Originally Posted by
percysmith
But even a TA (Flight Centre) has to issue tix on someone's stock. Isn't the TA an agent of the issuing airline?
I have a revenue tix in front of me, issue by my Hong Kong TA (not the airlines directly).
HKG-CTS on CX580 (stopover)
CTS-NGO on JL3106 (a JAL Express flight, not a codeshare)
(connecting to) NGO-HKG on CX539
Issuing airline: "CATHAY PACIFIC"
One ticket number 160 xxxxxxxxx (CX e-ticket code)
Two PNRs, one CX/3xxxxx one JL/Exxxxx
Suppose JL3106 is rescheduled, before start of travel.
Obviously I expect a call from my TA, but *who actually has the liability to fix the problem*?
the operating airline will fix the schedule change, but whoever issued the ticket will need to revalidate or reissue. If you are unhappy with the change, or want a different option, you will be left to speak to your travel agent to fix it. That's when airlines roll out the 'oh, this is with the travel agent we can't speak to you' line.
FWIW I think the approach where airlines won't touch tickets issued by agents is pure rubbish and has little relevance in today's world with the internet. If a consumer has paid for their ticket, why should the airline care who fixes any resulting problems? Why should they deny speaking to a passenger?