Originally Posted by
IAN-UK
My cancelled flight had same-day alternatives, but not attractive ones. I selected new dates, prepared to swallow a (not insignificant) up-fee for hotels. The agent suggested I stick within the time limits which would permit a change at no additional cost. Those limit could have been days, rather than weeks: I really don't remember. The value of the new flight dates and timings eclipsed the new accommodation costs, so i stuck to my initial change.
You just had an agent who must have had a supervisor to allow this. To be clear I am also speaking from experience - less than a month ago, flight cancelled (always gives more right than timetable change), same day alternative but not very convenient. I asked if I could move by 1 day (leave 1 day later, return 1 day later). Agent checked found that this resulted in a significant hotel price difference but that she was going to ask a supervisor and let me know if BAH would cover the difference. Called back the next day confirming that unfortunately they would not. I then asked if I could then shorten the trip by 1 day and get 1 night hotel refunded. That had to be cleared again (this time with the hotel) and was finally agreed though I had to wait several days for the answer.
This was for myself so GGL/CCR/GFL, booked in paid J, and flight cancelled by BA, so I think all the stars were aligned for them to be helpful, but the outcome of the requested change by 1 day was very clear: 1) in the first call, agent made it clear there was no guarantee BAH would pick up the changed hotel cost and needed to ask a supervisor if they would approve, 2) in the second call, they came to the conclusion that they would not and that whilst I could change the flight dates by 1 day as I wanted, I would pay the hotel cost difference if that is what I wanted (which I refused to do since it all stemmed from their cancelling a flight in the first place).