pmarrsouth

Months ago I booked a trip, which I flew over the summer. This is more of an interest question than anything

I was booked on an N fare from PTY-DUB, via YYZ. Both AC. The return was also an N fare DUB-FRA-FCO-YUL-YYZ-PTY, with the first 2 legs on LH and the last 3 on AC. There were no options for PY between YUL-YYZ at booking, so it was booked into a B fare on an A320. P-N-Q-Q-N-B-P is the full fare details

A few days before the return journey, the A320 turned into a 772, now with PY. At YUL, I went to the departing gate after getting in from FCO to ask about being put into PY. The agent looked up my reservation and said that nothing could be done as it was booked as B fare for that leg. I mentioned that it was indeed, as no N fare was possible upon booking, but then the plane was changed a few days back. She again confirmed that nothing could be done

I didn’t take it further, such a short flight and only 125 more status miles for me, but I do still wonder, was I entitled to it?

In case it matters, this trip was booked through an offline travel agency, who I didn’t ask about reticketing (or whatever would be the only way, before airport takes control)

canadiancow

I think the TA would have been the way to go. I'm not sure how the system works at the gate there, but it's also not the kind of thing I'd expect a GA to want to spend time processing right before the flight.

pmarrsouth

Fully understood regarding the GA - it was about 15 minutes before they started doing anything, but I get the point

Would the TA have been able to reticket/refare this? At no cost to them (or me)? The requirement on this sort of fare generally 30 days advance purchase, which I was obviously well inside at the time, hence why I didn’t ask

canadiancow

I don't have much experience here, but I expect it would have been a free change.

yyznomad

In general, the rules depend on that specific TA.

canadiancow

Maybe in terms of fees they charge for actions like this, but the actual reticketing should be the same regardless, right?

pmarrsouth

TA is family (pretty much), so they personally would not charge me. I just didn’t want them to get stuck with some cost to reticket/whatever

Ty both for the info, if it comes up again I will see how it’s handled well before airport control and report back here

YYT82

Yes.