RhinoDL

Due to Mech issue in AMS our flight to ATL is delayed ~3 hours so we arrive at 7:30pm and we will miss a connection to HSV. The later flights are full (8:45pm and 11pm) so I was rebooked on 9am flight next morning but are standby on Monday evening flights. We will have to check one bag (that we don’t immediately need) but will now carry on other bags to be more flexible.

We are thinking about trying to get on that 8:45 but if not just renting a car and driving the 3 hours to HSV. Waiting around for the next option at 11-something and then possibly having to find a hotel and then return the next morning just in not appealing.

My question (unless someone has a better option) is what would happen to the checked bag? If we land late in ATL and have no chance on the 8:45 I guess I could just depart the airport with it but in the event we seek out the standBy option and it doesn’t clear do I ask them for the checked bag or just let it fly to HSV the next day and pick it up when I drop the car off???

keneshhagard

You’ll have to pick up the checked bag at immigration. So when re-checking there is a Delta counter. You could make the choice their to either get off the final leg or take the connecting. I would call to see if they can get on the earlier flights and keep checking.

I believe in this situation Delta would cover the hotel since it’s a mechanical issue.

RhinoDL

I called as soon as we could this morning and the only other ‘option’ was a flight that departed i80 min from the call time so that IMHO was not an actual option.

For us it is either catch the 8:45pm flight via clearing standby to HSV OR start the drive; a hotel in ATL isn’t really an option as that would be a 12+ hour delay from original time as opposed to just 4-5 hour delay if we drive. I just don’t know what to do about the checked bag If we don’t get the standby flight.

flyerCO

Bag will go onto HSV even if you don't. Unlike international flights, domestic don't have positive passenger matching. Thus the bag will likely end up there before you .

atldiamond

How do you figure? OP will have to pick up their bag at immigration

flyerCO

Never said they wouldn't. Has no bearing on bags going on tonight's HSV flight or tomorrow's due to passenger standby.

UnevenGray

If OP re-checks the bag at after immigration in ATL, the bag will probably make the first flight whether or not he does.

wrp96

Coming from the EU, don't forget that Delta is required to provide a hotel during the delay (EC261 Duty of Care provisions). Also, because it is a mechanical delay, you would be entitled to EC261 compensation of 600 Euros if you are delayed into HSV by 4 hours or more. So it might be worth your while to just get the hotel, and then take the confirmed HSV flight the next morning. If you bail at ATL and make your own way, I don't know if you would still be entitled to the compensation (someone else who knows more details about EC261 would have to confirm or deny).

RhinoDL

Unless delayed to where 8:45 is not an option my plan was to check bag after clearing customs; and then hope stand-by clears; if not get rental and start driving. Thanks for confirmation the bag would make its way to HSV irrespective of my plans.

Staying at hotel is just not an option when only 3 hours from home, I’m sure for some that is a good trade but I’d rather be home.

MSPeconomist

I'd take an airport hotel, but pick it myself, and then ask for EC261 reimbursement and compensation. I wouldn't want to drive several hours in a rental car late at night after a delayed TATL flight. The car could also have a steep one way charge and AFAICT EC261 wouldn't force DL to reimburse the rental car costs.

flyerCO

As long as they confirm him on the next days HSV flight he qualifies. EC261 would only be denied if they could confirm (not standby) on flight getting in within 4 hours. He doesn't have to stick around hoping standby clears..

LondonElite

1. EC261 duty of care should apply, so hotel and meals must be reimbursed by DL. But I can understand not wanting this so close to home.

2. There is an argument for EC261 delayed arrival compensation, but that is likely something DL will contest, depending on the cause for delay.

3. OP will have to wait for the bag regardless of what course of action is taken subsequently.

4. Both 1 and 2 will fall apart if OP decides to drive, and I don't see DL paying for the rental car.

5. The old question about travel insurance arises.

turkeyRIOO

There are now 2 seats available on the 11pm. Some RM contingency work may be going on due to expected storms in ATL this afternoon

indufan

Any evidence of this? Frequently there is no charge at all and many times it is nominal. Not sure how you define "steep" but I have only seen one significant charge in years of doing one-way rentals. Somewhat more frequently is that one-way isn't available at all.

flyerCO

While I agree this use to be the case (nominal fee), I've seen lots more since COVID hit. Lack of supply, need to increase revenues, etc all play in.

Can also be the case, no fee is charged if vehicle needs to go back to original location. I've saved on OW fees a lot this way. In fact a location may not have RT rentals, but have OW car rentals available.