If you're going in May, check your flights!!

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to let you know if your going to WDW in May you may want to check your flight status. I guess United changed our flights to way off times and added a connection and didn't inform us and when my dad went to check the status he noticed it and spend nearly 7 hrs on the phone today with United. It was worth it though because they ended up putting us on an earlier flight so that means we get to spend 1 extra day at WDW!!!!! I just wanted to warn those of you that it wouldn't hurt to check ur flight status now and then. We have never had trouble like this before..hey if they were really nice, they would put us in 1st class, but I doubt that will happen considering it took nearly 7 hours to give in!! Thank god my father is a negotiator and a fighter!!

 

[bavaria]

United and other legacy carriers recently had their spring schedule changes. They advise passengers in order of flights - your flight is still quite some time away.

It is the responsiblity of travellers to recheck their flights - a ticket only guarantees the holder passage between two points; it does not guarantee that times and routings will not change.

As to the first class comment - many of the United flights to MCO are TED ie one cabin; United elite members are seating in Economy Plus on those flights.

On aircraft with more than one cabin, it can be difficult for elite members to upgrade due to the popularity of United amonst business travellers. United does not give complimentary upgrades to even their elite passengers - they must pay with miles, upgrade certificates, or cash. An upgrade due to an oversold situation is very very rate even for elite members.

United did nothing wrong - their schedule changed, and they agreed to rebook you on different flights.

 

[NewJersey]

I'll go check my Continental flights now, but from years of travelling with them, they are usually excellent about not changing flights.

 

[snels]

Last week I checked our May Northwest flights. We are leaving from a small airport and have to make a connection in Detroit. I am glad that I checked! Northwest had us leaving DTW for Orlando before our connecting plane landed in Detroit. We called Northwest and changed to a later connecting flight.

When I booked I purposely booked a CRJ (small jet). NW switched airplanes on us. Now we are flying a SAAB. I think this is bait and switch! There isn't much I can do about it though. We are limited on flight selections.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Last week I checked our May Northwest flights. We are leaving from a small airport and have to make a connection in Detroit. I am glad that I checked! Northwest had us leaving DTW for Orlando before our connecting plane landed in Detroit. We called Northwest and changed to a later connecting flight.

When I booked I purposely booked a CRJ (small jet). NW switched airplanes on us. Now we are flying a SAAB. I think this is bait and switch! There isn't much I can do about it though. We are limited on flight selections.

See its a good think you checked. We booked with Orbitz who are normally very good at notifying with any changes but they didnt this time and because they hadn't given us seat assignments my dad was always checking and came across it. He talked a worker at orbitz and a manager then United then a manager from united then USAir and a manager from them and finally got the flights changed. The people even admitted it that it was a glitch in their system as to why we werent notified and said there was nothing they could do and i think my dad pretty much told then yes theres something u can do u just dont choose to do it because you want money (my dad is not only a good negotiator but an accountant) but it paid off 7hrs later in the end because now we are getting to WDW 4 hrs early and can go to the MK the 1st day!!!

 

[bavaria]

See its a good think you checked. We booked with Orbitz who are normally very good at notifying with any changes but they didnt this time and because they hadn't given us seat assignments my dad was always checking and came across it. He talked a worker at orbitz and a manager then United then a manager from united then USAir and a manager from them and finally got the flights changed. The people even admitted it that it was a glitch in their system as to why we werent notified and said there was nothing they could do and i think my dad pretty much told then yes theres something u can do u just dont choose to do it because you want money (my dad is not only a good negotiator but an accountant) but it paid off 7hrs later in the end because now we are getting to WDW 4 hrs early and can go to the MK the 1st day!!!

Actually, there was no need for your father to spend 7 hours on the phone, nor would he need to talk to that many people. It sounds as if you or your father were not clear as to who was operating your flight, and that it was a codeshare.

This past weekend was not a good day to call United or US Airways, due to the weather and ORD cancellations.

The airline obliged by offering you a flight which better suited your needs, after a schedule change. That was what they should/would have done for other callers as well - it has no bearing on your father's skills or lack thereof. (but I do give you credit for being proud of your daddy )

 

[bavaria]

I think this is bait and switch!

You purchased a ticket from point A to point B. That is all that you were guaranteed. You were not guaranteed a particular routing, aircraft or seat selection.

 

[Starr W.]

Our NWA flight for Thanksgiving outbound from DTW-MCO changed 3x before we left. Originally booked to leave at 10:30, then it was 8:45, then 9 something. All way before we left.

Expedia did send an email on the first change, I caught the 2nd (inside 90 days) when I went to check our seats again(changed planes).

Flights were on time, bags didn't get lost=

In my former life, I travelled quite a bit so nothing really phases me.

 

[Tasmen]

It's a good idea to always check your rezzies even the day before the trip to see if airlines have made a change. I just checked ours for May and our connecting flight in DFW to Seattle already has had a plane change from md-80 to 757. Our seats have remained unchanged though

Staying on top of things makes it easier to make changes before your flight should you need to before you leave. Also, be aware a lot of airlines will allow you to check your reservations/seat assignments online if you have your confirmation code. You can then make changes online if you need to. No reason to sit on the phone. I use this feature for both American Airlines and Alaska all the time.

 

[rie'smom]

We checked our flight on Delta and the time had changed. I called and they gave me a refund on a non refundable flight.
Also,I don't think the OP was trying to stir the pot,she was just giving us a heads up. Thanks OP!!

 

[mmessler]

I am booked in May, made res. in January. I am more than a little obsessive about planning - as well as excited about the upcoming trip, so I make it a habit to check my res. once a week or so. I've been checking our flights on Delta, and we only had a slight change of time but about a half hour on each way, I think the flight NUMBERS might've been the same, so I assume it was just a slight change of schedule.

Not the first time I've had a time switch, but it's never been major, on Delta. Only thing that riled me up last time was the switch gave us a 40 minute layover in ATLANTA rather than an hour 15 in someplace a tad bit calmer like Charlotte.

No biggie.