To say something or not: friend's didn't take my advice
#1
To say something or not: friend's didn't take my advice
I sat with dear friends and helped them plan a trip to Gascony for next September including flights and ticketing advice. The most important thing I told them was to ticket the flights from SEA-TLS on one ticket....even if you save money ticketing it differently you need the assurance of the itinerary staying intact in case of delays.
A month since our meeting and last night the husband beamed at the money he saved by making a RT SEA-CDG on Delta and then a separate ticket CDG-TLS on AF with a 90 minute connection at CDG. ( The return is not an issue because they are staying in Paris for a few days before returning home)
Should I say something to them about the possible problems they have created on the outbound?
My husband says no....
A month since our meeting and last night the husband beamed at the money he saved by making a RT SEA-CDG on Delta and then a separate ticket CDG-TLS on AF with a 90 minute connection at CDG. ( The return is not an issue because they are staying in Paris for a few days before returning home)
Should I say something to them about the possible problems they have created on the outbound?
My husband says no....
#2
Join Date: Dec 2012
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I sat with dear friends and helped them plan a trip to Gascony for next September including flights and ticketing advice. The most important thing I told them was to ticket the flights from SEA-TLS on one ticket....even if you save money ticketing it differently you need the assurance of the itinerary staying intact in case of delays.
A month since our meeting and last night the husband beamed at the money he saved by making a RT SEA-CDG on Delta and then a separate ticket CDG-TLS on AF with a 90 minute connection at CDG. ( The return is not an issue because they are staying in Paris for a few days before returning home)
Should I say something to them about the possible problems they have created on the outbound?
My husband says no....
A month since our meeting and last night the husband beamed at the money he saved by making a RT SEA-CDG on Delta and then a separate ticket CDG-TLS on AF with a 90 minute connection at CDG. ( The return is not an issue because they are staying in Paris for a few days before returning home)
Should I say something to them about the possible problems they have created on the outbound?
My husband says no....
Considering it’s probably too late to change anything without paying change fees anyways, probably not worth it.
#3
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A 90 minute connection going from the USA through CDG, while doable, if all goes well, is nearly impossible, particularly if your friends aren't flying SkyPriority to use the Acces No1 lane at immigration. It's been a train wreck the last 3 times I was there, and I AM SkyTeam Elite Plus / SkyPriority!
AND... If Delta has a schedule change making the CDG arrival a little later, fuggedaboudit!
AND... If Delta has a schedule change making the CDG arrival a little later, fuggedaboudit!
#4
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DTW
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Don’t say anything now, but have your “I told you so” ready in case it goes wrong.
But seriously, they should have other options if they miss the connection. Even taking a train would only be a few extra hours, eh? Just be sure they understand not to expect any favors from AF - if they manage to get rebooked, it probably won’t be free.
But seriously, they should have other options if they miss the connection. Even taking a train would only be a few extra hours, eh? Just be sure they understand not to expect any favors from AF - if they manage to get rebooked, it probably won’t be free.
#5
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You gave them advice. They chose not to take it. The consequences - should there be any such as a missed flight - are 100% down to them.
If it all goes wrong then you should sympathise (well not too much) but not go into 'I told you so mode'
You could help them by pointing them in the direction of the terminal maps at CDG etc.
If it all goes wrong then you should sympathise (well not too much) but not go into 'I told you so mode'
You could help them by pointing them in the direction of the terminal maps at CDG etc.
#6
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As much as you want to help them, you can not do anything now that they are ticketed.
Don't go there. You will only make them mad - even though THEY screwed up - not you.
If you can not control yourself, provide other options for them just in case.
Don't go there. You will only make them mad - even though THEY screwed up - not you.
If you can not control yourself, provide other options for them just in case.
#7
Join Date: Oct 2007
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How much money did they save? If it was significant, I wouldn’t be so sure that risking a pleasant and reasonably priced train ride in case of a late arrival is the worst thing in the world.
#8
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,642
If the subject comes up, you could mention that it is probable that schedules will change and that they need to pay close attention to schedule change notices. Now, a change to their inbound could really make an impossible situation. They may not know their options when a schedule change time difference is long enough to make a free change.
But let them bring the subject up.
But let them bring the subject up.
#9
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If the subject comes up, you could mention that it is probable that schedules will change and that they need to pay close attention to schedule change notices. Now, a change to their inbound could really make an impossible situation. They may not know their options when a schedule change time difference is long enough to make a free change.
But let them bring the subject up.
But let them bring the subject up.
I would err on the side of letting them know possible risks about the situation, but only if it appears natural and opportune. If they appear overconfident, over-pleased or contrarian I won't say anything. Of course, they may always be like why didn't you tell us about the specific risks before we booked. They can always accuse you of that, even if you warned them about booking all the way through, that you were not specific enough about MCTs, the clusterfc that is CDG, etc...In other words, no good deed will go unpunished.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2015
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My advice would be to say something if you Think it will help them with managing expectations, at the very least. If they don't make the connection, then they can be better prepared for plan B.
#11
Join Date: Sep 2012
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A random french strike, a schedule change, delay or simply long lines at CDG & no SkyTeam SkyPriority. It all might happen.
Would suggest preparing for a plan 'B'.
Would suggest preparing for a plan 'B'.
#12
I went as far as printing out the itinerary and flights that they should take including, at the time, the fares.
The savings to do separate tickets was $100 per ticket.....I emphasized at that time they should consider the extra $100 that the ticket cost as " insurance" for any problems in transit that arise.
The point about schedule changes I never even thought of with regards to the tickets they booked. I was just thinking late flight and transit through CDG. This friend is NOT one to check itineraries regularly ( if at all) for changes.
I guess the follow-up is....Is there anything they can do at this point?
The savings to do separate tickets was $100 per ticket.....I emphasized at that time they should consider the extra $100 that the ticket cost as " insurance" for any problems in transit that arise.
The point about schedule changes I never even thought of with regards to the tickets they booked. I was just thinking late flight and transit through CDG. This friend is NOT one to check itineraries regularly ( if at all) for changes.
I guess the follow-up is....Is there anything they can do at this point?
#13
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A 90 minute connection going from the USA through CDG, while doable, if all goes well, is nearly impossible, particularly if your friends aren't flying SkyPriority to use the Acces No1 lane at immigration. It's been a train wreck the last 3 times I was there, and I AM SkyTeam Elite Plus / SkyPriority!
AND... If Delta has a schedule change making the CDG arrival a little later, fuggedaboudit!
AND... If Delta has a schedule change making the CDG arrival a little later, fuggedaboudit!
#15
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,880
- Check what trip insurance may already be included via the credit card they booked the trip with
- Buy trip insurance that would cover the cost of new transit (train/plane) in the case of disruption
- Be aware of the minimum schedule change (or change of operating carrier) that would entitle them to rebook for free
- Buy a refundable train ticket in advance and cancel if not needed