#*^@#$! UA Air

[fobo45]

Just found out that US Air cganged our flights both going and returning from Pittsburgh to Orlando in June. We will be losing almost a day. thay did even though we had to pay up front when we booked this flight. Three days ago there own web sitehad only a few seats left. It just seems airlines can do whatever they want and we can do nothing. Sorry just letting my frustration show.

 

[loveFL]

US Airways has been reducing Pittsburgh service more and more lately. It's a shame, but it looks like Southwest must be taking over a lot of Pittsburgh market share.

 

[canwegosoon]

If it is substantial changes...you can get your money back and rebook on another carrier (or ask for a code share on United-but code shares are confusing and difficult ot check in-you must do it at the airport)
I know itis flustrating...I would check out other flights that US Air has and asked to be switched No Charge.

 

[DebbieB]

As LoveFL said, USAirways is reducing PIT to almost nothing. You can pretty much only get non-stop jet service to their hubs in PHL, CLT & PHX or evening flights to the west coast. Anything else is regional jets. MCO has gone from 5 or 6 daily non-stops to 2. I fly them for business for the "elite perks" (unless another airline has a non-stop) but fly Southwest for vacation.

 

[Delaware Mike]

Just found out that US Air cganged our flights both going and returning from Pittsburgh to Orlando in June. We will be losing almost a day. thay did even though we had to pay up front when we booked this flight. Three days ago there own web sitehad only a few seats left. It just seems airlines can do whatever they want and we can do nothing. Sorry just letting my frustration show.

I posted on another thread about this and almost had to get the nomex suit out... So, let me see if I can get this right, and not have to endure a lot of flames...(Notice the red tagline at the bottom...the ignore feature works very well.)

USNightmair has to follow a FAA rule (I forget the rule, so look I'll look for the post and edit later, if time allows) for these situations. I believe it's called the unsatisfactory schedule change rule, but notice I've not placed quotes around that name... Each airline has to follow the rule, but there's isn't any rule about how they interpret it.

USNightmair has to provide you with a full refund for schedule change over 4 hours (I believe this is the correct hour difference), if the change is not satisfactory and you request the refund. This is especially true if you've booked through a travel agent. However, I was successful in negotiating new flights when this happened to me (after about 4 hours of negotiating with them). Call them, and be firm. I know there aren't a lot of flights in/out of Pittsburgh anymore, but go on their website first and gather information about available flights before you call. If seats are available on the alternatives you choose, it is VERY possible they'll be nice (for a change) and rebook you without hassle. However, please note, you might not be seated together.

EDIT: Here are quotes from the other thread on this subject:

For anyone who has booked air travel and then experiences a dramatic schedule change there is an airline fare rule called "Rule # 240" unacceptable schedule change refund. You can goggle and see how your particular airline interprets this rule but all must abide by it. It is mandated by the FAA. I've had recent experience with Delta, and you will be able to change your flight at no additional cost to you ( or ask for a refund if no other solution is available) When you call ask to speak to a supervision. The reservationist can't make any changes to your iteniary. The reservationist and the supervisor may try to blow you off but just hang in there and be polite but firm and keep reminding them of the fare rule. It took almost 1 and 1/2 hours with Delta (helps to put your phone on speaker) but we did get the flight changed w/o any cost. Hope this helps.

Passengers, with a scheduling problem, have to do what ****** was kind enough to do for people in this thread and look at their airlines CoC Rule 240, as a federal law, is ancient history. The most any airline has to do for a passenger is offer a refund and some airlines only do that if the schedule changes the day of your flight.

The best thing to do is go to the airline's website first, see what flight you want as an alternative and ask to be switched to that flight. The airline employee you speak to can't read your mind but can certainly see if they can switch you to a flight you request. They don't care if you miss your restaurant reservation, they're not going to change their schedule or book you on another airline. Just tell them what available flight you want, or that you want a refund. Understand that you might not be able to get seats together.

One of the OPs flight changes was for 2 hour and the other was for 3 hours. Many airlines don't have to do anything for minor changes like that. ****** confirmed that. Airlines may do more than required if you ask nicely. Flights can get delayed and schedules can change. You really shouldn't book anything that close to your arrival time.

Good luck!

 

[bicker]

USNightmair has to follow a FAA rule

There is no long any such rule. Rule 240 protection ended as part of airline deregulation in 1978.

US Airways publishes its contract of carriage here: http://www.usairways.com/common/resources/_downloads/aboutus/US_contract_of_carriage.pdf
Those are the only rules that your ticket is subject to.

USNightmair has to provide you with a full refund for schedule change over 4 hours (I believe this is the correct hour difference)

That is no longer the case. That provision was there last year, but it is gone now (at least I cannot find it -- use the link above if you want to try). All they're obligated to do is service you on their next flight.

As you mentioned, their interest is in keeping your business, so they'll work with you to find a mutually-acceptable alternative.