Airline Problems...Can someone tell me where to turn? About This Page:

[soozaay]

On our upcoming DL - California trip, we are flying on United from Philly to Ontario, CA. Last night, for some reason, I decided to look at our flight online...it's not there. Then I pulled up our reservation and saw that United no longer has that flight and put us on THE worst flights. We HAD PHL leaving at 5pm, connect in SFO, get into Ontario at 1130pm. NOW, United put us on this mess.... leaving PHL at 7pm, connect in Washington DC, arrive in SFO at 1230am (the next day), leave SFO 640 PM, yes PM, arrive in ONT at 8pm....WHAT THE &*%$ IS UNITED THINKING?!? And of course, we haven't received anything about this change, I guess we're just supposed to show up at the airport and do what they tell us to do!

Does anyone know (so I'm prepared when I call United) if the airlines are allowing refunds for flights that THEY changed, that won't cut it for passengers? OR, does anyone know of any websites I can reference on these sort of issues?!?

Thanks for anything you can give me.

[DopeyGirl]

I'd definitely call United and tell them that the flights you'd originally booked were evidently cancelled and that what they rebooked you on is NOT going to work . . . see if they can reroute you in some way. And don't let them charge you change fees either. It was THEIR cancellation . . . and their re-route (without your notification) that doesn't work. They should be able to re-route you without change fees.

I am not sure about the refund of your tickets even if they were the ones who changed them though.

[ecuagoddess]

I had American try to give me a 9-hour layover overnight on a recent trip. I called to say that the schedule change was unacceptable because it was not what I booked. They changed the flights without a problem and without a fee since the scheduled change was on their part. Had I wanted to change the schedule on my own I would pay the change fee, but they had changed the schedule significantly from the original plan, and so rearranged everything to my liking for free.
I have to say, I was impressed with the way they handled it, and we actually got better flights when they rearranged it.
Call them and see what they say. Hope it works out!

[SarahJ]

First of all, take a deep breath! Look online at United's refund policies and policies regarding changes. Then call United and explain that you see your flights have been changed and that they do not work for your travel plans and ask if they have any other options for you. Remember to stay calm and be nice but firm while you're on the phone with the United rep.

I had a similar problem with Delta not too long ago and when I called to see about my options they were more than happy to put me on a different flight that worked for me at no charge. The rep even said that the changes Delta had made to my flights made no sense.

Good Luck!

[janicelovesmickey]

You should be able to change it with no fee to you, since they made the change
good thing you looked, you have enough time to straighten it out
good luck.

[soozaay]

thanks everyone. i've calmed down now...i think it was the inital shock. i think i'll have dh call....he handles these things a little better than me. i usually end up freaking out (as you can see in my post - LOL). you've all said what i hoped you'd say...the airlines will work with me...since it was their change.

thanks again!

[SarahJ]

Good Luck Susie! Let us know what happens.

[Colexis Mom]

Keep us updated!!

[chezp]

and do let us know what happens.

[pntsmom99]

Hi,

Thought I chime it..if the airline give you a schedule change that is unacceptable, you can request a refund due to an unacceptable schedule change. They may be able to reaccomodate you on better flight, maybe through a different connection point.

Also, when it is an "involuntary" change, the airline cannot charge you change fees, unless you have already accepted the original change.