Originally Posted by
moretimeoffguy
I booked Delta specifically for non-stop flights to and from my destination (RDU to BOS). This morning, several weeks after purchase, I got an email saying my inbound non-stop flight has been split into two separate flights. And now I have to change planes in JFK. This is for the week of Thanksgiving. I'm not amused. Yes, it's an inconvenience to change planes. But what I really dislike most about changing planes is doubling the odds that I won't arrive on time. Now more than ever. And particularly during a holiday season where parts of the country may be experiencing bad weather; e.g. waiting on planes to come in from Chicago, etc.
Delta, of course, didn't offer a refund or discount. Looks like I'm expected to live with it. Now that's what I call a bait-and-switch.
The exact same thing happened to me last Thanksgiving with AA. So I can't necessarily chalk it up to a uniquely Driving Every Loyal Traveler Away tactic. Booked non-stop flights. Then after a series of small time changes, whammo. My one inbound flight became two segments. I was angry, but simply accepted it.
What can a Delta customer do about this if anything? Most fares I purchase, including this one, are non-refundable. I imagine if I phoned Delta, they'd give me a line about charging half the fare price to change it (not worth it). And even then, how could I be sure a new non-stop wouldn't be cleaved into two segments *again*?
Anyone else out there had or having this experience? If so, what have or can you do about it if anything? I don't have elite status on Delta so I can't play that card.
Southwest seems to be one of the few domestic (US) customer-centric airlines left. Do they too pull this sort of thing? Could be that it's no fault of the airline. But if I paid a premium for non-stops--a very specific service--I feel there should be some recourse / exception to the typical non-refundable and/or charge-you-so-much-to-change-flights-that-it's-not-attractive default. Thing is, with Southwest, if I can always cancel and get a full refund. Or even not show up for a flight (but it would be discourteous to do so without calling) and get an automatic refund.
Two possibilities here: 1) DL executives sat down at a meeting how best they could conspire to "get" you and did so or 2) The schedule changed and you haven't even looked at the alternatives.
Did DL really tell you that despite the schedule change, you would have to pay change fees? Or is that just what you think is going to happen and, if so, what makes you say that?
DL, just like other carriers (including WN) allows bookings as far out as approx. one year. If your theory is correct, once a carrier books one seat, it can't change the flight schedule.
Why don't you look up the alternatives, call DL and see what happens (or decide that what they've give you is just fine).
Either way, having posted your lengthy accusations, please tell us the results.