Question: Need Help ASAP

[goofy4tink]

I wanted to quickly weigh in here - I am somewhat new to the Transportation board but I will have to say that I think the frustration that comes in with this board is that no matter what question is asked there are always people who come on and say rules are rules, or you knew what you were getting into or insisting that you are cheap if you don't do this or do that.

Usually when people post, they are aware of the rules, but are asking what the leeway is...as we all know the travel industry is absolutley a YMMV type of situation. Telling someone, that's what you signed up for so deal with it (sometimes that blunt, other times not so much) is not helpful. The OP came on here and asked a question and actually found a solution that worked for her. Had she gotten that solution without the posts of reminding her of the rules (which IMO were somewhat condescending) then I think she would have been much happier. I guess I personally don't understand the constant desire of some to always remind people of the rules or to act as the morality police. I often see posts on this board where people have the same gripe, so I do believe it is an issue. And usually the opinion isn't just posted once but over and over in the thread. It seems like there are times that people thrive on disagreeing and pointing out that mistakes the OP made. Typically the OP is aware of their mistakes and don't need to be scolded about it. It doesn't just happen here but I do think it happens a lot more on this board than others.

Maybe a way to get around that would be to set up FAQ posts for each airline and when someone wants to post what the rules are they can simply refer the OP to the appropriate thread and then those who have info that can help that particular poster then they can post that.

Good suggestions but not workable for a few reasons. First, info changes all the time with the airlines..it would be next to impossible to have a stickie with up to the minute advice. It really is best to fiind the info on that particular airline's website. Secondly, there are always those that say they can't find the info they need on the stickies...but the info is there. Not sure why they can't find it. I think people just like to 'own' their own thread, and that's okay.

I completely understand what the OP was asking. While some may think that she got taken to task, that isn't the case. Transportation is way to serious a subject to be taken lightly. This is why we try to state the rules as we know them to be, at that moment. It's all well and good to wish someone luck in getting them what they want and then to be all nice and light. But, it doesn't serve a purpose. There are rules with the airlines...and I would much rather come across as a bit on the harsh side if it saves just one person from making a costly mistake.

Everyone needs to understand something here. It isn't only the OP who is getting info from this thread. There are always others reading and seeing how something may apply to their situation. So...it's best to stick to the facts as we know them. It is not just for the OP in a thread's benefit that we give out answers and info...we realize that others may not know the in's and out's of air travel as well.

It is always going to be best to assume that the worst is going to happen....as in not getting the change fees reduced or cancelled. Then, if by some wonderful chance, those things happen, terrific. But, in the majority of situations, the airline isn't going to make an exception. They have those change fees in place for a reason....they know we all jump on those low non-refundable fares, and then rethink them down the road. Then, we wait for the airline to make a huge time change so we can get a better flight or a refund. They aren't stupid. They know that sometimes 'life' happens and there will be situations where travelers have to change their plans. And they charge a huge premium to those who may want to make changes down the road..hence those high refundable fares.
We need to be knowledgable in what we are doing.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I wanted to quickly weigh in here - I am somewhat new to the Transportation board but I will have to say that I think the frustration that comes in with this board is that no matter what question is asked there are always people who come on and say rules are rules, or you knew what you were getting into or insisting that you are cheap if you don't do this or do that.

Usually when people post, they are aware of the rules, but are asking what the leeway is...

Well, transportation - especially air travel - isn't "warm and cuddly". It's serious, relatively costly business - often with no leeway. Nobody is saying anyone is cheap. That many of us don't see the advantage in purchasing an entire second set of tickets, thus requiring two trips, is cost-effective. It would've made more financial sense to either pay what the original airline requires.

The OP is trying to get the airline to cancel and refund her original tickets over a ten minute schedule change. Her argument is that DCL recommends booking return flights after 12:30. The five minutes before this departure that her existing tickets now represent make virtually no difference in relation to the cruise line recommendation. She knows - has known, since less than an hour after starting the thread - that Northwest does not provide the hoped-for leeway.

 

[msmayor]

Completely agree with katieeldr. Anyone purchasing airfare should NEVER assume there is leeway with the rules. Those that benefit from any flexibility offered by the airlines are the rare exception rather than the rule.

I've always appreciated the no-nonsense approach the regular posters on this board take.

 

[kstategrad]

I wanted to quickly weigh in here - I am somewhat new to the Transportation board but I will have to say that I think the frustration that comes in with this board is that no matter what question is asked there are always people who come on and say rules are rules, or you knew what you were getting into or insisting that you are cheap if you don't do this or do that.

Usually when people post, they are aware of the rules, but are asking what the leeway is...as we all know the travel industry is absolutley a YMMV type of situation. Telling someone, that's what you signed up for so deal with it (sometimes that blunt, other times not so much) is not helpful. The OP came on here and asked a question and actually found a solution that worked for her. Had she gotten that solution without the posts of reminding her of the rules (which IMO were somewhat condescending) then I think she would have been much happier. I guess I personally don't understand the constant desire of some to always remind people of the rules or to act as the morality police. I often see posts on this board where people have the same gripe, so I do believe it is an issue. And usually the opinion isn't just posted once but over and over in the thread. It seems like there are times that people thrive on disagreeing and pointing out that mistakes the OP made. Typically the OP is aware of their mistakes and don't need to be scolded about it. It doesn't just happen here but I do think it happens a lot more on this board than others.

Maybe a way to get around that would be to set up FAQ posts for each airline and when someone wants to post what the rules are they can simply refer the OP to the appropriate thread and then those who have info that can help that particular poster then they can post that.

THANK YOU!!

That's exactly how I feel, but could not put into words as eloquently as you did. All I wanted was to know how "fixed" the rules were and whether or not anyone else had experience with this particular situation. What I DID NOT want is (like I said in my original post) "self-righteous" or "flaming" responses, of which I got a few.

I don't need the "holier-than'thou" attitude and people telling me what I should've done or should've known, etc.

I really like hanging out on the DIS in my free time, but people with poor attitudes and self-righteous behavior are really a turn-off, and are the main reason I don't post more.

 

[bavaria]

I've always appreciated the no-nonsense approach the regular posters on this board take.

the main reason I don't post more.

Just as I don't bother to post anymore.

Many posters come looking for 'information', while many others come looking for 'validation'. They are not always going to receive the same answers, but many people here do take the time to provide factual information. Unfortunately those same people are often treated poorly for delivering a message that readers may not want to hear.

I would far rather know the truth and the facts so that I can plan accordingly. Several people gave factual information in this thread, and hopefully at least a few readers have learned from it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Nobody is being self-righteous, or holier-than-thou, or flaming, or condescending. It's regrettable that when responses don't go the way the original poster wants, these and similar accusations are used.

Again, this specific forum is no-nonsense. Travel is serious business, and the experienced travelers here aren't going to coddle someone because an airline's policies don't mesh with what the poster feels the airline should do for them. And this forum is downright sugary compared to Flyertalk.

The OP knew within an hour of the original post that this airline will/would not bend for them, that the airline's policies are non-negotiable. That information didn't even come from the DIS - it came directly from the airline. In my opinion, the entire goal was unreasonable. The OP didn't just want to change the existing tickets; she wanted to cancel them completely and purchase entirely new tickets for a completely different trip, but not pay any fee. The time changes the airline made are not significant enough for most airlines to process even a same-day change at no charge. Northwest, it turns out, won't make any similarly-related same-day change at no charge to the passenger - never mind a cancellation/repurchase for a different month.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Just as I don't bother to post anymore.

To be clear: the quoted poster rarely posts here any more due to the lack of appreciation and the attacks on posters who do provide truth, and factual information. That poster got tired of fighting a losing battle. Some of the rest of us are gluttons for punishment

 

[goofy4tink]

I have typed out 3 responses, and then deleted them. With that in mind.....all I'm going to say is that nobody here was rude, nobody here flamed anyone else. A question was asked, it got answered. I'm sorry if there were not more suggestions as to how to get the airlines to bend their rules in order to give some leeway. I'm sorry if that information, that was given in good faith, was looked upon as rude or flaming.
This is an incredily well informed board full of people with a ton of good information to impart to others. But, they will not give out 'what if's' and 'maybe this will happen' type advice. It just isn't practical. Most of the people posting here are happy to help out others. They are seldom rude..if they are, they hear about it from a moderator.
Again, I'm sorry if the information handed out here was not what the OP had in mind.

 

[bavaria]

To be clear: the quoted poster rarely posts here any more due to the lack of appreciation and the attacks on posters who do provide truth, and factual information. That poster got tired of fighting a losing battle. Some of the rest of us are gluttons for punishment

Oh, please don't tell me that I have to hug you now or something!

If I am not stepping on any toes by speaking of a non-Disney website, may I highly recommend www.flyertalk.com for those who are looking for some great factual information, a little fun, and a large dose of common sense? (And somehow a lot less painful too, or at least that has been my own personal experience) I don't need more pain and more stress in my life, unlike some of you gluttons.

Happy flying!

 

[kstategrad]

To be clear on my end, I was just looking for someone to answer my initial question, based on their own experiences.

What I was NOT looking for was people responding only to call me irresponsible and chide me for what I "should've" done or tell me "that's why I purchase refundable tickets."

Good for all of you who are so responsible, so knowledgeable, and so informed of all the rules of transportation. It must be a wonderful feeling to look down on others for what you perceive is their stupidity or irresponsibility.

I was not looking for people to post about the rules of airline tickets; again, I was only asking what others' experiences had been in changing their tickets due to the airline changing times. When I asked my questions I was not expecting anyone to come on here to let me know everything I did wrong or what I should've done instead; I was simply looking for an answer to my question. Nothing more, nothing less.

Whether you think the responses I received were condescending or not, to me they were, and they were just the type of responses I specifically asked NOT to receive.

It's a shame when DISNEY fans, of all people, can't just try to be helpful and answer the question asked by a poster, rather than inserting their own opinion regarding what the poster did wrong or should've done, which IMO is not helpful. Whether I "liked" the answers given to me or not, what I was seeking was just information on what others' experiences were. I did not argue with anyone, nor did I try to correct anyone. I just wanted information...that's all.

Most other forums on the DIS are great, and you will find helpful people nearly everywhere. Apparently this is not the case in the transportation board (other than the few new friends I have found here. ).

 

[goofy4tink]

To be clear on my end, I was just looking for someone to answer my initial question, based on their own experiences.

What I was NOT looking for was people responding only to call me irresponsible and chide me for what I "should've" done or tell me "that's why I purchase refundable tickets."

Good for all of you who are so responsible, so knowledgeable, and so informed of all the rules of transportation. It must be a wonderful feeling to look down on others for what you perceive is their stupidity or irresponsibility.

I was not looking for people to post about the rules of airline tickets; again, I was only asking what others' experiences had been in changing their tickets due to the airline changing times. When I asked my questions I was not expecting anyone to come on here to let me know everything I did wrong or what I should've done instead; I was simply looking for an answer to my question. Nothing more, nothing less.

Whether you think the responses I received were condescending or not, to me they were, and they were just the type of responses I specifically asked NOT to receive.

It's a shame when DISNEY fans, of all people, can't just try to be helpful and answer the question asked by a poster, rather than inserting their own opinion regarding what the poster did wrong or should've done, which IMO is not helpful. Whether I "liked" the answers given to me or not, what I was seeking was just information on what others' experiences were. I did not argue with anyone, nor did I try to correct anyone. I just wanted information...that's all.

Most other forums on the DIS are great, and you will find helpful people nearly everywhere. Apparently this is not the case in the transportation board (other than the few new friends I have found here. ).

Wow...that's all I can say. No one was condescending at all. I'm really sorry you took response that way. Nobody looked down on you. There were plenty of helpful responses. I'm sorry you didn't care for the content. This is a wonderful community here.
With that, I will now shut this one down. There will not be any back and forth going on here.