Last Minute Return Flight Change and DME

[dis_guy]

Well, United has changed our flights again and we were able to adjust our flights to MCO with no problem but we have a 5h layover on the way back now and couldn't change anything due to these being "married segments".

All that aside we might be able to change to a later departure from MCO the day before but I'm concerned about our DME return to the airport. Can you make last minute (24h) DME changes for the ride back to the airport? Has anyone done this successfully? Could this be done at the resort or do I need to call DME directly?

TIA for any input.

 

[sam_gordon]

I don't understand why you'd need to make a last minute change. Wouldn't you know before your trip when your return date is? Personally, I'd call DME just to make sure they have the correct info, but I think they can do it at the front desk also.

 

[dis_guy]

I don't understand why you'd need to make a last minute change. Wouldn't you know before your trip when your return date is? Personally, I'd call DME just to make sure they have the correct info, but I think they can do it at the front desk also.

When I called United they said that the segments I wanted to change were "Married" and so they were not able to make a change. I was told that I would be able to do a "same day change" within 24 hours of departure to get onto a better flight to reduce our long layover if seats were available. My question is that if I did this last minute flight change could I change DME to suit or is it too short a time frame? Of course I should just call DME but was wondering if anyone had some experience with doing this.

 

[seashoreCM]

The normal deadline for adjusting your Magical Express bus time back to the airport is morning of the day before the day you will leave.

After the deadline, DME will try to accommodate your change request but cannot promise anything. But almost always DME should be able to get you something (may be somewhat more than 3 hours before your flight) if you call them with at least 6 hours before your flight and can prove (doesn't have to be beyond a reasonable doubt) that the airline instigated the time change.

Therefore you need to declare a bus time 3 hours before the earliest likely flight time as you stand at the front desk at the deadline time. (Or declare the earliest likely flight time as yours.)

If you needed to adjust the DME bus time on or after the deadline, you need to fetch the new confirmation paper as soon as that is ready. Don't wait until evening when you would ordinarily get back from the park.

 

[brockash]

Well, United has changed our flights again and we were able to adjust our flights to MCO with no problem but we have a 5h layover on the way back now and couldn't change anything due to these being "married segments".

All that aside we might be able to change to a later departure from MCO the day before but I'm concerned about our DME return to the airport. Can you make last minute (24h) DME changes for the ride back to the airport? Has anyone done this successfully? Could this be done at the resort or do I need to call DME directly?

TIA for any input.

I've had to call DME to change our departure time the day of leaving the resort for MCO and have never had a problem. I've done this 3 or 4 times and they just said they made a note and give me the new time for DME. I don't know their policy but this is our experience.

 

[dis_guy]

Thanks for your responses. It seems like it's possible anyway. We'll see when the day comes. We may just enjoy the 5h layover in IAH to avoid possible complications.

 

[bumbershoot]

Ugh. I'd never heard this phrase before, but after a bit of reading I feel a tiny bit more clear on it.

Since this is their change, I'd try at least one more call to get clarification. Just in case they really CAN do it, since this is their change. Not sure I'd expect much, but I'd try.

I was reading something on flyertalk where he changed the DATE of the flight combo, and that got him out of the married segment issue. Is that at all possible? Go home the following day?

Of course, there's no guarantee that the same change wouldn't happen after you changed it...

 

[KPeterso]

A couple years ago, I got a voice mail the morning of my return flight home that my 12 PM flight was cancelled and that I had been re-booked to flights later in the afternoon. I called DME as there was no reason for me to be picked up at 9 AM when I could be picked up at 12 or 1 (sorry don't remember exactly). DME was able to change my bus reservation to a later one, so I took that one back. It was sadly about the smoothest part of that day making the change and going on DME later. I believe this was my April 2013 trip. I think if there is a good reason that they should be able to switch you if needed.

 

[seashoreCM]

If the airline changes its schedule it should give you pick of the litter for reselecting flights that work almost as good for you as what you originally had, so long as there are unbooked seats, married pair or fare class or other fare changes to be disregarded.

Call the airline and ask to speak to higher up, or write if time permits.