United changed my flight... should I be worried??

[BabyBelle1]

I booked a 5:30pm flight for my trip on 6/5 a few months ago. I just received an email from United stating that they have changed my flight to one that leaves at 8:30pm. This scares me

I've been burned by randomly canceled flights before, so now I'm concerned that this unforeseen "change in itinerary" by the airline means that some other problem is looming... Has anyone had this happen?? If so, did the flight end up being cancelled?

If this is an indication of that possibility, I'd like to intervene and change the flight, myself!

TIA

 

[cmwade77]

Honestly, based on my experience with United, I would get out of the flight if you can, just to be safe and go with a more reputable airline, such as Jetblue or Delta.

United has the worst customer satisfaction ratings of any airline.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I try not to fly United any more. Every time we've booked a flight, all the times (including connections) always changed. And more than once.

 

[supersnoop]

Since they moved your flight by 3 hours, you should be able to get a refund, or get your choice of another flight that same day. You'll need to call them and be firm about it.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Sometimes flight times change. If you don't like the new flight, UA will allow you to make a change without paying a change fee. You need to call them with the flight you prefer.

 

[lyonking3]

Airlines don't cancel flights, 1 month ahead of your departure date. Probably the schedule changed. Talk to the airline and find out. Use twitter and ask your question. United is not as bad as comments here would lead you to believe.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Airlines don't cancel flights, 1 month ahead of your departure date. Probably the schedule changed. Talk to the airline and find out. Use twitter and ask your question. United is not as bad as comments here would lead you to believe.

I agree that UA is no worse (and is actually a lot better) than any other airline. However, the best thing to do is to just call them and rebook.

 

[LadyBeBop]

Question. Where are you flying out of? Shreveport? Monroe? Dallas?

If one of the other smaller airports, is this your originating flight? Or your connecting flight?

 

[BabyBelle1]

Question. Where are you flying out of? Shreveport? Monroe? Dallas?

If one of the other smaller airports, is this your originating flight? Or your connecting flight?

This flight is actually direct, out of Newark... It's my BF's flight, I'm queen travel planner, so I just referred to it as "mine" (He transferred there last fall for his job) My kids and I are meeting him at MCO, flying Delta out of SHV.


A lot of these posts are validating my fears... So, I'll call United later today when I have a chance! I probably won't be able to change to another airline, right?? I checked and there is another flight that night with available seats (at a month out ) Is there a point in switching flights at all, if I'm stuck with United?? At least the one he's on currently, isn't the last one of the night, right??

Fortunately, we're arriving a late the night before and staying at an airport hotel before shuttling back to MCO for ME to Poly, so, as long as he isn't delayed more than 12 hours, it really won't affect our trip so much... Glass half full!!!

Thanks, people... I'll let you guys know how it turns out!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

This flight is actually direct, out of Newark... It's my BF's flight, I'm queen travel planner, so I just referred to it as "mine" (He transferred there last fall for his job) My kids and I are meeting him at MCO, flying Delta out of SHV.


A lot of these posts are validating my fears... So, I'll call United later today when I have a chance! I probably won't be able to change to another airline, right?? I checked and there is another flight that night with available seats (at a month out ) Is there a point in switching flights at all, if I'm stuck with United?? At least the one he's on currently, isn't the last one of the night, right??

Fortunately, we're arriving a late the night before and staying at an airport hotel before shuttling back to MCO for ME to Poly, so, as long as he isn't delayed more than 12 hours, it really won't affect our trip so much... Glass half full!!!

Thanks, people... I'll let you guys know how it turns out!

You're obsessing too much about a pretty minor issue! This stuff happens all the time when you travel. Always have an alternative plan and relax.

Of course you can switch to another airline. As already posted, you can get a refund and buy a ticket on another airline. No, UA will not buy you a ticket on another airline.

I fly UA all the time (I'm a 1K), and they don't change flight times "all the time," nor do they randomly cancel flights. When flight times do change, it's usually only by a few minutes.

 

[BabyBelle1]

You're obsessing too much about a pretty minor issue! This stuff happens all the time when you travel. Always have an alternative plan and relax.

Of course you can switch to another airline. As already posted, you can get a refund and buy a ticket on another airline. No, UA will not buy you a ticket on another airline.

I fly UA all the time (I'm a 1K), and they don't change flight times "all the time," nor do they randomly cancel flights. When flight times do change, it's usually only by a few minutes.

Hahaha... I guess I am!! I'm not usually an obsessor, but those first few replies really freaked me out! Why didn't you reply first??!?

I think I'll rest assured, knowing that it isn't the last flight of the night and our travel day is nothing more than a travel day... I'll leave it alone and put my trust in the travel-gods!

We leave a month from today!!! Yay!!!

 

[richmo]

Agreed with some of the earlier posts.

The time difference is enough to be considered a hardship, so you have the right to cancel the itinerary and rebook with United or another airline.

Before you talk to United, I would do some research and see what your options are with them and other airlines with respect to times and pricing.

If it turns out that what you currently have is still the best option, I wouldn't worry any more about it. You should be fine.

 

[Greysword]

Honestly, based on my experience with United, I would get out of the flight if you can, just to be safe and go with a more reputable airline, such as Jetblue or Delta.

United has the worst customer satisfaction ratings of any airline.

Ok, I need to take exception on this comment. Sorry, Wade, but this is straight hyperbole, and you need to post references to back up this broad of a statement.

For the record, United Airlines is a very reputable airline! I would easily trust myself, my family, and out travel plans to United any day of the week!

United had a rough patch during the merger with Continental, and they continue to have a bit of rivalry between former Continental and former United employees. However, they are a solid airline, which I have no problem flying.

Reporting from fliers (and my experience) is that they change their scheduled flights a little more than their actual competitors (Delta, American/US Air, Alaska only) on the day of flight for various reasons, but Delta changes their schedule (and reassigns seat) multiple times before the day of flight, which is actually even more annoying to me.

Here are some references to debunk this statement:

USA Today: America's best and worst airlines
April 26 2014
Comment: United is 6th in US airlines. Where is Frontier, Spirit, or Aliegent? On the bottom, that's where. Alaska and Virgin America are not on their truncated list, either. United is hardly the worst airline in the USA.

WSJ Article: Best (and Worst) Airlines Jan 8, 2014
Comment: notice how the truly worst airline (Spirit) isn't on their along with Aliegent. Spirit consistently makes the list of the Worlds worst airlines.
Business Insider May 17, 2013

Airline Inform: World Airline Ranking 2013



OP, this situation is common for all airlines..all airlines. Just look for a flight you really want, regardless of price and seating, and call the UA help desk. Give them your preferred flights, and they will take care of it.

 

[robinb]

I love it when airlines change my times more than 2 hours. It gives me the opportunity to book a better flight than I was originally willing to pay for.

Look online, scope out a flight and call UA to change it. UA is really no better or worse than any other airline as long as you are not connecting through ORD.

 

[bumbershoot]

I think I'll rest assured, knowing that it isn't the last flight of the night and our travel day is nothing more than a travel day... I'll leave it alone and put my trust in the travel-gods!

But why leave it alone? Why not see if there's another flight you like better, and change it?