Originally Posted by
percysmith
What was the reason for the original delay? If it was directly attributable to CX (mechanical, crew) then you've a stronger case (culpable failure on CX's part). If it is out of their control e.g. ATC delay (Manila) or weather then you're at least partly responsible for tight connection and/or inflexibility.
Originally Posted by
SFHokie
I had this experience over the weekend flying MNL-HKG-PVG. The first flight was delayed and caused a tighter than desired connection at HKG and I asked to be rebooked on an earlier flight MNL-HKG. I had a paid J ticket but J was full on that earlier flight but Y seats were available. They offered to let me sit in Y but offered no compensation for the downgrade.
I get it as this was a voluntary downgrade so I did not have to rush through HKG security and rush to my gate upon arrival to make the connection, but with the first flight being delayed I felt something could be done on the part of Cathay. Sad to say for me that answer was no. If the original trip was not delayed I would not have desired to get on an earlier flight as I originally had plenty of time for the connection.
This was my first round trip flight on CX and, not to sound too much like a complainer or whiny about it, it will likely factor into my future decisions on whom to fly within Asia.
to percy's point, i'm curious for more details.
it's a tough situation for Cathay and you too with the connection, but I just really don't think they can be compensating you for that, putting everything aside (and assuming at HKG you still would've been within the MCT). If you think about it, and again assuming the delayed flight was still within MCT at HKG (if not, then I think they should've given you something) - what are they supposed to do? Delays happen all the time. My last delay was....3 days ago. I had a 90 minute delay on the weekend due to an amber rainstorm in Hong Kong on Saturday. I did not get compensation for that, or any of the other delays (had one earlier in the week to PVG due to ATC). It just doesn't seem realistic.
I guess it all depends on the reason and length of the delay. If you were pulling out of a connection that was still legal (despite delay), their earlier flight was full (as it was) and the delay was rain related or something outside their control, I just don't see why they should compensate.
On the other hand, if the delay put you within the MCT or it was some mechanical reason, then I have less sympathy for them.