Forced Layover problem
Sep 23, 2002, 11:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Gold LT
Posts: 1,949
Forced Layover problem
I tried calling AS to book a flight SEA-PHX with a forced layover in PDX on my way to PHX. Anyhow, I called twice, (from the advice here, if you don't get it on the first try, try try again) but was denied.
I am coming from Victoria taking the clipper to SEA and won't get to the airport until about 9:30 PM. So I asked to book
SEA - PDX (last flight out) 10:55 PM
PDX - PHX 6:00 AM first flight
The agent told me that the SEA-PDX portion of this trip has to book as a one way ticket becuase I am taking a voluntary stop over. The reservation agent said I could have chosen the 7:45 PM SEA-PHX non stop.
Should I try again, I don't want to hassle them and get a bad name on my PNR. Does AS have different rules then the others?
I am coming from Victoria taking the clipper to SEA and won't get to the airport until about 9:30 PM. So I asked to book
SEA - PDX (last flight out) 10:55 PM
PDX - PHX 6:00 AM first flight
The agent told me that the SEA-PDX portion of this trip has to book as a one way ticket becuase I am taking a voluntary stop over. The reservation agent said I could have chosen the 7:45 PM SEA-PHX non stop.
Should I try again, I don't want to hassle them and get a bad name on my PNR. Does AS have different rules then the others?
Sep 23, 2002, 11:24 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 5,077
My gut feeling is that either the agent knows what you are talking about and knows how to do it - or they have never heard of it and no matter what you say, they'll think you are nuts.
On the NW Gold Elite line, I have twice mentioned forced layovers and they both knew what I was talking about. Other times, I've had agents say whatever the fare says on his/her screen is whatever they can give me - telling me in the process that there is no other way.
What I would suggest is calling one more time - ask the agent if they know what a forced layover is. If they do, see if you can book your itinerary. If not, thank them for their time and hang up. If AS reservations doesn't know how to do it, you might want to see your travel agent. You might also want to see if thefareguru, the Vancouver fare specialist, might be able to help you out.
I know there's a fee with most travel agents. But if you get a good one who knows about forced layovers and such, chances are you've found yourself someone worth keeping.
On the NW Gold Elite line, I have twice mentioned forced layovers and they both knew what I was talking about. Other times, I've had agents say whatever the fare says on his/her screen is whatever they can give me - telling me in the process that there is no other way.
What I would suggest is calling one more time - ask the agent if they know what a forced layover is. If they do, see if you can book your itinerary. If not, thank them for their time and hang up. If AS reservations doesn't know how to do it, you might want to see your travel agent. You might also want to see if thefareguru, the Vancouver fare specialist, might be able to help you out.
I know there's a fee with most travel agents. But if you get a good one who knows about forced layovers and such, chances are you've found yourself someone worth keeping.
Sep 24, 2002, 5:19 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Gold LT
Posts: 1,949
Thanks again keithguy, your advise was great. I called AS back and I asked the agent if I could book a forced layover. She said no problem. However, when the ticket was priced it was high. So I said, could you check the fare and make sure that it was a forced layover (on hold for a couple of minutes) then she came back and said, sorry, she forgot to type in something, corrected the fare and Bingo, got my connections and flight.