HELP! Can I change a restricted flight w/out penalties?

[rocketgirl]

I want to kick myself!

I wanted to surprise my DH for our anniversary with a Disney trip. Since he was supposed to be busy at work around our anniversary (early June), I bought tickets from IAD-MCO for $166. Unfortunately, they were restricted tickets with a $100 penalty fee for changes. We'll be staying for 3 nights/4 days.

Well, I kinda hinted about our trip, and he's since hinted that if we're going to WDW, he wants to stay longer (5 nights).

Unfortunately, the fare for all the flights around that time went up another ~$60 and even if they were cheaper, I can't get around paying the penalty fee anyway. I already called CRO and added a few extra days to the trip at AKL, but does anyone have any suggestions on what to do (other than bite the bullet and pay the extra charges)?

HELP!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I would call the airline and beg for mercy in the nicest, sweetest possible tone.
You never know, it might work and it certainly does not hurt to try.
If it was SWA, there would be no penalty, and the only additional charge would be an increase in airfare, if applicable.
Delta is 100.00 but only 75.00 for Delta Express.
Not sure what airline you are flying, but, I thought I would throw those in anyway.

 

[Lewisc]

Look up your original flights. If the times changed by more than a few hours or if the flight is overbooked you may get lucky.

 

[vellamint]

Made reservations.....wanted to go for 10 days....couldnt because of other personal obligations.....then had a change of personal obligations.....now can go for 10 days....BUT CANT .....BOO HOO HOOO.....and dont tell me I can pay the $100 fee because there are SIX of us...wwwwaaaaahhhhhhhh. Anyone from Travelocity or American Airlines reading this!!!!!!!!! (Just 3 more days in Disney.....yeah yeah....thats all I want.....yeah yeah....I promise.!)

 

[seashoreCM]

Some airlines don't have as big a penalty if you change the return flight only. But call your airline to be sure. You can try several times to increase the chances of finding an airline employee who will do it for you for less, one time to try is when you arrive at Orlando Airport.

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[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
...
Delta is 100.00 but only 75.00 for Delta Express.
...

Gail, Delta Express is still only $50 to change/cancel a fare. Still a bargain.

 

[rocketgirl]

Hi folks,

Thanks for all your input, folks Gail: Unfortunately, it's UAL, which is $100.

I've been eyeing the fares and seeing if they'll change. Also, UAL's website shows what seats are available on specific flights (you have to set up an itinerary to check their seat selections). I'm waiting until my return flight fills up (four seats left!) or the fare drops dramatically (below $166 for my itinerary) and then I'll give them a call and see what I can do then. It's too bad we lost our Premier status a few years back.. that might have also helped us!

Wish me luck!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

GoldenOldie,
Ahhhhhhh, caught me!!!! It is Delta Shuttle that is 75.00 for a change.
You know, I really hate it when you are right. LOL

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Rocketgirl,
I wish you the best of luck!!!

 

[josierac]

Have you made sure that they understand you only want to change the return part of your trip? Most airlines don't have a fee for that or it's very low.

 

[CarolA]

The change fee is the same on UAL, Delta and most of the other majors regardless of what you are changing. It is not less if you are changing only the return portion.

I have been known to buy a whole new one way ticket on a discount airline just because it was cheaper than changing a return on Delta.