I'm getting really confused here and could use your help.

I have tickets for 5/23 (mem day weekend) to Orlando. I bought them at a reasonable price and are V class.

We just found out that we can leave earlier that Friday, and are willing to pay the $100 change fee.

I called continental and they told me that I would have to pay a higher fare. V available on one leg, but only B on the return. I already have a V on the return, so why would I have to pay based on the B return? Does that make sense?

I hate to spend another $200, making it riduculous to even bother trying to arrive earlier in the day.

We'd be willing to leave on Thurs night, but it's the same situation. V is available outbound, but B on the return, hence a much higher fare.

I'm also having a heck of a time figuring out what fare codes are available. The website will only show the fare code when you have the reservation put together. Am I missing something?

Mary

[This message has been edited by Mary2e (edited 04-11-2003).]

Mary, while I don't have time to go into details, I have looked for availability for your dates (assuming the return is Mon, 5/26, and you are departing from EWR) Most of the V availabilty is 9 seats, but a few of the outbound are limited.

EWR-MCO Friday, 5/23 Avail in V
2:00pm
4:00pm
5:55pm
8:20pm

MCO-EWR Mon, 5/26, avail in V (or lower!!)
7:35am
9:30am
2:05pm

I would act quickly if you wish to change to these flights, CO's inventory on this route seems to swing wildly. I looked at this same routing and dates less than a week ago, and there was nothing available in less that K class. Of course, there is always the possibility of waiting to see if more opens closer to the dates, but on holidays, its always a big risk.

Robin

Robin,

Thanks much! I want to keep the return that I have, which is in V - what I don't get is that the itinerary is pricing using a B fare for Monday.

I will give them a call now.

Mary

If there is availability on your day of flight you can use the eticket machine to check in. When using it, press the "change flight"button. It will list alternate flights and whether there are seats available you'll be able to change for free.

Thanks - I'll think about trying that.

Mary

Thats just the way airlines work: You may be holding a V seat, but if you need to rebook, that V class must be available now regardless of old ticket. Keep watching though, those flights do change constantly. Also, although I have not checked availability, check returns from Tampa as well, if you have a rental car. The drive is not much further. I probably use TPA for more than half my trips to Orlando.

Robin

Robin,

Thanks, I called and found out the following for the 2pm flight..

Change fee $200
Additional charge for "new" V fare $122

So, since we can't leave in the morning, it would cost us $322 to arrive about 3 hours earlier. Not worth it....

I will keep on checking to see if it changes, if not, I will go the standby route if there are some seats available.

Thanks again for all your help.

Mary