Problem with Priceline

[MonorailMan]

Have any of you ever booked a flight through Priceline.com before?

I'm having a leeeeeeettle problem with them. I booked my flight to Orlando on Priceline a couple months ago and as of last night I've gotten a total of 12 e-mails from them over the past several weeks telling me that my flight intinerary has changed. (That's right--it's changed 12 times.) Mostly it's only the type of aircraft that's changed, but there have been a few time changes as well. It's making it a little difficult for me to know what I should tell DME as far as when our flights arrive.

Now that I think about it.......I'm not sure if it's Priceline's fault or the airline's. Either way, at this rate I'm expecting to get at least 5 more changes before I actually leave for Orlando.

 

[mickeyfan1]

As far as DME, if they have your flight number, you are fine. They check all the time and know when to expect you.

My flight times did NOT show in my DME docs, I called to make sure all was OK, they said they never show the times because they don't.

 

[MonorailMan]

As far as DME, if they have your flight number, you are fine. They check all the time and know when to expect you.

My flight times did NOT show in my DME docs, I called to make sure all was OK, they said they never show the times because they don't.

Okay, thanks. That's a good thing because I have 2 people coming in on 2 separate flights, and as of now our flights are about 2 hours apart, although originally they were only 10 minutes apart. That makes it a lot easier. My friend is just going to have to sip cafe mocha lattes and sit patiently for a couple hours while he waits for me.

 

[mystic_path]

Did you call local travel agents? Any travel agent can take your flight information and give you the proper update. I would at least give them a call to give you a piece of mind.

 

[padalyn]

You know the carrier right??? well, I suggest you check their website, this should have the real information.

I have gotten 4 phone calls and 4 emails about my JetBlue flight - now I have to move dinner ressys on Nov 3....ugh.

My original flight was leaving MCO at 9:30pm - now it is 6:30!!! so, my last dinner is now lunch I guess. Oh well.

don't worry about DME - they are really flexible, and there are always busses there - if you don't get on one, they will get you on the next I am sure.

 

[MonorailMan]

Did you call local travel agents? Any travel agent can take your flight information and give you the proper update. I would at least give them a call to give you a piece of mind.

I'm not using a travel agent. I just used Priceline directly for the flight, but not for rooms, etc.
Considering the time of arrival hasn't changed too much, it's not a huge concern at this point.....just more of an aggrevation. I'm more concerned about what type of planes I'll have because it'll determine if I can actually bring my small luggage on-board with me or not. If I get one of those regional embraer jets like I was recently switched to I'll have to check my bag.....but if I get the 747 like I originally was scheduled to take I'll be able to bring it on with me.

You know the carrier right??? well, I suggest you check their website, this should have the real information.

I have gotten 4 phone calls and 4 emails about my JetBlue flight - now I have to move dinner ressys on Nov 3....ugh.

My original flight was leaving MCO at 9:30pm - now it is 6:30!!! so, my last dinner is now lunch I guess. Oh well.

don't worry about DME - they are really flexible, and there are always busses there - if you don't get on one, they will get you on the next I am sure.

I was kind of miffed about JetBlue's hub at the Columbus airport closing a few months ago.....but that's another story.

That would stink if you had to move the reservations. I'm leaving our last night at WDW completely open and unplanned because we're going to have to get to bed pretty early too. I think my friend's flight also leaves MCO around 6:30 or 7am. The only good thing I can think about that is that the airport shouldn't be too crowded around that time. But since I've never been to MCO I really can't say.

Thanks for the DME tip. I have to call them on Monday to schedule everything.

 

[mickeyfan1]

If you are on an Embraer jet, and your carry on is normal sized, you don't have to check it, just take it to the gate and they will check it there, you will take it down the jet way and leave it, then you will pick it up at the other end. What ever airline it is, you can usually get the type of plane info from the website.

A 747 out of Columbus to MCO seems unlikely. What airline are you using? And if you are using DME, they will handle the bags anyway, so unless you really need a carry on that won't fit in the small jet bin, check it and see i in your room later!

 

[MonorailMan]

I'm flying on Delta. The last time I flew on an Embraer they said there was nowhere to store my carry-on, even though it was only half the size of a backpack, so they just set it on one of the empty seats.

If I have to check my bag I'll more than likely just go to baggage claim and get it myself since I'll have some medical supplies that are pretty important. Not that I don't trust DME....it's just a personal comfort level thing.

It's pretty sad--I'm in my 30's and I've only flown about 3 or 4 other times. Is it obvious?

 

[padalyn]

Since you are flying on Delta you should be able to get the flight information.
http://www.delta.com/
at the bottom left - enter the flight number, this should give you the times etc.

If it is more than one or two days before the flight, go to the planning a trip page and enter the information - it should "find" your flight and give you more finite information about that flight.

http://www.delta.com/booking/searchFlights.do

I hope this helps, by the way - if you declare the medical equipment, it does NOT count towards your carryon. This is assuming it is about the same size or smaller than a carry on. Those dimensions are available on the website as well. You would be better off NOT checking medical stuff - the bags get bounced around pretty hard and stuff can break.

If it is a bi-pap or c-pap machine - they will allow you to carry it on. including the distilled water for the machine. No extra water, but the 4 or 5 onces it uses. If the equipment involves any needles or injectible liquids you would be better off just taking it with you - get a copy of your perscription for the needles and put them in a seperate clear zip lok bag, when you get to security declare them to the tech and put them into a seperate bin outside your carryon bag. This way they can see them without having to tear your whole bag apart. The syringes MUST be empty by the way, and in packaging of some sort.

As far as not flying often, until I became a DVC owner I had only flown 4 times in my life. Now I am going 3 times a year!!!

All the information about what is allowable in carryon is listed on the TSA website:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

FYI:
Disability-related items permitted through the security checkpoint include:

Wheelchairs
Scooters
Crutches
Canes
Walkers
Prosthetic devices
Casts
Support braces
Support appliances
Service animals
Baby apnea monitors
Orthopedic shoes
Exterior medical devices
Assistive/adaptive equipment
Augmentation devices
Ostomy supplies
CPAP machines & respirators
Hearing aids
Cochlear implants
Tools for wheelchair disassembly/reassembly
Personal supplemental oxygen
CO2 personal oxygen concentrators
Tools for prosthetic devices
Medications and associated supplies
Braille note takers
Slate and stylus
All diabetes related medication, equipment, and supplies
Any other disability-related equipment and associated supplies


enjoy your tirp to the world.....happy flying!

 

[mickeyfan1]

Those pesky med supplies. And those pesky Embraers. With Delta, there is a HUGE chance that you will be on one. But you are smart to pick your own bag up, because DME is good, but can be slow. For that reason, picking it up yourself is the way to go.

Padalyn, the really small planes that Delta and United fly have such small sotrage bins that the allowed carry ons often are too big. But all that info you posted was great.

Flying takes some practice, I have been doing it since I was 4, but the rules change so often now that there are times I feel like a rookie.


Mike, deep breaths. And just think, your going to Disney World, and we aren't.

 

[padalyn]

Those pesky med supplies. And those pesky Embraers. With Delta, there is a HUGE chance that you will be on one. But you are smart to pick your own bag up, because DME is good, but can be slow. For that reason, picking it up yourself is the way to go.

Padalyn, the really small planes that Delta and United fly have such small sotrage bins that the allowed carry ons often are too big. But all that info you posted was great.

Flying takes some practice, I have been doing it since I was 4, but the rules change so often now that there are times I feel like a rookie.


Mike, deep breaths. And just think, your going to Disney World, and we aren't.

Oh...didn't realize the plane not the carrier was the issue.

and as far as going to WDW - I am!! I leave on 10/14....not too soon as far as I am concerned!

Going to be celebrating friends honeymoon - they are getting married just before they join me at BCV for 5 days. I am planning on getting them groom's hats - should I get them embroidered? With names or something else?

 

[MonorailMan]

Since you are flying on Delta you should be able to get the flight information.
http://www.delta.com/
at the bottom left - enter the flight number, this should give you the times etc.

If it is more than one or two days before the flight, go to the planning a trip page and enter the information - it should "find" your flight and give you more finite information about that flight.

http://www.delta.com/booking/searchFlights.do

I hope this helps, by the way - if you declare the medical equipment, it does NOT count towards your carryon. This is assuming it is about the same size or smaller than a carry on. Those dimensions are available on the website as well. You would be better off NOT checking medical stuff - the bags get bounced around pretty hard and stuff can break.

If it is a bi-pap or c-pap machine - they will allow you to carry it on. including the distilled water for the machine. No extra water, but the 4 or 5 onces it uses. If the equipment involves any needles or injectible liquids you would be better off just taking it with you - get a copy of your perscription for the needles and put them in a seperate clear zip lok bag, when you get to security declare them to the tech and put them into a seperate bin outside your carryon bag. This way they can see them without having to tear your whole bag apart. The syringes MUST be empty by the way, and in packaging of some sort.

As far as not flying often, until I became a DVC owner I had only flown 4 times in my life. Now I am going 3 times a year!!!

All the information about what is allowable in carryon is listed on the TSA website:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

FYI:
Disability-related items permitted through the security checkpoint include:

Wheelchairs
Scooters
Crutches
Canes
Walkers
Prosthetic devices
Casts
Support braces
Support appliances
Service animals
Baby apnea monitors
Orthopedic shoes
Exterior medical devices
Assistive/adaptive equipment
Augmentation devices
Ostomy supplies
CPAP machines & respirators
Hearing aids
Cochlear implants
Tools for wheelchair disassembly/reassembly
Personal supplemental oxygen
CO2 personal oxygen concentrators
Tools for prosthetic devices
Medications and associated supplies
Braille note takers
Slate and stylus
All diabetes related medication, equipment, and supplies
Any other disability-related equipment and associated supplies


enjoy your tirp to the world.....happy flying!

Wow, thank you for all that information. I really appreciate it! That was very sweet of you.

I've noticed that most of the time when I tell them what is in my little "cooler bag" (syringes, insulin, etc.) the security people usually always take the bag so it won't go through the x-ray machine. There was one time when they didn't even look in the bag, which I don't think is supposed to happen. (I won't tell anyone if you won't.) I was just going to check my testing supplies, etc. because I don't like keeping it in the cooler bag, which will be my only carry-on. The fewer bags-the better, I always say.

 

[fitzpat]

It looks like you've gotten your questions answered re the plane; however, I wanted to respond to your original question about priceline. I have used priceline for years and have had great success with hotels and cars. In fact I wont rent a car without using priceline anymore. Having said that I traveled once and only once on an airline ticket obtained from priceline and I will never do that again. As a rule you must always have at least one layover and they suggest you accept two layovers to reduce your price even further. So I essentially wasted two entire days of my vacation on my flights with the exceptionally long layover (as the airline gives you its cheapest flights possible which means the most inconvienant layovers). All to save maybe 50 to 100 dollars. I will never, ever do that again. If we were talking 4 digits I might conider it, but to save a hundred buck is simply not worth two travel days.

Have a great time!!

 

[MonorailMan]

It looks like you've gotten your questions answered re the plane; however, I wanted to respond to your original question about priceline. I have used priceline for years and have had great success with hotels and cars. In fact I wont rent a car without using priceline anymore. Having said that I traveled once and only once on an airline ticket obtained from priceline and I will never do that again. As a rule you must always have at least one layover and they suggest you accept two layovers to reduce your price even further. So I essentially wasted two entire days of my vacation on my flights with the exceptionally long layover (as the airline gives you its cheapest flights possible which means the most inconvienant layovers). All to save maybe 50 to 100 dollars. I will never, ever do that again. If we were talking 4 digits I might conider it, but to save a hundred buck is simply not worth two travel days.

Have a great time!!

Now that you mention it, I did notice that they didn't have any flights without at least one layover. Some flights actually had 3, which I don't believe I've ever seen before.

 

[MonorailMan]

Here's a stupid question that I didn't feel was necessary to start a new thread for....

Whenever you're at one of those airport check-in kiosks does the credit card you swipe have to be the same one you used to book the tickets with? The reason I ask is because I recently had to destroy the card I booked my upcoming flight with due to someone else using it. I suppose I can always just punch in my itinerary number..........iiiiiiiiif I haaaaaaaaaave tooooooo.

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

Here's a stupid question that I didn't feel was necessary to start a new thread for....

Whenever you're at one of those airport check-in kiosks does the credit card you swipe have to be the same one you used to book the tickets with? The reason I ask is because I recently had to destroy the card I booked my upcoming flight with due to someone else using it. I suppose I can always just punch in my itinerary number..........iiiiiiiiif I haaaaaaaaaave tooooooo.

I can't speak for all airlines but that's not the case with Southwest. I'm pretty sure I even used my library card once.

 

[MonorailMan]

I can't speak for all airlines but that's not the case with Southwest. I'm pretty sure I even used my library card once.

Your library card? Really?? Okay, thanks.

 

[padalyn]

Just don't forget to take your passport - if you have one of course. To get through airport security you HAVE to have a photo government issued ID - a drivers license works, but they prefer a passport.

The checkin process does bog down on occosion - I usually have to go to the counter since my name doesn't match!

 

[mickeyfan1]

I have never used the CC, I always do the Reservation number. But I believe that you do not have to use the same one, because they are really trying to read your name off out of the strip.

 

[MonorailMan]

I've noticed a lot of times that going directly to the counter instead of the kiosk can be a lot faster, especially if it's early in the morning. When you wait for the kiosk you have to type in the info and/or scan your card, and then you just have to wait again for the person behind the counter to call your name if you happen to have luggage you want to check. It's give-and-take, I suppose.

Now, the line for SkyBus (R.I.P.) was a whooooole other ball of yarn. The last couple times I was at the airport the line just to get to the SkyBus counter had at least 200 people in it, and there were NO kiosks. It was insane! I've never seen anything like that before. OSU students loved the fact that they could get tickets starting at only $10. I guess their "low overhead" concept was nice, but I'm glad I never used their airline. A lot of people who booked flights with them after May lost their money (and flights) because the airline went under without much warning and didn't give refunds.

Sorry.....I went on one of those little random topic trips.