AC 516 HNL to YVR; what happens if I miss my connection to YYZ?
Feb 1, 2019, 11:50 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Aeroplan, Delta, Starwood, Fairmount
Posts: 2,312
AC 516 HNL to YVR; what happens if I miss my connection to YYZ?
Please bear with me for asking these stupid questions 😀...
Later this month I will be flying on AC516 HNL to Vancouver connecting to YYZ (last flight of the day) in Aeroplan Business Class.
This flight seems to run consistently late (over two hours today). Connection time is 70 minutes. There are six or seven international/US flights all arriving late at night so customs/immigration could be a zoo 😀.
If I miss my connection..
Will AC pay for a Hotel?
If so the interminal Fairmont (not sure if being in business class helps here)?
What is the fastest way to arrange this - AC Service Desk or phone for rebooking flight and hotel? Where is the service desk at YVR?
If AC will not pay... I assume my Aeroplan Visa will and what documentation do I need aside from the hotel bill to get reimbursed?
Say the inbound flight is late in arriving in HNL can I be proactive and get it all arranged before departing HNL?
Any advice please 😀?
Thank you!!!
Later this month I will be flying on AC516 HNL to Vancouver connecting to YYZ (last flight of the day) in Aeroplan Business Class.
This flight seems to run consistently late (over two hours today). Connection time is 70 minutes. There are six or seven international/US flights all arriving late at night so customs/immigration could be a zoo 😀.
If I miss my connection..
Will AC pay for a Hotel?
If so the interminal Fairmont (not sure if being in business class helps here)?
What is the fastest way to arrange this - AC Service Desk or phone for rebooking flight and hotel? Where is the service desk at YVR?
If AC will not pay... I assume my Aeroplan Visa will and what documentation do I need aside from the hotel bill to get reimbursed?
Say the inbound flight is late in arriving in HNL can I be proactive and get it all arranged before departing HNL?
Any advice please 😀?
Thank you!!!
Feb 1, 2019, 11:52 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: YYZ most of the time
Programs: AC SE100K MM, Princess Elite
Posts: 3,921
Depends on why the flight is late. Despite potential nice weather in YVR and HNL, watch for a “Weather” delay blamed on bad weather in Halifax causing the B38M fin to be delayed getting to YYZ getting to YVR to operate YVR-HNL. Weather delays AC usually says.... “Get Stuffed!”
Feb 2, 2019, 7:20 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Platinum, hhonors Gold
Posts: 3,421
The Fairmont is a potential option, but not usually their first choice. As a SE I have been given the Fairmont for IROPs before but got the feeling that I was unique from others in the same situation. However, if you push it may be an option.
The problem with compensation is that they usually make you talk to a person and are seldom proactive. Ideally you would get off the plane and they would have a boarding pass for your next flight and a hotel voucher, but wouldn’t expect that. You’ll likely be forced to wait in a long customer service line. Being in J means you’ll get off the plane first so you’ll have a heads start. A phone agent can or the website can confirm your next flight but cannot get you the hotel voucher.
If you paid for the non-points portion of your ticket with a credit card with trip interruption insurance that will always be your better option as you can just stay where you want to and submit expenses later. Will require you to get documentation of the delay from AC though.
The problem with compensation is that they usually make you talk to a person and are seldom proactive. Ideally you would get off the plane and they would have a boarding pass for your next flight and a hotel voucher, but wouldn’t expect that. You’ll likely be forced to wait in a long customer service line. Being in J means you’ll get off the plane first so you’ll have a heads start. A phone agent can or the website can confirm your next flight but cannot get you the hotel voucher.
If you paid for the non-points portion of your ticket with a credit card with trip interruption insurance that will always be your better option as you can just stay where you want to and submit expenses later. Will require you to get documentation of the delay from AC though.
Feb 2, 2019, 8:23 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YYC
Posts: 23,804
The Fairmont is a potential option, but not usually their first choice. As a SE I have been given the Fairmont for IROPs before but got the feeling that I was unique from others in the same situation. However, if you push it may be an option.
The problem with compensation is that they usually make you talk to a person and are seldom proactive. Ideally you would get off the plane and they would have a boarding pass for your next flight and a hotel voucher, but wouldn’t expect that. You’ll likely be forced to wait in a long customer service line. Being in J means you’ll get off the plane first so you’ll have a heads start. A phone agent can or the website can confirm your next flight but cannot get you the hotel voucher.
If you paid for the non-points portion of your ticket with a credit card with trip interruption insurance that will always be your better option as you can just stay where you want to and submit expenses later. Will require you to get documentation of the delay from AC though.
The problem with compensation is that they usually make you talk to a person and are seldom proactive. Ideally you would get off the plane and they would have a boarding pass for your next flight and a hotel voucher, but wouldn’t expect that. You’ll likely be forced to wait in a long customer service line. Being in J means you’ll get off the plane first so you’ll have a heads start. A phone agent can or the website can confirm your next flight but cannot get you the hotel voucher.
If you paid for the non-points portion of your ticket with a credit card with trip interruption insurance that will always be your better option as you can just stay where you want to and submit expenses later. Will require you to get documentation of the delay from AC though.
If having credit card insurance, I don't wait for the airline to book me a hotel. I book myself, charge the insurance and let them deal with the airline.
Feb 2, 2019, 9:59 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,305
The credit card will likely have a daily maximum for flight delay, so everything over that is your responsibility.
AC will claim weather, and rebook you on next available flight
Feb 2, 2019, 10:23 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YYC
Posts: 23,804
Feb 2, 2019, 11:10 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: YVR
Programs: Erstwhile Accidental AC E35K
Posts: 2,916
My experience arriving from OGG late evening is that customs is fairly quick. But depending on how close together a couple of flights arrive it could be backed up a bit. Even so, a 70 minute intl-dom connection is pushing it.
You asked for advice: WS has a much better OTP on the YVR-HI routes, IME.
Also, you can check the inbound arrival 6 or 7 hours ahead of your departure. If it looks like you’ll misconnect you can get on the phone then and start making arrangements.
You asked for advice: WS has a much better OTP on the YVR-HI routes, IME.
Also, you can check the inbound arrival 6 or 7 hours ahead of your departure. If it looks like you’ll misconnect you can get on the phone then and start making arrangements.
Feb 2, 2019, 11:37 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 8,003
Delayed flight insurance kicks in at the 4 hour mark.
I suspect if you misconnect, AC will put you on the first flight of the day from YVR unless you ask for something later.
A 5 hour overnight connection isn't any fun unless you need to get home.
To claim, you need a copy of your original itinerary showing proof of payment with the insured credit card.
Old and new boarding passes.
Keep all receipts. All claimed purchases must be with your Aerogold Visa.
You can claim entertainment expenses. And I believe transportation to/from.
I've always bought magazines and books to entertain myself.
You may need copious amounts of snack food too.
And meals......with appetizer and dessert.
Feb 2, 2019, 1:09 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: YYG
Programs: airlines and hotels and rental cars - oh my!
Posts: 2,997
OP - expect flight delays because they're almost a sure thing. Would it be possible to adjust your schedule and just enjoy a night in Vancouver? It would be less stress, no doubt.
Feb 2, 2019, 3:32 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: YVR
Programs: Erstwhile Accidental AC E35K
Posts: 2,916
The rule of thumb here is you have to be proactive about looking after yourself and getting rebooked on some thing decent, because AC sure as **** won't do it for you.
Feb 2, 2019, 3:46 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: YVR
Programs: UA Premier Platinum
Posts: 3,759
You're generally not going to find many AC agents around YVR at midnight except GAs working the handful of flights that depart around that time, and they will be going off shift as soon as they're done with their last flight.
If you do misconnect, provided that you do have insurance and it will reimburse the cost, I'd head to a hotel and then deal with rebooking on the phone from the comfort of bed. If you don't need to get home ASAP and want a full night sleep feel free to ask for a late morning flight out of YVR. There are plenty of options.
If you do misconnect, provided that you do have insurance and it will reimburse the cost, I'd head to a hotel and then deal with rebooking on the phone from the comfort of bed. If you don't need to get home ASAP and want a full night sleep feel free to ask for a late morning flight out of YVR. There are plenty of options.
Feb 2, 2019, 5:29 pm
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Aeroplan, Delta, Starwood, Fairmount
Posts: 2,312
You're generally not going to find many AC agents around YVR at midnight except GAs working the handful of flights that depart around that time, and they will be going off shift as soon as they're done with their last flight.
If you do misconnect, provided that you do have insurance and it will reimburse the cost, I'd head to a hotel and then deal with rebooking on the phone from the comfort of bed. If you don't need to get home ASAP and want a full night sleep feel free to ask for a late morning flight out of YVR. There are plenty of options.
If you do misconnect, provided that you do have insurance and it will reimburse the cost, I'd head to a hotel and then deal with rebooking on the phone from the comfort of bed. If you don't need to get home ASAP and want a full night sleep feel free to ask for a late morning flight out of YVR. There are plenty of options.
Thank you everyone for your kind and great advice - very much appreciated!!!
Feb 2, 2019, 8:38 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,156
You may want to consider purchasing On My Way:
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...on-my-way.html
Travel insurance will reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses but will NOT help you to re-book your flight.
Also remember next available seats are on a first come first get basis. The sooner that you're able to connect with an AC agent the better.
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...on-my-way.html
Travel insurance will reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses but will NOT help you to re-book your flight.
Also remember next available seats are on a first come first get basis. The sooner that you're able to connect with an AC agent the better.