I messed up! (UPDATE!!!!!)

[Wendaeh]

And I am so bummed. We are going to Disney Dec 4-11 (sunday to Sunday). I booked our air through AirTran back in August, and got a wonderful deal -- $49 each way. So good, we decided to bring my parents along. This has led to us treating them to a vacation in Disney, which we are thrilled to do (although, budget wise, it's a little tight). Anyway, I expected to leave at 7:40am and get to Disney at around 10:15 -- and planned a full day -- a little park touring, hanging at the hotel, and dinne at 1900 Park Fare at 6pm -- early night, then up early on Monday.

I planned to leave on Sunday, so my kids could play their 6 basketball games on Sat. They will miss 4 days of school (they have a day off that week).

So last night I get a call from AirTran to let me know they've changed our flight times (by a little bit), and they say "your departure is now 7:45 rather than 7:40 PM" -- PM!!!!! Oh my --- I messed up and picked a PM time!!!

So now we lose a whole day in Disney, and arrive late (it's now pushed back to 10:30) -- which means we'll have cranky kids if we try an early morning on Monday. And what kills me the most, is we'll be sitting at home all day Sunday -- a total waste -- we won't even have homework to work on!

Oh, and this was my 40th birthday present from my husband (a trip to Disney), and we build it around a conference -- so he'll be in a conference all day Thursday and Friday and part of Sat). I feel like I busted my butt to plan out our vacation -- and it's my fault I messed up and lose a day.

To change is $50 per person (times 7 people), plus to additional cost (of course, there aren't any $49 fares any more)....so financially, we can't do it.

I feel so stupid......I guess it could be worse, I had every intention on getting the kids and my parents up early to be at the airport that morning......

Wendy

 

[BeccaGrace]

You poor thing--That sounds like something I would do!!!
Think on the positive side...at least you are still going to Disney It could definitely be worse...you could have booked for the wrong day or the wrong number of tickets! Maybe the kids won't be too cranky for an early morning the next day since they are in Disney. And maybe you can plan a fun 'Trip Day' activity at home before you leave to pass the time...a fun lunch out or to the Disney store at the mall?
Try not to stress about it too much...you will still have a wonderful trip!

 

[slimplaw]

I am always afraid of doing this when I book airlines tickets. You'll still have a nice long trip and have time to do many wonderful things. I understand wanting to get there early.

 

[disneyaggie]

How frustrating! Oh, well, that will give you a little bit more time to relax and pack. Like BeccaGrace said, "at least you're going to Disney"! Whohoo!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

If they called you for a schedule change, then you may be entitled to change your flights without penalty. Something similar happened to us.

My husband took a full day off the day we are leaving instead of a half day, so when Usair called to tell me they moved my 1pm flight to 2pm, I had them change it to 6AM which gives us a whole day in the park.

Honestly, try at least two times to call. It can often depend on the customer service rep.

 

[Joan S.]

Hi Wendy, you have planned a WONDERFUL trip,now just plan on having a nice relaxing day before you start your vacation! Have everything ready as if you were leaving in the AM, then sleep a little later(if possible ) have a nice FAMILY breakfast and discuss ALL EVERYONE wants to do at WDW.Maybe watch a nice DISNEY movie or go for a walk(good practice for WDW). The trick is to RELAX, it will make your week at WDW so much more enjoyable! Most of us(me included!) RUN around like CRAZY before we leave and it takes a few days(at WDW) to RELAX! Have a nice meal out before you head to the AIRPORT or eat right at the airport(we always do this)and savor a little downtime before you start your WDW vacation! And I LIKE to arrive at night,go to bed get a good nights sleep and start fresh in the morning! And STOP beating yourself up!!!! We all make mistakes and it is good for your children to see you deal with this mistake positively! I hope you feel better now about this and GET BUSY planning that EXTRA day at HOME with fun things to do! Joan

 

[bellenbuzz]

I do really feel for you too ! I am so sorry that happened.
Now, Just Stay Focused and Calm and Positive and what's done is already done and now think of the good fun and exciting days that await all of you !! PLEASE DO NOT let this ruin your vision for your entire vacation!!!
DISNEY WORLD is a Magical Wonderful Place !!
Let the magic part put your mind and vacation in a the days you are there of wonderful memories!!
Hang In There! AND No Moping Around !!! You Will Have a Dreamy Time!

 

[RaineinMD]

Is it possible to go standby for an earlier flight that day? You wont know until the very last minute but it may be worth a try. We have done that before. I know probably 7 people may be hard to come by...but if the 1st flight out is very early you may get lucky that it isnt booked.

 

[ms.ojo]

Is it possible to go standby for an earlier flight that day? You wont know until the very last minute but it may be worth a try. We have done that before. I know probably 7 people may be hard to come by...but if the 1st flight out is very early you may get lucky that it isnt booked.

That's a great idea! And I hope the OP will also call the airlines and see if there is room on an earlier flight, (esp the first flight of the day) that they'll let her switch now.

Let us know how you make out!!!!

 

[kilee]

I am sorry this happened. The only bright spot it you'll still be going to Disney! I think some of the stand-by ideas are great.

 

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

Explain to them you didn't understand your options & you would like to see about changing your flight entirely.

Airtran changed our flight time earlier this year & I was already planning on changing (for the $50 change fee) to leave the day before, but when they said they had changed the departure time (by about an hour), I could make a change without the penalty.

See if you can make it an earlier flight the same day, or even the late flight the night before if that is an option with all the activities.

You need to call though! The worst than can happen is to be told no. Just be sure to say no one explained to you that you could change your flight.

Good luck!

Mickey & Minnie Mom

 

[Wendaeh]

I was a little apprehensive about posting a "pity" post, because, in the realm of things, it really isn't a big deal.

Well, from your recommendation, I called AirTran (remember, they only changed my flight by 5 minutes departure time), but because they changed us, SHE MOVED ALL 7 OF US TO A 7:00 AM DEPARTURE TIME FOR FREE!!!

I could just cry, I'm so excited! And I wouldn't have even thought to do it if it weren't for you guys.

Thank you! Thank you!

Wendy

 

[loriandmatt]

if you can't get the flights changes with little or no fee - take that day to treat yourself. let your vacation begin before you leave your house. schedule yourself (and any other girls in your group) for a mani/pedicure or take everyone to the movies.

if you are like us, it is not often that we are all home with no other homework or chores to do. take that time together and start your vacation before you even leave home.

- lori

 

[Thumper's Tara]

Well, from your recommendation, I called AirTran (remember, they only changed my flight by 5 minutes departure time), but because they changed us, SHE MOVED ALL 7 OF US TO A 7:00 AM DEPARTURE TIME FOR FREE!!!

I could just cry, I'm so excited! And I wouldn't have even thought to do it if it weren't for you guys.

Thank you! Thank you!

Wendy

Wendy - that is great! I am so happy it worked out! Have a wonderful time in Disney!!

ttfn,
TT

 

[AdventurerKat]

I was a little apprehensive about posting a "pity" post, because, in the realm of things, it really isn't a big deal.

Well, from your recommendation, I called AirTran (remember, they only changed my flight by 5 minutes departure time), but because they changed us, SHE MOVED ALL 7 OF US TO A 7:00 AM DEPARTURE TIME FOR FREE!!!

I could just cry, I'm so excited! And I wouldn't have even thought to do it if it weren't for you guys.

Thank you! Thank you!

Wendy

That's wonderful. And a nice big goodwill advertisement for Air Tran. I will keep them in mind for future travel plans.

Have a great trip!

 

[FourFlans]

Way to go AirTran! There is actually some decent customer service left in this world after all!

Have a great trip!

 

[goodferry]

Great news, I am so glad it worked out for you! We flew AirTrans in August and it was a wonderful flight both ways, I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Horizons16]

you dont have to get up early now!

EDIT

HAH oops looks like you are getting up early after all lol

 

[Brikate]

I could just cry, I'm so excited! And I wouldn't have even thought to do it if it weren't for you guys. Wendy

Congrats Wendy!

It's such a relief when everything comes together - now you can take a deep breath and just relax.

I'll keep an eye out for you "skippin" thru the parks in excitement (we leave in 27 days!), I'm assuming that you look like one of the above dancers?

Have a wonderful time!!!

 

[AuntPatti]

I was a little apprehensive about posting a "pity" post, because, in the realm of things, it really isn't a big deal.

Well, from your recommendation, I called AirTran (remember, they only changed my flight by 5 minutes departure time), but because they changed us, SHE MOVED ALL 7 OF US TO A 7:00 AM DEPARTURE TIME FOR FREE!!!

I could just cry, I'm so excited! And I wouldn't have even thought to do it if it weren't for you guys.

Thank you! Thank you!

Wendy

So happy for you!
The Magic is starting already!