Jul 10, 2016, 5:48 pm
Last edit by: Zorak
Delta rolls out schedule changes pretty much every Saturday, though the scope/impact can vary. During this time, seat maps may be locked out, may show the wrong aircraft layout, etc. while changes are occurring. If you are not traveling immediately, FT conventional wisdom is to wait until Sunday (or even Monday in the case of major schedule adjustments where things take longer) for things to settle down, then take stock of your upcoming itineraries to see what changes have occurred and what changes/refunds you may be entitled to.
You are entitled to a full refund to original form of payment, even for a ticket that was purchased as a non-refundable ticket, if any of the following occur as a result of schedule change:
The airline would rather keep your money than refund it, so they will frequently accept any vaguely reasonable rerouting that you propose. This includes, by policy, changing origin and/or destination within 100 miles, rebooking +/- two days, and changing outbound/return date to keep the length of the trip the same post-rebooking.
If none of the above conditions for a refund is true, you may still be entitled to a free change -- in your trip summary there will be a notice about changes/refunds, and per the "conditions apply" popup link in that text:
If possible, you may wish to try modifying your flights online first -- there have been data points where the site allowed a free rebooking even though it did not technically fall into the above categories. NOTE however that self-rebooking online is known not to work if you have (1) any trip involving upgrade certificates (whether cleared or not), (2) if you have self-upgraded by picking an upgraded seat that said FREE (instead of waiting for the automated upgrade system sweep to reseat you in an upgraded seat), this seems to inhibit self-rebooking as well.
Otherwise, suggested best practice is to research your preferred alternative rebooking beforehand (whether DL flight search, Google Flights, ITA Matrix etc.) so that you can speak with an agent already knowing what you want, and ask for it; this will be much more efficient than having an agent find alternatives for you.
Other notes/FAQs:
You are entitled to a full refund to original form of payment, even for a ticket that was purchased as a non-refundable ticket, if any of the following occur as a result of schedule change:
- departure or arrival delay of 2hrs or more
- increase in the number of flight segments (non-stop to connecting, 1-stop to 2-stop, etc.)
- change resulting in a connection below the Minimum Connection Time for a given airport (do a Google search for "site:flyertalk.com minimum connecting time XXX" with the airport code to find the relevant thread if one exists)
- any change in operating carrier, i.e. operated by Delta mainline before the schedule change and Delta Connection after the change
- it is also a commonly-held belief that a change from Delta Connection to mainline, or from one Delta Connection carrier to a different Delta Connection carrier, also qualifies for a full refund -- if anyone has documentation of this, a link would be great...
The airline would rather keep your money than refund it, so they will frequently accept any vaguely reasonable rerouting that you propose. This includes, by policy, changing origin and/or destination within 100 miles, rebooking +/- two days, and changing outbound/return date to keep the length of the trip the same post-rebooking.
If none of the above conditions for a refund is true, you may still be entitled to a free change -- in your trip summary there will be a notice about changes/refunds, and per the "conditions apply" popup link in that text:
If a Delta schedule or routing change has delayed your departure or arrival by more than one hour, you may be eligible to select an alternate flight at no additional charge. Note that the below conditions may apply:
- Your origin, destination and travel date must remain the same
- Alternate flights must be available, and you can only modify once as subsequent changes may result in additional fees
- Voluntary changes to other flights not impacted by a Delta schedule change may result in additional fees
Otherwise, suggested best practice is to research your preferred alternative rebooking beforehand (whether DL flight search, Google Flights, ITA Matrix etc.) so that you can speak with an agent already knowing what you want, and ask for it; this will be much more efficient than having an agent find alternatives for you.
Other notes/FAQs:
- Even if you voluntarily choose a preferred rebooking, you have a high likelihood of success claiming Original Routing Credit since the original reason for the change was involuntary.
- If you booked through a travel agency, including online travel agencies (OTA) such as Expedia, Chase Ultimate Rewards, etc. you will have to contact them, not Delta, to request rerouting if the automatic rebooking is not satisfactory to you.
- There have been reports of an agency insisting that a change of 2 hours was required (per the "pro" site) for a free change, even though the popup on the DL site says 1 hour
- You can sometimes get Delta to take over a travel agency ticket; this is subject to a $50 fee to take over the ticket, although sometimes agents decline to collect it
Consolidated Delta Schedule Change Discussion Thread
May 20, 2021, 9:20 am
#1846
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,328
I have 3 questions on flight changes:
1) If there is a significant schedule change qualifying for a free change, does that allow a change to only the affected leg, or are you able to also change your (unaffected) return flight?
2) To my understanding, you are able rebook flights according to historical prices in the case you change your flight after flying your first leg, however, what prices are used if you change to a flight that was more than 11 months out at the time of booking and did not have any active pricing(but still within ticket validity)?
3) If there is a significant schedule change communicated a long time out for a multi-city ticket (2 fare components each with a stopover), are you able to ask for a refund for the remaining 3 legs after flying just the first leg?
1) If there is a significant schedule change qualifying for a free change, does that allow a change to only the affected leg, or are you able to also change your (unaffected) return flight?
2) To my understanding, you are able rebook flights according to historical prices in the case you change your flight after flying your first leg, however, what prices are used if you change to a flight that was more than 11 months out at the time of booking and did not have any active pricing(but still within ticket validity)?
3) If there is a significant schedule change communicated a long time out for a multi-city ticket (2 fare components each with a stopover), are you able to ask for a refund for the remaining 3 legs after flying just the first leg?
1. Generally, you can make a free change to the leg there was a schedule change on. Where, for example, that means you can only fly one day later, they may allow you to shift the other leg one day later. But if you are arriving 30 minutes later on the outbound, you cant generally change your return flight to 3 weeks later without paying a fare difference. You can refund the entire ticket, alternatively.
2. If it's a schedule change, prices, historical or otherwise, dont matter. You can be rebooked onto any flight on that same route with availability in your cabin. (I now realize you are attempting to convert a multi-city into a one-way ticket; I'm not sure what the answer is for your specific scenario, but you can always ask.)
3. Perhaps others have tried that, but I would not count on being able to take advantage of a schedule change in that way and only raising the issue after you fly the outbound, knowing the schedule has changed. You should expect a repricing based on the current one-way fare leg you flew.
May 20, 2021, 1:29 pm
#1847
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
I have 3 questions on flight changes:
1) If there is a significant schedule change qualifying for a free change, does that allow a change to only the affected leg, or are you able to also change your (unaffected) return flight?
You can change all legs of the direction of travel. If you need to change date of travel by day or two, they'll allow you to change the opposite direction by same amount. (You can keep same length of trip if you wish)
2) To my understanding, you are able rebook flights according to historical prices in the case you change your flight after flying your first leg, however, what prices are used if you change to a flight that was more than 11 months out at the time of booking and did not have any active pricing(but still within ticket validity)?
Not sure what you want to do. There has to be pricing active (or historical) to rebook.
3) If there is a significant schedule change communicated a long time out for a multi-city ticket (2 fare components each with a stopover), are you able to ask for a refund for the remaining 3 legs after flying just the first leg?
Not if the change was done before you flew out. They will likely let you rebook. However they're not going to give a refund once you flew portion of ticket with knowledge of schedule change. You won't be able to fly out without at least acknowledging the change.
If they do give a refund it may be tiny if the outbound required a RT. They'll have to reprice the outbound in that case. It could technically be more expensive the RT you paid for. Note, if this was a schedule change after flying outbound they would just refund that fare without regard to outbound.
1) If there is a significant schedule change qualifying for a free change, does that allow a change to only the affected leg, or are you able to also change your (unaffected) return flight?
You can change all legs of the direction of travel. If you need to change date of travel by day or two, they'll allow you to change the opposite direction by same amount. (You can keep same length of trip if you wish)
2) To my understanding, you are able rebook flights according to historical prices in the case you change your flight after flying your first leg, however, what prices are used if you change to a flight that was more than 11 months out at the time of booking and did not have any active pricing(but still within ticket validity)?
Not sure what you want to do. There has to be pricing active (or historical) to rebook.
3) If there is a significant schedule change communicated a long time out for a multi-city ticket (2 fare components each with a stopover), are you able to ask for a refund for the remaining 3 legs after flying just the first leg?
Not if the change was done before you flew out. They will likely let you rebook. However they're not going to give a refund once you flew portion of ticket with knowledge of schedule change. You won't be able to fly out without at least acknowledging the change.
If they do give a refund it may be tiny if the outbound required a RT. They'll have to reprice the outbound in that case. It could technically be more expensive the RT you paid for. Note, if this was a schedule change after flying outbound they would just refund that fare without regard to outbound.
May 20, 2021, 1:57 pm
#1848
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 46
Thank you both for the clear information!
My second question was probably not clear and likely confusing as it is the only question independent of a schedule change (but a voluntary change instead - sorry if in wrong thread!). To clarify my question: I booked a RT ticket in January with a departure in June(very low TATL award rate) and return in August. I would like to move the return leg to April 2022, but not sure how that would work as there was no pricing available for April 2022 during my booking (max 11 months out). However, given the ticket is valid until Dec 2022 and still fulfilling the max stay requirements of 12 months I should in theory be able to rebook, but not sure how they will reprice my ticket and whether they charge a very high price when I reprice (any rate was so much lower during the height of the pandemic).
This ticket did also have a schedule change as well for what it's worth, so if I were to correct the ticket outbound, will they use pricing at reissuance then when I rebook AFTER the outbound leg?
My second question was probably not clear and likely confusing as it is the only question independent of a schedule change (but a voluntary change instead - sorry if in wrong thread!). To clarify my question: I booked a RT ticket in January with a departure in June(very low TATL award rate) and return in August. I would like to move the return leg to April 2022, but not sure how that would work as there was no pricing available for April 2022 during my booking (max 11 months out). However, given the ticket is valid until Dec 2022 and still fulfilling the max stay requirements of 12 months I should in theory be able to rebook, but not sure how they will reprice my ticket and whether they charge a very high price when I reprice (any rate was so much lower during the height of the pandemic).
This ticket did also have a schedule change as well for what it's worth, so if I were to correct the ticket outbound, will they use pricing at reissuance then when I rebook AFTER the outbound leg?
May 20, 2021, 2:29 pm
#1849
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAS, MPL
Programs: DL Platinum, 1 MM
Posts: 1,322
Thank you both for the clear information!
My second question was probably not clear and likely confusing as it is the only question independent of a schedule change (but a voluntary change instead - sorry if in wrong thread!). To clarify my question: I booked a RT ticket in January with a departure in June(very low TATL award rate) and return in August. I would like to move the return leg to April 2022, but not sure how that would work as there was no pricing available for April 2022 during my booking (max 11 months out). However, given the ticket is valid until Dec 2022 and still fulfilling the max stay requirements of 12 months I should in theory be able to rebook, but not sure how they will reprice my ticket and whether they charge a very high price when I reprice (any rate was so much lower during the height of the pandemic).
This ticket did also have a schedule change as well for what it's worth, so if I were to correct the ticket outbound, will they use pricing at reissuance then when I rebook AFTER the outbound leg?
My second question was probably not clear and likely confusing as it is the only question independent of a schedule change (but a voluntary change instead - sorry if in wrong thread!). To clarify my question: I booked a RT ticket in January with a departure in June(very low TATL award rate) and return in August. I would like to move the return leg to April 2022, but not sure how that would work as there was no pricing available for April 2022 during my booking (max 11 months out). However, given the ticket is valid until Dec 2022 and still fulfilling the max stay requirements of 12 months I should in theory be able to rebook, but not sure how they will reprice my ticket and whether they charge a very high price when I reprice (any rate was so much lower during the height of the pandemic).
This ticket did also have a schedule change as well for what it's worth, so if I were to correct the ticket outbound, will they use pricing at reissuance then when I rebook AFTER the outbound leg?
May 20, 2021, 2:30 pm
#1850
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: flyover country
Posts: 2,435
YES - an operating carrier change entitles you to a full refund, as Delta has effectively canceled your flight and rebooked you on a different carrier. In this case, the ticket number and time change (since under 120 minutes) doesn't make the difference.
Use this link here: www.delta [dot] com/contactus/iropForm
Use this link here: www.delta [dot] com/contactus/iropForm
But did I do it correctly? I submitted one form. Is that a request for both legs, or do I submit another form for the second leg? In the secondary ticket number field, I gave the ticket number for the other passenger. Is that the correct way to request a refund for a second passenger on the same confirmation number, or do I submit another form for the other passenger? Thank you.
May 20, 2021, 3:21 pm
#1851
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
Thank you so much. I have requested the refund.
But did I do it correctly? I submitted one form. Is that a request for both legs, or do I submit another form for the second leg? In the secondary ticket number field, I gave the ticket number for the other passenger. Is that the correct way to request a refund for a second passenger on the same confirmation number, or do I submit another form for the other passenger? Thank you.
But did I do it correctly? I submitted one form. Is that a request for both legs, or do I submit another form for the second leg? In the secondary ticket number field, I gave the ticket number for the other passenger. Is that the correct way to request a refund for a second passenger on the same confirmation number, or do I submit another form for the other passenger? Thank you.
May 20, 2021, 3:29 pm
#1852
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
Thank you both for the clear information!
My second question was probably not clear and likely confusing as it is the only question independent of a schedule change (but a voluntary change instead - sorry if in wrong thread!). To clarify my question: I booked a RT ticket in January with a departure in June(very low TATL award rate) and return in August. I would like to move the return leg to April 2022, but not sure how that would work as there was no pricing available for April 2022 during my booking (max 11 months out). However, given the ticket is valid until Dec 2022 and still fulfilling the max stay requirements of 12 months I should in theory be able to rebook, but not sure how they will reprice my ticket and whether they charge a very high price when I reprice (any rate was so much lower during the height of the pandemic).
This ticket did also have a schedule change as well for what it's worth, so if I were to correct the ticket outbound, will they use pricing at reissuance then when I rebook AFTER the outbound leg?
My second question was probably not clear and likely confusing as it is the only question independent of a schedule change (but a voluntary change instead - sorry if in wrong thread!). To clarify my question: I booked a RT ticket in January with a departure in June(very low TATL award rate) and return in August. I would like to move the return leg to April 2022, but not sure how that would work as there was no pricing available for April 2022 during my booking (max 11 months out). However, given the ticket is valid until Dec 2022 and still fulfilling the max stay requirements of 12 months I should in theory be able to rebook, but not sure how they will reprice my ticket and whether they charge a very high price when I reprice (any rate was so much lower during the height of the pandemic).
This ticket did also have a schedule change as well for what it's worth, so if I were to correct the ticket outbound, will they use pricing at reissuance then when I rebook AFTER the outbound leg?
May 20, 2021, 5:29 pm
#1853
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: flyover country
Posts: 2,435
Thanks again. Delta evidently received the form, because each passenger promptly received a cancellation confirmation, with a statement that an eCredit has been issued. Of course, that is what I was trying to avoid. (On the form, I did say I requested a refund and stated that the flights were cancelled and rebooked on different operating carriers.) Should I bide my time, figuring that a bot sent the cancellation confirmations and a person will approve a refund? Or is there some action I should take before a window of opportunity closes? As you can probably tell, this is new to me.
May 20, 2021, 7:26 pm
#1854
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
Thanks again. Delta evidently received the form, because each passenger promptly received a cancellation confirmation, with a statement that an eCredit has been issued. Of course, that is what I was trying to avoid. (On the form, I did say I requested a refund and stated that the flights were cancelled and rebooked on different operating carriers.) Should I bide my time, figuring that a bot sent the cancellation confirmations and a person will approve a refund? Or is there some action I should take before a window of opportunity closes? As you can probably tell, this is new to me.
If you filled out request for refund, then the message above is likely the automated message when reservation is canceled.
May 21, 2021, 11:04 am
#1855
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 5
Travel Agent Conundrum
Greetings FT flyers! I'm a newbie here and feel a little out of my league because I don't have status. I have studied these forums, and I think I have a good understanding of my problem. While I'm not status, I'm not an inexperienced traveler either so please go easy if this sounds trivial. This is regarding a leisure trip, which is a rebooked (thanks COVID) birthday trip for my husband and honeymoon for our best friends. I'm already having buyers remorse because our friends insisted on using a travel agent even though I typically book all of my own reservations and am quite proficient at doing so. Apparently, they didn't think I was capable, so I agreed to use the TA they suggested. Now I absolutely hate having to deal with the TA. Never again!
We were under the gun to rebook quickly in order to get an added credit for a promotion and a price match for our resort. In our our haste, we booked flight times that I don't particularly love so I have kept my fingers crossed for a favorable schedule change. We finally hit the one hour threshold on our outbound to CUN, but our travel agent is insisting it has to be two hours. When I check the "conditions apply" on DL's website it still indicates one hour. However, my TA linked me to the DL pro website (I can't post the link because I'm new but I'm hoping you experienced flyers know what I'm talking about) saying 2 hours, which interestingly the content on this pro page has changed within the last couple of days (yeah I'm neurotic and have been looking at it and FT daily to be educated). I know it's changed within recent days, but I don't have any record of anything prior to what she linked for me to argue my point. Which policy is accurate? Is there a separate policy for TA's or booked travel through TA's? Am I out of luck having gone through a TA? Is there anyway I can get our flights changed so I can get an earlier arrival into CUN? Is calling DL and asking for our PNRs to be "pushed" a posibility, is that really a thing? I've seen it mentioned previously in this forum, but not sure if it's actually possible.
For reference, our itinerary is OMA-ATL-CUN. Our ATL-CUN leg got consolidated with another flight (I think) and departure and arrival is delayed one hour exactly. This is for travel on 4 JUL. In the end it's probably not a big deal, but if I can change my flight to a much earlier flight and get my vacation started 4 hours earlier, I want to do it. If it makes a difference, we were booked in T, but immediately upgraded to C+ (W), and I paid to upgrade to F on the ATL-CUN leg because it was only $10 more than the baggage allowance so I figured why not, it's vacation! I appreciate your expert advise and opinions. Thanks all--I'm so nervous posting among legends!
We were under the gun to rebook quickly in order to get an added credit for a promotion and a price match for our resort. In our our haste, we booked flight times that I don't particularly love so I have kept my fingers crossed for a favorable schedule change. We finally hit the one hour threshold on our outbound to CUN, but our travel agent is insisting it has to be two hours. When I check the "conditions apply" on DL's website it still indicates one hour. However, my TA linked me to the DL pro website (I can't post the link because I'm new but I'm hoping you experienced flyers know what I'm talking about) saying 2 hours, which interestingly the content on this pro page has changed within the last couple of days (yeah I'm neurotic and have been looking at it and FT daily to be educated). I know it's changed within recent days, but I don't have any record of anything prior to what she linked for me to argue my point. Which policy is accurate? Is there a separate policy for TA's or booked travel through TA's? Am I out of luck having gone through a TA? Is there anyway I can get our flights changed so I can get an earlier arrival into CUN? Is calling DL and asking for our PNRs to be "pushed" a posibility, is that really a thing? I've seen it mentioned previously in this forum, but not sure if it's actually possible.
For reference, our itinerary is OMA-ATL-CUN. Our ATL-CUN leg got consolidated with another flight (I think) and departure and arrival is delayed one hour exactly. This is for travel on 4 JUL. In the end it's probably not a big deal, but if I can change my flight to a much earlier flight and get my vacation started 4 hours earlier, I want to do it. If it makes a difference, we were booked in T, but immediately upgraded to C+ (W), and I paid to upgrade to F on the ATL-CUN leg because it was only $10 more than the baggage allowance so I figured why not, it's vacation! I appreciate your expert advise and opinions. Thanks all--I'm so nervous posting among legends!
May 21, 2021, 1:49 pm
#1856
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,328
Greetings FT flyers! I'm a newbie here and feel a little out of my league because I don't have status. I have studied these forums, and I think I have a good understanding of my problem. While I'm not status, I'm not an inexperienced traveler either so please go easy if this sounds trivial. This is regarding a leisure trip, which is a rebooked (thanks COVID) birthday trip for my husband and honeymoon for our best friends. I'm already having buyers remorse because our friends insisted on using a travel agent even though I typically book all of my own reservations and am quite proficient at doing so. Apparently, they didn't think I was capable, so I agreed to use the TA they suggested. Now I absolutely hate having to deal with the TA. Never again!
We were under the gun to rebook quickly in order to get an added credit for a promotion and a price match for our resort. In our our haste, we booked flight times that I don't particularly love so I have kept my fingers crossed for a favorable schedule change. We finally hit the one hour threshold on our outbound to CUN, but our travel agent is insisting it has to be two hours. When I check the "conditions apply" on DL's website it still indicates one hour. However, my TA linked me to the DL pro website (I can't post the link because I'm new but I'm hoping you experienced flyers know what I'm talking about) saying 2 hours, which interestingly the content on this pro page has changed within the last couple of days (yeah I'm neurotic and have been looking at it and FT daily to be educated). I know it's changed within recent days, but I don't have any record of anything prior to what she linked for me to argue my point. Which policy is accurate? Is there a separate policy for TA's or booked travel through TA's? Am I out of luck having gone through a TA? Is there anyway I can get our flights changed so I can get an earlier arrival into CUN? Is calling DL and asking for our PNRs to be "pushed" a posibility, is that really a thing? I've seen it mentioned previously in this forum, but not sure if it's actually possible.
For reference, our itinerary is OMA-ATL-CUN. Our ATL-CUN leg got consolidated with another flight (I think) and departure and arrival is delayed one hour exactly. This is for travel on 4 JUL. In the end it's probably not a big deal, but if I can change my flight to a much earlier flight and get my vacation started 4 hours earlier, I want to do it. If it makes a difference, we were booked in T, but immediately upgraded to C+ (W), and I paid to upgrade to F on the ATL-CUN leg because it was only $10 more than the baggage allowance so I figured why not, it's vacation! I appreciate your expert advise and opinions. Thanks all--I'm so nervous posting among legends!
We were under the gun to rebook quickly in order to get an added credit for a promotion and a price match for our resort. In our our haste, we booked flight times that I don't particularly love so I have kept my fingers crossed for a favorable schedule change. We finally hit the one hour threshold on our outbound to CUN, but our travel agent is insisting it has to be two hours. When I check the "conditions apply" on DL's website it still indicates one hour. However, my TA linked me to the DL pro website (I can't post the link because I'm new but I'm hoping you experienced flyers know what I'm talking about) saying 2 hours, which interestingly the content on this pro page has changed within the last couple of days (yeah I'm neurotic and have been looking at it and FT daily to be educated). I know it's changed within recent days, but I don't have any record of anything prior to what she linked for me to argue my point. Which policy is accurate? Is there a separate policy for TA's or booked travel through TA's? Am I out of luck having gone through a TA? Is there anyway I can get our flights changed so I can get an earlier arrival into CUN? Is calling DL and asking for our PNRs to be "pushed" a posibility, is that really a thing? I've seen it mentioned previously in this forum, but not sure if it's actually possible.
For reference, our itinerary is OMA-ATL-CUN. Our ATL-CUN leg got consolidated with another flight (I think) and departure and arrival is delayed one hour exactly. This is for travel on 4 JUL. In the end it's probably not a big deal, but if I can change my flight to a much earlier flight and get my vacation started 4 hours earlier, I want to do it. If it makes a difference, we were booked in T, but immediately upgraded to C+ (W), and I paid to upgrade to F on the ATL-CUN leg because it was only $10 more than the baggage allowance so I figured why not, it's vacation! I appreciate your expert advise and opinions. Thanks all--I'm so nervous posting among legends!
If I understand correctly:
-your ATL-CUN leg of OMA-ATL-CUN, was moved one hour later, you want to rebook to a routing earlier in the day, you booked with a TA, and the TA says the 120 minute rule for domestic departures bars any free change.
While you might have been able to get a DL agent to make this change on a direct DL-issued ticket, it is unlikely DL will make the adjustment to a TA-booked ticket.
May 21, 2021, 2:19 pm
#1857
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,336
Greetings FT flyers! I'm a newbie here and feel a little out of my league because I don't have status. I have studied these forums, and I think I have a good understanding of my problem. While I'm not status, I'm not an inexperienced traveler either so please go easy if this sounds trivial. This is regarding a leisure trip, which is a rebooked (thanks COVID) birthday trip for my husband and honeymoon for our best friends. I'm already having buyers remorse because our friends insisted on using a travel agent even though I typically book all of my own reservations and am quite proficient at doing so. Apparently, they didn't think I was capable, so I agreed to use the TA they suggested. Now I absolutely hate having to deal with the TA. Never again!
We were under the gun to rebook quickly in order to get an added credit for a promotion and a price match for our resort. In our our haste, we booked flight times that I don't particularly love so I have kept my fingers crossed for a favorable schedule change. We finally hit the one hour threshold on our outbound to CUN, but our travel agent is insisting it has to be two hours. When I check the "conditions apply" on DL's website it still indicates one hour. However, my TA linked me to the DL pro website (I can't post the link because I'm new but I'm hoping you experienced flyers know what I'm talking about) saying 2 hours, which interestingly the content on this pro page has changed within the last couple of days (yeah I'm neurotic and have been looking at it and FT daily to be educated). I know it's changed within recent days, but I don't have any record of anything prior to what she linked for me to argue my point. Which policy is accurate? Is there a separate policy for TA's or booked travel through TA's? Am I out of luck having gone through a TA? Is there anyway I can get our flights changed so I can get an earlier arrival into CUN? Is calling DL and asking for our PNRs to be "pushed" a posibility, is that really a thing? I've seen it mentioned previously in this forum, but not sure if it's actually possible.
For reference, our itinerary is OMA-ATL-CUN. Our ATL-CUN leg got consolidated with another flight (I think) and departure and arrival is delayed one hour exactly. This is for travel on 4 JUL. In the end it's probably not a big deal, but if I can change my flight to a much earlier flight and get my vacation started 4 hours earlier, I want to do it. If it makes a difference, we were booked in T, but immediately upgraded to C+ (W), and I paid to upgrade to F on the ATL-CUN leg because it was only $10 more than the baggage allowance so I figured why not, it's vacation! I appreciate your expert advise and opinions. Thanks all--I'm so nervous posting among legends!
We were under the gun to rebook quickly in order to get an added credit for a promotion and a price match for our resort. In our our haste, we booked flight times that I don't particularly love so I have kept my fingers crossed for a favorable schedule change. We finally hit the one hour threshold on our outbound to CUN, but our travel agent is insisting it has to be two hours. When I check the "conditions apply" on DL's website it still indicates one hour. However, my TA linked me to the DL pro website (I can't post the link because I'm new but I'm hoping you experienced flyers know what I'm talking about) saying 2 hours, which interestingly the content on this pro page has changed within the last couple of days (yeah I'm neurotic and have been looking at it and FT daily to be educated). I know it's changed within recent days, but I don't have any record of anything prior to what she linked for me to argue my point. Which policy is accurate? Is there a separate policy for TA's or booked travel through TA's? Am I out of luck having gone through a TA? Is there anyway I can get our flights changed so I can get an earlier arrival into CUN? Is calling DL and asking for our PNRs to be "pushed" a posibility, is that really a thing? I've seen it mentioned previously in this forum, but not sure if it's actually possible.
For reference, our itinerary is OMA-ATL-CUN. Our ATL-CUN leg got consolidated with another flight (I think) and departure and arrival is delayed one hour exactly. This is for travel on 4 JUL. In the end it's probably not a big deal, but if I can change my flight to a much earlier flight and get my vacation started 4 hours earlier, I want to do it. If it makes a difference, we were booked in T, but immediately upgraded to C+ (W), and I paid to upgrade to F on the ATL-CUN leg because it was only $10 more than the baggage allowance so I figured why not, it's vacation! I appreciate your expert advise and opinions. Thanks all--I'm so nervous posting among legends!
Option A) Force the TA to do their job and call Delta and get the flights you want.
Option B) Have you tried just going to delta.com -- enter your PNR and last name and pull up the record. If it still has the big red notice about a schedule change and "acknowledge", then go ahead and "acknowledge" it, click on "modify flights" and see what it gives you for the same price. You may be pleasantly surprised. Ignore the "0 available at this price" - if it's listed, it's available.
Option C) You can ask Delta to "take over" the reservation from the agent. They usually charge ~$50/ticket to do this so it's not ideal.. Maybe you can explain to Delta that your TA is refusing to work with you and maybe they will waive that fee?
Good luck!
May 21, 2021, 3:59 pm
#1858
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: flyover country
Posts: 2,435
As long as you filled out the request for refund form, you'll get a refund. If you only cancelled then you need to either call or fill out request for refund.
If you filled out request for refund, then the message above is likely the automated message when reservation is canceled.
If you filled out request for refund, then the message above is likely the automated message when reservation is canceled.
May 21, 2021, 8:02 pm
#1859
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,336
Anyone happen to know when AF/KLM schedule changes typically roll out?
And more importantly, when the corresponding DL codeshares get updated in Delta's reservation system? I know there is always some lag with codeshares...
Thanks FT!
And more importantly, when the corresponding DL codeshares get updated in Delta's reservation system? I know there is always some lag with codeshares...
Thanks FT!
May 21, 2021, 8:28 pm
#1860
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 5
Last year, Delta updated the policy to require a 120 minute delay for tickets subject to the domestic contracts of carriage.
If I understand correctly:
-your ATL-CUN leg of OMA-ATL-CUN, was moved one hour later, you want to rebook to a routing earlier in the day, you booked with a TA, and the TA says the 120 minute rule for domestic departures bars any free change.
While you might have been able to get a DL agent to make this change on a direct DL-issued ticket, it is unlikely DL will make the adjustment to a TA-booked ticket.
If I understand correctly:
-your ATL-CUN leg of OMA-ATL-CUN, was moved one hour later, you want to rebook to a routing earlier in the day, you booked with a TA, and the TA says the 120 minute rule for domestic departures bars any free change.
While you might have been able to get a DL agent to make this change on a direct DL-issued ticket, it is unlikely DL will make the adjustment to a TA-booked ticket.