Potential change in operating carrier. Refund?
Jul 19, 2019, 9:58 am
#61
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Thanks for the thorough info! VERY helpful!
I think we will just stay in the airport in PVG. 5 hr 25 min is too close for my comfort to leave the airport, especially being unfamiliar.
I am a bit confused on the transit requirements at PVG. Is there anything special we need to do to prove we are eligible for the transit? I do not want to be denied boarding in SIN. Since we are simply transiting PVG and connecting to DL onward to SEA and ANC, my reading is that we are eligible as our transit is less than 24 hours and we will not be leaving the airport boundary.
I think we will just stay in the airport in PVG. 5 hr 25 min is too close for my comfort to leave the airport, especially being unfamiliar.
I am a bit confused on the transit requirements at PVG. Is there anything special we need to do to prove we are eligible for the transit? I do not want to be denied boarding in SIN. Since we are simply transiting PVG and connecting to DL onward to SEA and ANC, my reading is that we are eligible as our transit is less than 24 hours and we will not be leaving the airport boundary.
You'd have enough time for a Maglev ride and small stroll but I wouldn't try to do much in Shanghai if you have about five and a half hours. [OTOH I don't think you want to spend that long in the airport if you have a choice.] It takes some time to get out of the airport. Also, don't expect much from the MU lounge, although I think I saw showers. However, there have been recent reports of people not being allowed to leave the airport for stays under about 8 hours using TWOV = transit WITHOUT visa (note that it's not the same as a transit visa, which seems to cost as much as a regular visa) unless there's a (short) overnight hotel reservation. Check the big sticky TWOV thread in the China destination forum here on FT for details about recent experiences at PVG.
Jul 21, 2019, 6:34 pm
#63
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Previously, the CoC had very clear language specifying that you are entitled to a refund if an operating carrier changed, you are downgraded, or there is a 90 minute+ change in schedule. That language appears to have all been rewritten. The 90 minute+ refund eligibility is still there in Rule 20. Refund for downgrade is sort of implied by Rule 20, but refund for operating carrier is at best ambiguous.
Rule 2 now says "Delta may substitute alternate Carriers or aircraft, change its schedules, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket as required by its operations in Delta’s sole discretion. Delta’s sole liability in the event of such changes is set forth in Rule 22." Rule 22 discusses refunds, but doesn't obligate them in this context. It'd probably take a lawyer to figure out if you are now entitled to a refund for operating carrier change, but if you are, then you are now also entitled to a refund if your seat assignments are changed...
Rule 2 now says "Delta may substitute alternate Carriers or aircraft, change its schedules, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket as required by its operations in Delta’s sole discretion. Delta’s sole liability in the event of such changes is set forth in Rule 22." Rule 22 discusses refunds, but doesn't obligate them in this context. It'd probably take a lawyer to figure out if you are now entitled to a refund for operating carrier change, but if you are, then you are now also entitled to a refund if your seat assignments are changed...
Jul 21, 2019, 6:48 pm
#65
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If I had 5+ hours in PVG I'd definitely take the Maglev... even though I've taken it before. There's almost nothing else like it in the world.
If you end up needing to clear immigration anyway, it's a no-brainer.
If you end up needing to clear immigration anyway, it's a no-brainer.
Jul 22, 2019, 1:56 am
#66
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Jul 22, 2019, 2:21 am
#67
Join Date: Dec 2014
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I'd guess that this is a fringe case, but does this also apply to foreign carriers operating to/from the US? For example, what if a frequency from LHR-ATL changes from Virgin to Delta?
Jul 22, 2019, 3:39 am
#68
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Jul 22, 2019, 4:18 am
#69
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No issue as involves US flights. The rules apply to tickets issued by US carriers, even if all flights are outside the US and any ticket purchased from a US directed website, even if no US flights. Ie ticket bought at us.ceair.com even if wholly within China.
Jul 22, 2019, 4:50 pm
#70
Join Date: Dec 2014
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Thanks for the info. When I said 'fringe case,' I meant in the sense of something that doesn't happen often, rather than something that's a gray area. I imagine that it's fairly uncommon to have a change in operating carrier for a long-haul international flight since it would have to involve a schedule change between JV partners. Though, it's happened to me before, so maybe it's not so uncommon after all.
Jul 22, 2019, 5:02 pm
#71
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