I think I made a mistake

[APB513]

We were originally booked on connecting flights on Delta from DTW to MCO for our Disney cruise next month.

I have been really sweating this because I hate connecting flights. I was afraid we wouldn't get our luggage. So I figured we would only take carry on (which would be a miracle if I can pull if off) and that way we don't have to check our bags. Plus I was afraid Delta might strike.

Then the whole "you-can't-bring-liquids-in-your-carry-on" thing happened, so now I can't do carry on because of my toiletries. Which means I have to check my bags

So for the past week I have been calling NWA everyday to see if they had any open non-stop flights using World Perks Miles. Then yesterday, I found a non-stop flight on NWA from DTW to MCO! Yeah, I was so happy I booked it right away. My joy was short lived. I guess I have been living under a rock because I thought NWA had resolved its labor issues and that a strike was no longer imminent (sp?).

Now what do I do???? What happens to us if NWA strikes?

I am thinking about booking a flight on Spirit just in case. But if I cancel the ticket, with they issue me a credit? If so, how soon do I have to cancel in order to get the credit (i.e., can I cancel the flight the same day?)

I would appreciate any feedback anyone can provide. This is really putting a damper on my travel planning

 

[anabelle]

Well I know you have 24 hours on NW to make changes for free. But everything I have heard on the news makes me think that it won't make much of an impact on volumes. What might happen is they could reschedule you onto an non-direct flight and you would be in the same situation. Did you cancel the other flight?

 

[Devil_Dog99]

From what I have read, NWA will try to operate without their flight attendants, using management and others. They may also bring in laid off flight attendants from other airlines (or past NWA employees) to fill in the gaps. They did that when the mechanics went on strike and there was no disruption in service as far as I could tell.

As for checking bags with connecting flights - you shouldn't be too worried. I travel every other week from Boston to Omaha - connecting flights for everything. In a year and a half I think I have only had baggage incidents 3 times. And two of those times my luggage was delivered within 12 hours (next flight). I have had situations where I literally ran from my arriving flight to my connection with seconds to spare and my bags made it with me. NWA is actually pretty good. It's Delta I worry about.

Good luck!!

 

[tracys2cents]

Just wondering how you got out of those original Delta tickets ? ? ?

 

[pppiglet]

Just wondering how you got out of those original Delta tickets ? ? ?

Me too!

 

[APB513]

Just wondering how you got out of those original Delta tickets ? ? ?

The original Delta tickets were purchased using NWA World Perks miles. Delta and NWA are partners. I had to pay a $50 cancellation fee and then I rebooked on the non-stop NWA flights.

Update - I am a BIG chicken!!! I'm too nervous to take a chance on NWA. So, I went to Spirit's website and booked tickets from DTW to MCO for $98/person roundtrip!!! I then called NWA and was able to cancel the new NWA reservation and redeposit my miles for another $50 fee

At least now I feel better about our flight situation.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond!