What to do if my flight time is changed??

[bicker]

I'm not sure that that gets to the point. There is no requirement to specify a specific time period. The only requirement is that the time period applied is reasonable. Without examples of unreasonable time periods being applied, there is no issue to discuss in this regard. Opponents of customers abiding by terms and conditions often try to hang their hat on the fact that certain things should be spelled out more or more prominently, but there is inadequate support for that kind of additional regulation.

 

[Lewisc]

Does any airline in America do that? I was not aware that passengers can NOT get a refund with a major schedule change. I am in full agreement however that airlines should not offer refunds for minor schedule changes, and I have seen people here abuse that with changes of as little as FOUR minutes.

Good catch bavaria. I haven't read of a single case where refunds were denied given a time change of over four hours (typically less).

One of the quasi charter airlines that DIS liked to use only guaranteed a refund if the date of the flight changed, per their CoC. They reserved the right to add a stop, change a N/S flight to a connecting flight (even an indirect connection) or even to change a morning flight to an after dinner flight. I'm not sure if it's one of the airlines that went under or if the airline changed its policy. For some reason I though Allegiant used to have this language in their CoC but I have no idea how to find older version of a CoC.

A minor schedule change, 4 minutes, is a non-issue. My point is the CoC stopped listing a time threshold for a refund. Some passengers might be happy with a 4 hour policy, other passengers might prefer a 2 hour rule and some passenger might wait until closer to their flight before booking. Posters who suggest pax read the CoC should understand many airlines are now removing their standards from their CoC. Customers are always free to plead their case with the airline but I'd rather be asking for an entitled refund (due to a major schedule change) rather then asking for a favor.

edited to add I think USA3000 had similar langauge with regards to their public charter flights.

My point is a customer, who is willing to take the time to read the CoC, still won't be able to find out the policy of the airline regarding refunds.

 

[Brian Noble]

My point is the CoC stopped listing a time threshold for a refund.

Can you please point me at the airline that does not list the threshold in their CoC?

 

[bicker]

... change a morning flight to an after dinner flight.

I'm sure that if that ever happened, someone would have posted a complaint about it here. I don't recall ever seeing it happen. The most confusion stems from people relying on their impressions rather than on the reality, so let's stick with situations that we have a significant number of actual examples of.

 

[crashbb]

I'm sure that if that ever happened, someone would have posted a complaint about it here. I don't recall ever seeing it happen. The most confusion stems from people relying on their impressions rather than on the reality, so let's stick with situations that we have a significant number of actual examples of.

It actually has happened (and been complained about) BUT in each instance the passenger was offered a refund (or other, perhaps non non-stop) flight options.

 

[bicker]

Precisely... they're offered refunds. That is the point. What would be unacceptable is to not offer refunds.

 

[Lewisc]

Precisely... they're offered refunds. That is the point. What would be unacceptable is to not offer refunds.

What's unacceptable to me is an airline that isn't required to issue a refund under such circumstances. The fact that an airline is currently, voluntarily giving refunds isn't sufficient.

Spirit has a number of "issues" but last time I checked their CoC gave pax the right to a refund if a schedule change is more then 30 minutes. I don't see any reason why all carriers can't publish a policy.

TO ANSWER THE ORIGINAL QUESTION--Before calling see if your airline has a more acceptable flight or if you can find an acceptable flight on another airline. Decide in advance if you're asking to be moved to a specific flight or if you're asking for a refund. Suggesting the airline reinstate your flight is a waste of time. Chances are the CSR will make a reasonable change without hearing a story--missing an ADR a night time hard ticketed event etc. You want to fly the night before? Don't waste your time asking the airline to pay for a hotel room (if the issue is a schedule change.)

Airlines can't have all their flights to leisure destinations arrive in the morning and return home in the late afternoon/early evening.

 

[bicker]

What's unacceptable to me is an airline that isn't required to issue a refund under such circumstances. The fact that an airline is currently, voluntarily giving refunds isn't sufficient.

Putting regulation in place to ensure people do what they're already doing voluntarily is ludicrous. It is wasteful as an abuse of governmental process.

 

[Brian Noble]

Spirit has a number of "issues" but last time I checked their CoC gave pax the right to a refund if a schedule change is more then 30 minutes. I don't see any reason why all carriers can't publish a policy.

For the third time: can you point me to one that doesn't?

Northwest does: pax have a right to a refund with any 60 minute or longer schedule change.

 

[Lewisc]

For the third time: can you point me to one that doesn't?

Northwest does: pax have a right to a refund with any 60 minute or longer schedule change.

I can't find one at Delta or Allegiant. I can't find one at AA but I didn't look that hard.

Last year it was easier to find the rules. Either the policy is missing or it's so buried in the CoC a search doesn't bring it up.

USA3000 is a "public charter" A major change, that will give you the right to a full refund

USA3000 makes a Major Change prior to departure, you have the right to cancel and receive a full refund. The following are Major Changes: (1) a change in the departure or return date, unless the change result from a flight delay experience by USA3000. (If, however, the delay is more than 48 hours, it will be considered a Major Change);