Help with changing flights!

[Baloo76]

Okay, here's the deal...we bought 3 rt tickets from Philly to Orlando for early December online (cheaptickets.com or one of those places). They were non-refundable tickets @ about $170 each. The only flights we could find had a layover going and coming.

Now we found a new flight with the same airline (US Air) that has a better departure time coming and going (dates are the same), NO layovers, and is cheaper (about $130/ticket). We called and talked to someone at USAir and they said we could tranfer flights but the transfer cost would be something like $65 per ticket (making it about $235/ticket).

So as a last resort, I was wondering if anyone on this board has had any luck in a situation like that, or if they have been able to avoid such fees when changing flights? Thanks for any help you can give!

 

[NancyIL]

If you change your tickets because you want a different/more convenient flight, then I'm afraid you will have to pay the change fee.

 

[CarolMN]

If there is a schedule change before your departure date and your flight times change, you might be able to get them to change your reservation to the flights you want. Keep an eye on your flights and call as soon as you see the times change. I am just guessing, but many airlines seem to adjust their schedules at least quarterly. If Beverly Lynn sees this, maybe she will confirm that. Good Luck!

 

[hercamore]

Can't you arrive at the airport early and ask to fly standby for your desired flight? I don't think there is a change fee for this, since it's the same day departure/return.

 

[Beverly Lynn]

it depends on the fare basis as to whether or not it allows standby. when are you traveling? I could tell you if you will hit a sched change.