sky_throwaway

Hi! Currently scheduled for JL069, LAX to KIX. Flight is delayed but staff at the gate were unwilling to say why and that they would have more information in an hour. Plane is at the gate. Captain is in the cockpit.

Took a quick look at the seat map for a JAL flight departing for Tokyo nearly at the same time, two gates down which shows available / open seats.

We asked if they could move us to the Tokyo flight and they said that was not possible. Tried JAL phone service and they said that only local crew would be able to make a change. Asked if they could temporarily hold two seats for a Tokyo flight departing tomorrow and they could not.

Would like to try and be somewhat proactive with backup plans given the general chaos of holiday travel.

Generally in past travel experiences most airlines have allowed customers to figure out their own routing / flight combos to get them to their destination if there was a delay or cancelation.

Curious if that's not the case with JAL. Any shot they would re-book us on an AA flight to Tokyo if worst came to worst? Or would be entirely be at the mercy of JL.

Appreciate any info and insight!

izzik

So, are you scheduled to fly LAX-KIX-HND?

EuropeanPete

I'm no expert on JAL irrops specifically, but the kind of proactive re-routing and ticketing handled by someone at the airport is generally speaking a US-only thing. If you're booked on a flight running a bit late, you're probably going to have to get on it and see what your options are for the connection en-route or when you arrive.

sky_throwaway

That's a great way to put that. That's exactly what I was asking about. It seemed we were denied each time we tried to be proactive as it seemed near certain the flight would be canceled (ie catering be taken off the plane etc)

Eventually the flight was "indefinitely delayed" which was further explained as "we are not sure if we can get a new plane by tomorrow, so maybe another day after that".

Once they made the announcement we RAN out of the terminal to get to the check in counters to be towards the front of the re-book line. We were third in line and showed check in staff available/open seats on ANA. They thankfully rebooked us (it did take one hour). As we left, folks in the line were being told it could be 2-3 days before they could depart.

Sounds like the plane from Osaka was damaged when landing at LAX. So appreciative we were able to get rebooked and glad we did a lil bit of that proactive work!


Edit : flight officially canceled. JAL sending other passengers rebooking options three days from now

sky_throwaway

Sort of...4 day stop over in Osaka and then departing from NRT.

Agneisse

The degree of proactivity described in the top post tends to be a US airline thing or (on some non-US airlines) as an occasional favor to elite members. Outside of these contexts it simply ends up being a waste of time that adds to one's frustration.

This is always a great idea no matter the airline or airport (in addition to calling customer services - while running - to get the hold music started, and calling in a non-English option where relevant). Congrats on the rebooking & possibly double dipping on miles, have a great trip.

kentauta

I saw the aircraft OP was scheduled to fly in the AA hangar at LAX today. Perhaps it needs some nontrivial maintenance?

CPH-Flyer

It came in on time to LAX, so I guess something that occurred in flight, or while on the ground. Gate corrosion?

sky_throwaway

Catching up...rumor among passengers that there was damage to the landing gear upon arrival to lax.

CPH-Flyer

Hard landing?