles the mind!

There's a reputation to uphold here -- no pixie dust on the Transportation board!

 

[Lewisc]

I don't get why people respond to someone's innocent question with so much attitude...boggles the mind!

And when they are told 'no' by four different people they come to a message board and ask how the rules can be broken for them. The rules are in place for a reason - the cheapest tickets have the most restrictions, and these are clearly laid out.

If you want to avoid change fees, buy refundable tickets. But don't expect to pay the DISapproved prices for those tickets.

Because the OP was probably the person being nasty on the phone. If not nasty at least rude. How many CSRs does it take? She was given the cost to change. Pay or keep your original reservation.

I gave a suggestion. See what it would cost to purchase airfare from another carrier.

 

[safetymom]

Sorry but I agree with the others. You have a choice when you buy your tickets to purchase the refundable tickets. Most people don't because of the extra cost but when they need to change they want the terms of the refundable tickets.

Why have the more expensive refundable tickets if they will waive the fee for everyone?

 

[bellaphia]

WOW-I am the OP and never would have thought a simple question would have gotten such "nasty" or "rude" remarks...maybe I should have went into detail about WHY I had to change my flight but really didn't think it would be necessary-for all of you who "assumed" I was the one being rude or nasty you are very mistaken..We have to change our reservation due to a medically necessary surgery...
as I see now yes we should have probably bought refundable tickets but never thought our lives would be turned upside down in a matter of days...I will never make the mistake again nor will I make the mistake of asking a simple question for any suggestions on a information board again.

 

[Missytara]

I have to agree with the other posters; you didn't get the answer you were looking for......sorry, but I have to agree rules are rules no matter what the case.

Emergencies happen all the time.....you just have to deal with it the best you can.

 

[KC78]

Sorry but I agree with the others. You have a choice when you buy your tickets to purchase the refundable tickets. Most people don't because of the extra cost but when they need to change they want the terms of the refundable tickets.

Why have the more expensive refundable tickets if they will waive the fee for everyone?

and I agree as well...I just think maybe questions could be answered in a less negative way. I've come to realize that I'm definitely the minority around here!!!

 

[safetymom]

If you had mentioned the surgery the answers might have been slightly different. When traveling you need to decide the risks you are willing to take when purchasing tickets. You aren't the only one to have this happen but everyone has a choice when purchasing their tickets.

 

[bellaphia]

If you had mentioned the surgery the answers might have been slightly different. When traveling you need to decide the risks you are willing to take when purchasing tickets. You aren't the only one to have this happen but everyone has a choice when purchasing their tickets.

but don't you think there is something wrong with that??? I agree with you and completely understand about the risks-live and learn right? obviously I am not the only one that this happens to that is why I asked the question!!

and I agree as well...I just think maybe questions could be answered in a less negative way. I've come to realize that I'm definitely the minority around here!!!

thank you-me too

 

[KC78]

WOW-I am the OP and never would have thought a simple question would have gotten such "nasty" or "rude" remarks...maybe I should have went into detail about WHY I had to change my flight but really didn't think it would be necessary-for all of you who "assumed" I was the one being rude or nasty you are very mistaken..We have to change our reservation due to a medically necessary surgery...
as I see now yes we should have probably bought refundable tickets but never thought our lives would be turned upside down in a matter of days...I will never make the mistake again nor will I make the mistake of asking a simple question for any suggestions on a information board again.

I say ask all the questions you want and ignore those who just can't seem to refrain from having the "holier than thou" attitudes.

 

[Tara]

but don't you think there is something wrong with that??? I agree with you and completely understand about the risks-live and learn right? obviously I am not the only one that this happens to that is why I asked the question!!

I'm not sure I get your point - are you saying that because you aren't the only one this happens to, the airline should waive the fee? Airlines are not charitable institutions and are struggling to survive--change fees are the way they cover their backsides and bring in extra revenue. When you agree to a lower cost, non-refundable ticket, you're basically entering into a bargain with the airline: they give you a lower fare on the route you purchased and in return for that fare, you assume a measure of risk with regard to your schedule and life. I'm sorry, that's how it works. And as someone else said, if they started waiving fees for non-ref ticket changes, why would anyone pay high refundable fares?

To you, the answers you got seem harsh, I'm sure. However, you should realize that these questions are asked day-in and day-out here, often accompanied with a "the rules shouldn't apply to me" attitude or a an "I hate this airline and I'm never flying it again!" sentiment because the airline had the gall to uphold its rules.

If you read the Transportation board much, you'll find that regular posters here don't have a lot of sympathy for those looking to break or work around the rules. You'll also find they have a WEALTH of information to offer that can make travel much easier.

 

[safetymom]

but don't you think there is something wrong with that??? I agree with you and completely understand about the risks-live and learn right? obviously I am not the only one that this happens to that is why I asked the question!!



thank you-me too

No I don't see a problem with the airline policy. Yes sometimes things happen but you did have a choice when you bought the ticket. You gambled by purchasing the lower price ticket and then you had a medical issue.

How do you think they should protect those that pay more for the higher priced ticket and accomodate those that chose to purchase the non refundable ticket?

 

[Brian Noble]

For better or worse, mentioning the surgery is not likely to get you anywhere. In this case, the rules are the rules, and Continental is not likely to bend or break them. Neither would any other airline with similar policies---in other words, most of them.

If you had purchased trip insurance when or shortly after you made your *first* payment on this trip (for either hotel or airfare) it would have covered your non-refundable costs to cancel, and then you could have rebooked. In fact, if you have a package from Disney, you might have purchased trip insurance without realizing it. It is worth checking. Unfortunately, it is now probably too late to obtain insurance to cover this if you haven't already.

I'm sorry you had to be the object lesson for others, but this illustrates why it is worth thinking about trip insurance whenever you travel. It's usually a very modest additional cost, and prevents you from taking a much larger risk. Truth be told, I rarely buy it unless I have very significant non-refundable costs (a cruise, a package, that sort of thing) and prefer to self-insure, but everyone should make that decision for themselves.

Edited to add: just to clarify for others reading---trip insurance only covers cancelation costs for a set of very specific reasons, and that never includes "I changed my mind." Each policy is slightly different, so be sure to check carefully what is and is not covered.

 

[bellaphia]

I say ask all the questions you want and ignore those who just can't seem to refrain from having the "holier than thou" attitudes.

thank you
enjoy your trip with your girls...have fun!

 

[bellaphia]

but don't you think there is something wrong with that??? I agree with you and completely understand about the risks-live and learn right? obviously I am not the only one that this happens to that is why I asked the question!!

sorry I should have clarified-I meant the fact that mentioning the surgery would have gotten different answers from those on the DIS, I just think it is sad that some people are so harsh but if you mention a tradegy remarks change--
I do get rules are rules and have learned from this-the positive remarks were very informative thank you-refundable tickets, trip insurance, great advice!
believe me we are not trying to get over on anyone, just thought we would take a chance and try and catch a break in this rough time-now worries we are still going on our family vaca and will have a great time no matter how much money we have to pay-once in a lifetime right
thanks again for your helpful information