Vacation Express & AVP

[RUDisney]

If Vacation Express stops flying out of AVP in September, what will happen with my tickets for October 15th? Would my tickets be transferrable to Hooters Air, if they are the ones to replace VE, or would they refund my money?

I keep telling my DH not to worry, everything will work out... but... I must admit, I'm a little nervous about having to make last minute arrangements for our trip.

 

[jel0511]

It really depends on what happens. Sometimes, unforunately, you're just out of luck and have to deal with the credit card company to get your money back. Hooters Air would have to agree to take on passengers (they are not obligated unless buying the airline) from the failed (or removed) airline, and if VE is pulling out for monetary reasons, you might end up in a LONG line of others to get your money back. The only thing you can do is follow the news carefully andsee what happens. Your contract is with VE and not Hooters Air, and you going to have to deal with them to see what happens.

 

[RUDisney]

I know you're right. I just hope that they stay here a while longer. Heck, it's only been 6 months since they started up here and it seems like the press that its gotten has been mostly bad. I don't mean that the airline is bad, the press just posts every flight that is delayed, etc. When USAir is delayed, it's not news.

VE is, of course, saying that it won't be shutting down, but then again, that's what I'd be telling the public, too, if I was in its shoes.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Wendy,

I'm flying Vacation Express this coming Thursday 8/19.

I have to admit I was very, very unhappy that the direct flight that was supposed to take only 2 1/2 hours is now going to stop in Youngstown OH and take 4 hours.

What really burns my behind is the return went from 5:45 PM to 1pm next Thursday. Thursday is EE for MK and my FAVORITE day to go there but I'm done by 11AM so it was perfect. It completely killed my last day there so I'll never fly VE again. It wasn't that much cheaper than USairways and I won't get any frequent flyer miles.

Also, since I'm travelling with DD's 6 and 5 just where the heck am I going to get some decent food for them? We have to leave for the AVP by 6AM and land at noon. Usually we have a transfer in Philly with enough time to grab a decent breakfast. Now I'm going to have to fill my carry on with junk.

 

[RUDisney]

UGH! I read your PM before I read this message.

I understand your pain.

I thought that the whole OH thing was going to initiate in OH, pick up in AVP and then on to SFB.

I'd like to have our departure be earlier than it is, but we'll have been in WDW for 10 days by then and the kids will have school the next day. I'd like for them to get to bed before midnight that night... but we'll sacrifice for vacation.

Looks like milk and cereal bars will be your breakfast that morning. Sorry to hear about that.

 

[CarolA]

Do you know if vacation express is a charter airline (I think they are?) If so, the law requires that they put your money into an escrow account until they fly the flight. SO you would get your money back (not sure how long it takes!)

 

[RUDisney]

They are a charter airline, so I take some comfort in knowing that I'll get my money back, hopefully without too much of a fight.

I'll be watching the news with much interest and I'll be starting to watch other flight possibilities.

 

[RUDisney]

VE cancelled all flights out of AVP as of September 7th. They said they were sending letters out today. I got credited back for the flights and booked us on USAir out of PHL. So, my concerns were warranted, and because I acted quickly, I am happy with my flight arrangements and with the price.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I think you were lucky to get out whe you did. We fly VE tomorrow and I'm a wreck because how great will the service be when they know they are done for here.

I wish it were USairways tomorrow!!