United Flight Change ?

[Deffenm]

I just got a call from United saying they changed my flight times for my Sept. trip. Does anyone know how often this happens? I have always traveled on SW and this is the first with United. Also I now only have 15 min to catch my connection flight on the way home. I am concerned I will miss it. TIA!

 

[PlutoPony]

That can't possibly be a "legal" connection in any airport! Absolutely call back NOW and ask to be changed to a different flight. Before you'd call, I'd check their flights and see what works best for you and nicely give them your suggested solution/itinerary.....

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I just got a call from United saying they changed my flight times for my Sept. trip. Does anyone know how often this happens? I have always traveled on SW and this is the first with United. Also I now only have 15 min to catch my connection flight on the way home. I am concerned I will miss it. TIA!

It's very common for the legacy carriers (such as United, Delta, and AA) to change flight times, equipment, flight numbers, and seat assignments. After all, they sell tickets 330 days in advance. Sometimes the change is minimal; sometimes it's a huge change, such as leaving 4 hours later, or even discontinuing a route entirely.

The 15-minute connection is a problem. It's probably not considered a legal connection by the airline. Call United. Ask them nicely to accommodate you on a legal connection or, if available, on a nonstop. The airlines are usually very accommodating under these circumstances. For example, United might put you on a flight that would have originally cost much more than the ticket that you bought. However, United will be limited by what they have available. If United cannot find a reasonable alternative for you, you can ask for a refund with no penalty — but I wouldn't do that unless you know that you can book with another airline at a reasonable cost.

In related news, American Airlines changed their Chicago-Orlando schedule for this fall and winter. My nonstop to Orlando are now 2 hours later, and my nonstop return is now 4 hours later. I'm very happy! We can get more sleep on our departure day, and we'll now have enough time on our final day to be able to have fun at a park.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Definitely check the United schedule BEFORE you call and decide on the flight you would like to take on your return.

Often, you can get moved to another flight that was more expensive when a schedule change occurs, but the agent may not suggest that. Instead they often suggest something like rescheduling your last flight so that you sit at the connecting airport for hours!

You usually only get one bite at the apple, so once you have moved to a different flight, you probably won't be able to move again without paying applicable change fees.

Also, you may also have the option to cancel the flight entirely and have your fare returned without any penalty, so you should also research whether you would rather be on another airline.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[Deffenm]

Thank you all for your help. I did call United and got switched to a different flight at no cost to me. I will be delayed in Chicago for a couple of hours (only flight avaialable) but I don't mind because at least I know I will make it home. They were kind enough to give me 40 min to catch my connecting flight on the way down to Orlando. If I didn't need more time I wouldn't be so concerned. The reason I booked the flights I did was because I needed to connect in Chicago and I needed time to make my connections. I am taking my Dsis (20) who is mentally challenged to WDW and she is very scared to go into the airport by herself. My parents are going to walk her to the security gate and I planned on meeting her on the other side. Now I just hope my flight comes in on time, I can locate the security gate where she will be, and we catch our flight to Orlando with no problems. The upside to this is we get to WDW 2 hours early and get to stay an extra 2 hours later.

 

[PlutoPony]

I am taking my Dsis (20) who is mentally challenged to WDW and she is very scared to go into the airport by herself. My parents are going to walk her to the security gate and I planned on meeting her on the other side. Now I just hope my flight comes in on time, I can locate the security gate where she will be, and we catch our flight to Orlando with no problems.

Another solution would be for your parents to go thru security with your sister and meet you at the gate. That way she won't be stuck in the wrong security line all by herself, which could be pretty stressful. Have your parents explain her disability to the agent when she checks in-tell them she needs assistance getting to the correct gate to meet you. The airline should give them passes to get thru security with her. I'd be concerned about trying to meet her at any place other than the gate - too many opportunities to miss each other and add further stress for your sister.
Good luck!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Another solution would be for your parents to go thru security with your sister and meet you at the gate.

Deffenm,

I agree with PlutoPony.

I would recommend checking with United Airlines ahead of time to determine exactly what your parents must do to get permission to escort your mentally challenged sister to the departure gate.

Forty minutes should be enough time for you to exit from your inbound flight and to go to your departure gate — if your inbound flight is on time. United has a huge operation at Chicago-O'Hare, spanning several concourses. You would be much better off being able to use your time to go to your departure gate, not having to find your sister at one of the security checkpoints, and then having to rush to the departure gate. Also, keep in mind that flights begin boarding 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, so 40 minutes isn't really 40 minutes.

Another thing to work out with the airline ahead of time is that you need to accompany your sister on the flight to Orlando. In other words, if your arrival at O'Hare is late and you're put on a later flight to Orlando, your sister needs to be put on the later flight with you — not forced to fly by herself and to arrive in Orlando by herself.

I just looked at United's website, where I found the following at http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,1082,00.html

Cognitive and developmental disabilities

United will provide assistance to individuals who may need guidance within the airport. However, an escort is not available to remain with the customer. Passengers who require personal or continuous attended care will need to provide their own attendant.​

So that's another possibility. However, I would think that United would prefer family members to provide assistance, so I would think that United will be accommodating to your requests.

I was actually hoping to find a Special Needs phone number for you at the website, on the assumption that an average reservation agent may not be familiar with how to handle your somewhat unusual requests. As usual, if you get someone who only seems capable of saying no, ask for a supervisor. You may also want to ask if United has a corporate department that deals with Special Needs; I assume they do.

Good luck. I hope you have trouble-tree travel and a fun WDW vacation!