Originally Posted by
henkybaby
I find this all very strange... IATA does not allow for the change of the first flight against the same conditions as at the time of the original sale. They require the carrier to reissue at the price at the time of the change.
Henkbaby, many thanks for the interest shown to my predicament and your useful comments, you have certainly exercised my mind on the matter.
I am still not convinced by the IATA requirements - please bare with me, I'm afraid that what follows is slightly long winded:
1. Assuming I am booking online through oneworld, I am asked to confirm that I have read and accepted
“oneworld Explorer Product Information” and
“Terms and Conditions of Carriage” – both oneworld website links.
2.
“oneworld Explorer Product Information” contains a statement that that the full product details, terms and conditions are contained in the
oneworld Explorer rule sheet (and a link is provided). The only reference to IATA refers to tariff coordination areas.
3. The
“oneworld Explorer Product Information” further contains a list of T&Cs, none of which would indicate that a 1st sector date/time change would result in a fare recalculation. Even where this may be inferred, and at quite a stretch really,
Rule 16 is pretty unambiguous that date/time changes are permitted provided ticketed points remain the same. Furthermore, such conditions are likely to void for vagueness.
4. Even though there is a :
“Further rules and conditions” clause in the T&Cs, this should only be used where there are gaps in the T&Cs and certainly not to supersede specific rules.
5. I had a quick read through
Cathay's Conditions of Carriage (35 pages!!) where I found no reference to IATA.
6. What was interesting was the definition of
“Conditions of Contract” which “
is statements contained and or delivered with your ….”Electronic Ticket” (Itinerary receipt) which is incorporated by reference to these conditions of Carriage and notice(s).
7. So I look at my e-ticket and lo and behold – No endorsements or restrictions at all.
8. There is even a link to the IATA regulations pertaining to my ticket – Again no message that could even begin to justify adjusting the fare even the 1st coupon is amended.
So where is the justification for this – absolutely nowhere except hidden from the passenger. Maybe I'm missing the wood for the trees?
I cannot see the point in having a set of rules for *ONE* if they are not applied.
You said in one of your earlier post, caveat emptor - based on the exercise I have just undertaken, I think the emptor is being solidly screwed,