Second thoughts about flight changes...too late?

[kelleyrn2000]

Last month Airtran cancelled my original nonstop flight both ways, for our June flight, and put me on ones with layovers. I called Orbitz, and they contacted Airtran and put me on the last remaining nonstop of the day. That flight leaves at 7:50 in the morning, and we will need to leave our house at 4 am I think to get to the airport (with three kids). Now I am having second thoughts about that.

Since I accepted the new flight, is it too late to request a refund? There would be no other acceptable flights, so it's not a matter of changing times. Is it too late? I'm kind of wondering if the current flight will be cancelled too, since there are so many unclaimed seats on the website. Should I wait and see? Our flight is June 5th.

 

[seashoreCM]

I say it is too late.

It's no different than booking a flight to begin with and then changing your mind.

 

[pixeegrl]

When the day gets here you will be so excited to leave as will your kids that it shouldn't be a problem. We have three kids and always leave early. Our next flight leaves at 6:40 am so we are getting up at 4am.

 

[crashbb]

I've done it before (though I dealt directly with the airline).

United changed my flights and I accepted their alternative flights. A few days later, I realised that US Airways (a partner) had a better alternative. I called United. They couldn't switch me to the US Airways flights because they weren't code-share, but they did offer to refund my tickets and then I could book on US Airways. Since the US Airways flights were actually cheaper, I took the refund offer and actually saved money.

Of course, on the day of the flight, the first US Airways plane broke (I had a connecting flight) so I ended up flying on the direct Air Canada flight the next day, so didn't fly on either United or US Airways.

Worst thing that can happen is that they say "no". I called with the attitude that they were doing me a favour and that I'd understand if they said "non".

 

[prncess674]

Too late to change. It is also too early to say that there are too many unclaimed seats. Most seats are sold within 7 to 30 days of flight. Also since AirTran charges for seats looking at a seat map is not a good way of determining if a flight is full. Many people decide not to purchase advance seating.

I would just make sure you are very prepared to depart in the morning. Have all the bags packed, clothes laid out for everyone including socks, undies, shoes, hairbows, etc.

Also plan out breakfast. Will you eat pop tarts and juice in the car? If yes, have everything for brekkie packed and ready too.

 

[brenda1966]

I just have DD sleep in her clothes (she loves that) when we have to get up so early for a flight. And we eat breakfast at the airport, or do like mentioned above and have something we can eat in the car, or eat while we're standing in line to check in.

i'd rather have an early flight than do any kind of layover!

 

[SilverMickey]

My kids LOVE when they get to sleep in their travel clothing for the next day!

 

[kelleyrn2000]

Hmmm....just got another flight change, so now we are scheduled to leave another 25 minutes early

I am going to call Orbitz just to see about cancelling, but now I'm wondering if Priceline will refund me for my car rental? I better check that out too! If not then I guess we may consider staying overnight near the airport.

 

[kelleyrn2000]

Hmmm....just got another flight change, so now we are scheduled to leave another 25 minutes early

I am going to call Orbitz just to see about cancelling, but now I'm wondering if Priceline will refund me for my car rental? I better check that out too! If not then I guess we may consider staying overnight near the airport.

Quoting myself...I just got refunds from both Priceline and Orbitz. Now we're likely going to drive down unless we score a good deal with Southwest!