Help! What are my rights

[djh96]

when my airline changes my flight by 2 hrs? My return flight has been moved up by 2 hrs & it really changes my ability to do what we had planned. Do I have to accept what they change me to or can I be changed to any available flight they have that day? I'd like to know before I call. Thanks

 

[CarolA]

You can request they rebook you on another of thier flights that works better (if there is one) or you can request a refund and buy a ticket from another airline. The big problem with the second option is that people keep posting that airfares are going up so be sure you can get the deal you want someplace else.

Rebooking is subject to seats so if the flight you would really like is sold out you may be out of luck.

 

[Perdita&Pongo]

American did the same thing to the 3 of us. We were on a 1:15pm flight to MCO. They cancelled that flight and put us on a 3:45pm flight. I called and asked to be on the 9:30am flight instead. They made the change no problem, no fee, and I was able to get seats together, too.

The 9:30am is now at 9:15am so we can start our trip even earlier!

From what I understand, when they change your flight they will usually move you later, not earlier. So if you want earlier, just call!
~Nancy~

 

[djh96]

Thanks for your help! I called & had the most helpful agent I've ever dealt with. This was the 4th flight change since we made our reservations so I was a little frustrated. Not only were we able to push our flight back, he also got us 6 seats together. Bankruptcy for Usair seems to be improving their customer service ( either that or nobody is flying them). So now our last day will be almost a full day at the park! 2 days to go!!!!!

 

[Chicago526]

Any schedule change over 90 minutes, they must refund your ticket, or you are allowed to change the ticket with no penalty. However, if you have your ticket refunded, you still need to buy new ones, and they could be more expensive. So if you need to switch airlines, find out the price of the new tickets before getting the old refunded.

What I would do is call the airline, and find out if they have a later flight. If so, just have them change it, there will be no fee. If they do not have a later flight, then you may want to check on other airlines for fares/schedules. If you find one you like, book it and get a refund for the orriginal tickets.

If the airline gives you trouble about changing the flights or giving you a refund, just say that you can do so under "Rule 240". This is the rule that most (not all, but most) airlines have to obey covering involentary changes. Just stating "rule 240" will get most airline employees to tow the line.

 

[seashoreCM]

I have not had problems simply asking and selecting a different flight after the airline made a schedule change.

Many road warriors suggest not actually saying the words "rule two forty" except to answer a question from the airline like "what rule?" or "who says?".

It would help (and also speed things up) if you have in mind one or two alternate flights you would like. All that counts is having any unsold seats, not any unsold cheap seats.

At least for Delta and Song, they have been allowing you one free change. In fact Delta and Song sometimes wipe out your seat assignments and you must call (not click) to get these remade which also accepts their flight change if you did not request an alternate flight at the same time.

If the person on the phone does not seem to be able or willing to help, hang up and call again to hopefully get someone else. Do not give up for good without having asked for and talked to someone "higher up".

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[sln88]

I know they don't HAVE to, but anyone have any experience with making changes to a flight when they change your flight time by less than 90 minutes?

 

[Chicago526]

Less than 90, you can still change to a differant flight the same day. But you can't change dates or get a refund.

 

[cdrn1]

ATA added a flight after I booked my tickets for December. The new flight had a time that would work much better for us. I asked to be changed and they said only if I paid a $50 change fee (there are 5 of us travelling so that would be $250 total). Then I found out that the flight I booked had been pushed back an hour so I told them that created a huge problem for us and could we please change to a different flight time (the one that was added that I really wanted) and they did so at no charge!

 

[Lewisc]

More people are starting to take public charter flights from carriers like Vacation Express and SE. Those airlines don't have to give you a refund unless there is a major schedule change. That occurs if the DAY of the flight changes. They can change the time anytime that day, add a stop or a make a direct flight a connecting flight and YOU HAVE NO RECOURSE.

Originally posted by Chicago526
Any schedule change over 90 minutes, they must refund your ticket, or you are allowed to change the ticket with no penalty. However, if you have your ticket refunded, you still need to buy new ones, and they could be more expensive. So if you need to switch airlines, find out the price of the new tickets before getting the old refunded.

 

[CarolA]

Actually "Rule 240" vaires by airline. As I understand it (and I am not a lawyer) all Rule 240 requires is that the airline file their procedures. So one airlines procedures could vary from anothers.

From my travel rights.com

Before airline deregulation in 1978, Rule 240 was literally a federal requirement. Nowadays, it's a term describing what individual airlines will do for late or stranded passengers. In fact, the major airlines have filed "conditions of carriage" with the U.S. Department of Transporatation (DOT) guaranteeing their respective Rule 240s.

http://www.mytravelrights.com/travellaw.cfm?ai=3

This site gives links to all the majors and lots of other's rules.