Change return leg of award ticket after outbound leg flown?
Dec 12, 2013, 5:25 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MSP
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 342
Change return leg of award ticket after outbound leg flown?
I know there is the 72-hour rule for changes to an award ticket prior to departure. After the departure portion is flown, is it possible to make changes to the return itinerary that is an award booking? Situation is a long trip with some weeks between departure and return, would like to change the return leg to a different day if things allow, but I won't know this until I've already completed the departure.
I know change fee & any skymiles difference will still apply. Wondering if a change can even be made in this situation. TYIA!
I know change fee & any skymiles difference will still apply. Wondering if a change can even be made in this situation. TYIA!
Dec 12, 2013, 5:41 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHI
Posts: 501
I know there is the 72-hour rule for changes to an award ticket prior to departure. After the departure portion is flown, is it possible to make changes to the return itinerary that is an award booking? Situation is a long trip with some weeks between departure and return, would like to change the return leg to a different day if things allow, but I won't know this until I've already completed the departure.
I know change fee & any skymiles difference will still apply. Wondering if a change can even be made in this situation. TYIA!
I know change fee & any skymiles difference will still apply. Wondering if a change can even be made in this situation. TYIA!
I've been able to make changes to the return leg after flying outbound. Some of it is covered, here:
I imagine that the change fee will still apply (unless one has PM/DM status then the re-deposit is waived). I had to attend a funeral and needed to make multiple changes to various tickets, and the fees were waived, but I did have to provide hospice information.
Dec 12, 2013, 5:43 pm
#3
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The last iteration of the rule that I heard is once the outbound is flown, you can make changes to the return anytime - even within 72 hours of the return.
Dec 12, 2013, 5:45 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MSP
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 342
Likely, you will be able to change the return, as long as it's not within 72 hours. You should be able to do it online, under the reservation, under "change".
I've been able to make changes to the return leg after flying outbound. Some of it is covered, here:
I imagine that the change fee will still apply (unless one has PM/DM status then the re-deposit is waived). I had to attend a funeral and needed to make multiple changes to various tickets, and the fees were waived, but I did have to provide hospice information.
I've been able to make changes to the return leg after flying outbound. Some of it is covered, here:
I imagine that the change fee will still apply (unless one has PM/DM status then the re-deposit is waived). I had to attend a funeral and needed to make multiple changes to various tickets, and the fees were waived, but I did have to provide hospice information.
Dec 13, 2013, 6:45 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHI
Posts: 501
Thanks for the info. When I try and experiment now to see if it would let me change, I keep getting an error message that it can't be done online (Message #7000). Apparently this is a bug that happens when you have a multi-city trip, which the return itinerary is. I can always call an agent and have them do it, I guess.
Last edited by CabinCaptive; Dec 14, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Dec 14, 2013, 12:43 pm
#6
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Dec 14, 2013, 12:57 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2005
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The 72 hour rule does not apply after the first leg of award travel has been flown. I have used this many times to change flights and save miles. The normal fees apply for gold and lower but is free for plat/diamond.
Dec 14, 2013, 1:08 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
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Posts: 6,363
Thanks for the info. When I try and experiment now to see if it would let me change, I keep getting an error message that it can't be done online (Message #7000). Apparently this is a bug that happens when you have a multi-city trip, which the return itinerary is. I can always call an agent and have them do it, I guess.
You need a phone. Life sucks.
Dec 14, 2013, 3:25 pm
#10
Join Date: Jul 2010
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If there's no availability at the ticketed mileage level for the new date/time, you can't change to it without coughing up more miles. Cancelling the return gets you nothing back (other than taxes/fees for the return segments).
Dec 14, 2013, 6:06 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2001
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I have not experienced this... in fact I've had the 72-hour rule enforced several times on the return. I wish they would be consistent!
Dec 14, 2013, 7:07 pm
#13
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If the return isn't at low, you might be able to save miles by rebooking to a date with low availability and then cancelling the return or doing a no show.
Dec 14, 2013, 7:19 pm
#14
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Dec 15, 2013, 5:59 pm
#15
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