Mar 15, 2020, 10:29 am
Last edit by: Maestro Ramen
FARE RULES:
I pulled down the DL fare rules (these are BUD-SEA but they all appeared nearly identical). I posted them on a share. We can easily grab the AF and KL variants if others need those.
Q: This is a fully flexible fare with free changes. Does that mean I can change the flight dates as I want without paying anything extra?
A: No. The airline simply doesn't charge a change fee. But depending on the fare rules, you will still need to pay the difference to the new price.
Q: But I read that some people could change their flights for free...?
A: The rules for this fare (linked to above) specify that historical pricing shall be used if either at least one flight from the ticket has been taken or the outbound remains the same. In other words, in order to be able to change your flights for free, you must have flown at least one flight from your booking. Otherwise, you can only change the inbound. The outbound has to remain the same or you will be charged the fare difference.
Q: Can I change the rest of the itinerary after flying the first segment without any other charges or additional fare differences?
A: Yes this is possible according to the fare rules where after completing the first segment, you can change the rest of the flights for free (with the condition that the same fare class is available- I-class - in this case. According to the fare rules, after flying the FIRST segment (in the case here BUD-XXX) the historical fare is used. Possible to use the first stopover at AMS or CDG (see post #830).
Q: But some people could change their outbound flights for free!
A: They got lucky. It was probably a bug on the website/in the app. When no flight from the ticket has been flown, the fare rules do not allow changing the outbound without repricing.
Q: Ok, ok, so I can only change the inbound for free. How do I do that?
A: You search for availability for alternative flights on ITA Matrix using "F ..I2FFHU" in the extension codes. You must search for round trip flights as this is a round trip fare. Then you ignore the outbound result (as long as you haven't flown at least one flight from your ticket) and just try to rebook your inbound on the website/app.
Q: I have found availability on ITA Matrix, but the app/website doesn't show me those flights!
A: Keep trying. Sometimes you may have to serach in a different way (split up the searches, e.g. HNL-LAX and LAX-BUD), sometimes you just have to repeat the search several times. But that's no guarantee the desired results will turn up (and without repricing).
Q: It doesn't work. Can I just call the airline to make the changes?
A: Please don't unless you need to. Calling can increase the risk for all of us that they'll change their mind and disallow all further changes, or simply cancel everyone's tickets. However, as this fare has now been running for months and has seen many calls made about it, it is reasonable to expect that calling will not cause issues at this stage. As best practice, avoid attracting attention on the low price paid, and avoid making additional demands or tempting your luck. Remember you get to fly a J ticket for the cost of a Y fare.
Q: How many times can I make changes?
A: In theory, as often as you like, but you can't make more than two changes online/in the app. After that, you'd have to call, which we are trying to avoid.
Q: I've changed my mind. Can I get a refund?
A: Yes, the fare was fully refundable. Just contact the airline or fill out a refund form online.
Q: Due to Coronavirus, I need to extend my travel plan beyond the original expiry date. What can I do?
A: For Delta tickets (starting with 006) you can travel at any point until December 2022. Changes to flights within a 10 month window can be done at any point on the app, following the rules above. If you want to fly later than 10 months from now, you can call Delta and ask them to "park" your ticket. You will receive a ticket number that ties to an eCredit which can be used later to buy tickets. As long as you keep the original itinerary, or if you have flown at least a segment, you will not be charged a fare difference. Bear in mind that the eCredit may only be refundable if your original flight was cancelled (which is very likely in those day and times). Note that only Delta in the US are able to do this so do not call the EU numbers (use Skype to save money on international calls). According to user feedback: iMessage agents seem to also be able to do this, but twitter agents not.
I pulled down the DL fare rules (these are BUD-SEA but they all appeared nearly identical). I posted them on a share. We can easily grab the AF and KL variants if others need those.
Q: This is a fully flexible fare with free changes. Does that mean I can change the flight dates as I want without paying anything extra?
A: No. The airline simply doesn't charge a change fee. But depending on the fare rules, you will still need to pay the difference to the new price.
Q: But I read that some people could change their flights for free...?
A: The rules for this fare (linked to above) specify that historical pricing shall be used if either at least one flight from the ticket has been taken or the outbound remains the same. In other words, in order to be able to change your flights for free, you must have flown at least one flight from your booking. Otherwise, you can only change the inbound. The outbound has to remain the same or you will be charged the fare difference.
Q: Can I change the rest of the itinerary after flying the first segment without any other charges or additional fare differences?
A: Yes this is possible according to the fare rules where after completing the first segment, you can change the rest of the flights for free (with the condition that the same fare class is available- I-class - in this case. According to the fare rules, after flying the FIRST segment (in the case here BUD-XXX) the historical fare is used. Possible to use the first stopover at AMS or CDG (see post #830).
Q: But some people could change their outbound flights for free!
A: They got lucky. It was probably a bug on the website/in the app. When no flight from the ticket has been flown, the fare rules do not allow changing the outbound without repricing.
Q: Ok, ok, so I can only change the inbound for free. How do I do that?
A: You search for availability for alternative flights on ITA Matrix using "F ..I2FFHU" in the extension codes. You must search for round trip flights as this is a round trip fare. Then you ignore the outbound result (as long as you haven't flown at least one flight from your ticket) and just try to rebook your inbound on the website/app.
Q: I have found availability on ITA Matrix, but the app/website doesn't show me those flights!
A: Keep trying. Sometimes you may have to serach in a different way (split up the searches, e.g. HNL-LAX and LAX-BUD), sometimes you just have to repeat the search several times. But that's no guarantee the desired results will turn up (and without repricing).
Q: It doesn't work. Can I just call the airline to make the changes?
A: Please don't unless you need to. Calling can increase the risk for all of us that they'll change their mind and disallow all further changes, or simply cancel everyone's tickets. However, as this fare has now been running for months and has seen many calls made about it, it is reasonable to expect that calling will not cause issues at this stage. As best practice, avoid attracting attention on the low price paid, and avoid making additional demands or tempting your luck. Remember you get to fly a J ticket for the cost of a Y fare.
Q: How many times can I make changes?
A: In theory, as often as you like, but you can't make more than two changes online/in the app. After that, you'd have to call, which we are trying to avoid.
Q: I've changed my mind. Can I get a refund?
A: Yes, the fare was fully refundable. Just contact the airline or fill out a refund form online.
Q: Due to Coronavirus, I need to extend my travel plan beyond the original expiry date. What can I do?
A: For Delta tickets (starting with 006) you can travel at any point until December 2022. Changes to flights within a 10 month window can be done at any point on the app, following the rules above. If you want to fly later than 10 months from now, you can call Delta and ask them to "park" your ticket. You will receive a ticket number that ties to an eCredit which can be used later to buy tickets. As long as you keep the original itinerary, or if you have flown at least a segment, you will not be charged a fare difference. Bear in mind that the eCredit may only be refundable if your original flight was cancelled (which is very likely in those day and times). Note that only Delta in the US are able to do this so do not call the EU numbers (use Skype to save money on international calls). According to user feedback: iMessage agents seem to also be able to do this, but twitter agents not.
{prem fare gone}: AF/KL/DL/VS: BUD-US from $750 R/T
Aug 24, 2021, 6:48 am
#2761
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 110
Data point - Last time i tried to rebook my cancelled Delta (006) flight was last month where i got quite far through the process before agent told me it would definitely require a reprice, and told me that bulletin 6 wasn't valid as it only applied to flights booked via travel agent.
Anyway i hung up and figured i'd try again at some point in the future
Last night i got a email telling me of a schedule change. When i log in to check this never before been seen Reference number it seems my flights had been reinstated to the dates discussed with the agent (obviously with no reprice). Annoyingly they weren't quite what i wanted as i was trying to tweak them when she announced it would definitely entail a reprice but i'm still considering it a win
So my flights from last December, are now this December (still unclear if i'll be able to travel to US) but i'm back in the game, and closer to the time if it looks like may happen i'll pick up the battle about changing the inbound dates to my preferred options 🤷🏼♂️
Anyway i can check the fare rules for my rebooked flights?
Anyway i hung up and figured i'd try again at some point in the future
Last night i got a email telling me of a schedule change. When i log in to check this never before been seen Reference number it seems my flights had been reinstated to the dates discussed with the agent (obviously with no reprice). Annoyingly they weren't quite what i wanted as i was trying to tweak them when she announced it would definitely entail a reprice but i'm still considering it a win
So my flights from last December, are now this December (still unclear if i'll be able to travel to US) but i'm back in the game, and closer to the time if it looks like may happen i'll pick up the battle about changing the inbound dates to my preferred options 🤷🏼♂️
Anyway i can check the fare rules for my rebooked flights?
Last edited by cstorrie; Aug 24, 2021 at 6:53 am
Aug 25, 2021, 10:24 am
#2763
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 110
The ticket number is still the same as my original so if i check it on Saudia i can only see the original itinerary 
As i said no point worrying yet as not sure if it'll even be possible to make the trip yet so will worry about that closer to the time. I still thinking having a valid itinerary/booking with Delta seems more positive than i previously had which was hopes and prayers
As i said no point worrying yet as not sure if it'll even be possible to make the trip yet so will worry about that closer to the time. I still thinking having a valid itinerary/booking with Delta seems more positive than i previously had which was hopes and prayers
Aug 26, 2021, 2:33 pm
#2765
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: NYC
Posts: 117
I arrived in Budapest today by air MAD --> BUD and wanted to provide my experience.
I initially e-mailed the airport ([email protected]) for clarification on entry requirements for US citizens, as I didn't think it was clear whether our CDC paper vaccination card would suffice. They only directed me here: Information on general rules of border crossing | A Magyar Rend?rség hivatalos honlapja
I didn't want to take chances so I got a PCR test in Spain within 72 hours of arrival to BUD - made sure the results were in English.
At MAD airport, the only time they asked me for vaccination proof was upon scanning my ticket to get on the airplane. I guess this was the "security control" and I provided my CDC paper vaccination card. I didn't even show the PCR test results.
Contrary to other people's recent experiences, upon arrival at BUD, there were no stopping points to check any papers/passport/etc. I went straight to baggage claims and out of customs without stopping. It may have been that I was coming from a Schengen country?
It does appear they seem to be a lot more lax about entry.
The weather is nice and cool for the summertime. No one wears masks, as the COVID rates are very low here. I will still do my part and continue to mask up when I'm indoors.
hope this helps! let me know if you have Qs.
I initially e-mailed the airport ([email protected]) for clarification on entry requirements for US citizens, as I didn't think it was clear whether our CDC paper vaccination card would suffice. They only directed me here: Information on general rules of border crossing | A Magyar Rend?rség hivatalos honlapja
I didn't want to take chances so I got a PCR test in Spain within 72 hours of arrival to BUD - made sure the results were in English.
At MAD airport, the only time they asked me for vaccination proof was upon scanning my ticket to get on the airplane. I guess this was the "security control" and I provided my CDC paper vaccination card. I didn't even show the PCR test results.
Contrary to other people's recent experiences, upon arrival at BUD, there were no stopping points to check any papers/passport/etc. I went straight to baggage claims and out of customs without stopping. It may have been that I was coming from a Schengen country?
It does appear they seem to be a lot more lax about entry.
The weather is nice and cool for the summertime. No one wears masks, as the COVID rates are very low here. I will still do my part and continue to mask up when I'm indoors.
hope this helps! let me know if you have Qs.
Aug 26, 2021, 5:16 pm
#2766
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 337
pluu1285 thanks for the details We hope to be in BUD in about 5 weeks from now. Very interested to hear how your departure details go (I assume your flying back to the us, considering your in this thread?) We will be arriving by land (Train from Austria) so I had not put much thought so far into arrival, but what you seen, sounds encouraging.
Aug 29, 2021, 8:01 am
#2767
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: NYC
Posts: 117
Providing my experiences departing
Providing my experiences departing BUD
My itinerary was BUD-AMS-LHR-USA
BUD-AMS was schengen so there weren’t many security checks. I arrived at the airport 3 hours early, but it’s a fairly small airport and check-in counters for my flight didn’t open until exactly 2 hours before departure (KLM was impressively on the dot!) so note that you may be idly waiting if you come earlier. The only time they checked my antigen test was at the check in counter (which they barely glanced at).
AMS-LHR was schengen to non-schengen. We arrived at terminal C and I walked to the terminal D-J area (non-schengen) and went through customs. The UK document check was situated at gate D8 where all passengers to UK queued and were directed to small cubicles where their documents (Covid test and Passenger Locator Form) were verified. These documents were THOROUGHLY checked. They add a sticker to your boarding pass and stamp it before you head to your actual gate.
Providing my experiences departing BUD
My itinerary was BUD-AMS-LHR-USA
BUD-AMS was schengen so there weren’t many security checks. I arrived at the airport 3 hours early, but it’s a fairly small airport and check-in counters for my flight didn’t open until exactly 2 hours before departure (KLM was impressively on the dot!) so note that you may be idly waiting if you come earlier. The only time they checked my antigen test was at the check in counter (which they barely glanced at).
AMS-LHR was schengen to non-schengen. We arrived at terminal C and I walked to the terminal D-J area (non-schengen) and went through customs. The UK document check was situated at gate D8 where all passengers to UK queued and were directed to small cubicles where their documents (Covid test and Passenger Locator Form) were verified. These documents were THOROUGHLY checked. They add a sticker to your boarding pass and stamp it before you head to your actual gate.
Aug 30, 2021, 10:18 am
#2768
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 390
UH OH. Here we go again.
EU removed US from "safe list" of countries.
Now let's see which countries ban US travelers for non-essential travel. It would be nice if they didn't ban vaccinated travelers, but the buzz seems to be both vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers.
EU removed US from "safe list" of countries.
Now let's see which countries ban US travelers for non-essential travel. It would be nice if they didn't ban vaccinated travelers, but the buzz seems to be both vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers.
Aug 30, 2021, 11:02 am
#2769
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,471
UH OH. Here we go again.
EU removed US from "safe list" of countries.
Now let's see which countries ban US travelers for non-essential travel. It would be nice if they didn't ban vaccinated travelers, but the buzz seems to be both vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers.
EU removed US from "safe list" of countries.
Now let's see which countries ban US travelers for non-essential travel. It would be nice if they didn't ban vaccinated travelers, but the buzz seems to be both vaccinated and non-vaccinated travelers.
Aug 31, 2021, 7:56 am
#2770
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Programs: Delta PLT, IHG Ambassador Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, BWR Diamond
Posts: 550
Hope it will finally pressure the Biden administration to move forward with removing the travel ban form the Schengen area.
Borders should be reopened only upon reciprocity measures from the US.
Borders should be reopened only upon reciprocity measures from the US.
Sep 1, 2021, 7:49 am
#2771
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: NYC
Posts: 117
Providing my experiences departing
Providing my experiences departing BUD
My itinerary was BUD-AMS-LHR-USA
BUD-AMS was schengen so there weren’t many security checks. I arrived at the airport 3 hours early, but it’s a fairly small airport and check-in counters for my flight didn’t open until exactly 2 hours before departure (KLM was impressively on the dot!) so note that you may be idly waiting if you come earlier. The only time they checked my antigen test was at the check in counter (which they barely glanced at).
AMS-LHR was schengen to non-schengen. We arrived at terminal C and I walked to the terminal D-J area (non-schengen) and went through customs. The UK document check was situated at gate D8 where all passengers to UK queued and were directed to small cubicles where their documents (Covid test and Passenger Locator Form) were verified. These documents were THOROUGHLY checked. They add a sticker to your boarding pass and stamp it before you head to your actual gate.
Providing my experiences departing BUD
My itinerary was BUD-AMS-LHR-USA
BUD-AMS was schengen so there weren’t many security checks. I arrived at the airport 3 hours early, but it’s a fairly small airport and check-in counters for my flight didn’t open until exactly 2 hours before departure (KLM was impressively on the dot!) so note that you may be idly waiting if you come earlier. The only time they checked my antigen test was at the check in counter (which they barely glanced at).
AMS-LHR was schengen to non-schengen. We arrived at terminal C and I walked to the terminal D-J area (non-schengen) and went through customs. The UK document check was situated at gate D8 where all passengers to UK queued and were directed to small cubicles where their documents (Covid test and Passenger Locator Form) were verified. These documents were THOROUGHLY checked. They add a sticker to your boarding pass and stamp it before you head to your actual gate.
At LHR boarding gate, Virgin Atlantic required that you scan a QR code and sign an attestation form regarding COVID and not having symptoms. I wasn't aware that needed to be done so I held the line up a little
On arrival to USA, with Global Entry - walked to a GE kiosk and with facial recognition, they printed out a slip and I handed it to the customs agent and easily walked out. No additional checks.
I finally was able to use my outbound portion of this ticket (finally!) and thankfully before more restrictions come about. I have my inbound next year, but I'll update with data on whether I can make changes to the routing or dates. I don't think we've seen data points on the ability to make changes after flying a portion of the ticket.
Good luck everyone! I hope as many people can fly this ticket.
Sep 1, 2021, 7:54 am
#2772
Join Date: May 2013
Location: west coast best coast
Programs: TINDER GOLD, STARBUCKS GOLD, COSTCO EXECUTIVE!!
Posts: 3,989
Sep 1, 2021, 7:57 am
#2773
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,471
I finally was able to use my outbound portion of this ticket (finally!) and thankfully before more restrictions come about. I have my inbound next year, but I'll update with data on whether I can make changes to the routing or dates. I don't think we've seen data points on the ability to make changes after flying a portion of the ticket.
Good luck everyone! I hope as many people can fly this ticket.
Good luck everyone! I hope as many people can fly this ticket.
Sep 1, 2021, 11:23 am
#2774
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 119
Previously flew BUD-SFO and I had trouble changing dates on the return portion w/o incurring fare difference. Return was originally supposed to depart last month but the day before the flight, I called KLM to try and get the dates changed w/o fare difference. I had the option to change the ticket from a range between $750-$4K depending on the dates. The agent ended up leaving an open ticket as I told them I was contemplating new dates as well as a refund option.
I tried calling the US KLM agents again last week asking for (1) price of flight if I flew later this month or (2) what my refund amount was. Since I was asking for a refund, I was told I had to contact KLM/AF Hungary directly since that is who originally issued the ticket. For whatever reason, when AF Hungary recalc'd my ticket, I incurred no reprice compared to the outrageous $4K fee for that one particular date w/KLM US. Same exact ticket, booking code, etc., but the zero reprice aligns with the original booking conditions that state if you fly one leg then you should incur historical fares/no fare difference.
Short story is that if you flew one leg already and want to change dates on the return and you are being given a fare difference, try calling the Hungary line and have them recalc. Make sure you find the same I/J fare combo as the original ticket.
I tried calling the US KLM agents again last week asking for (1) price of flight if I flew later this month or (2) what my refund amount was. Since I was asking for a refund, I was told I had to contact KLM/AF Hungary directly since that is who originally issued the ticket. For whatever reason, when AF Hungary recalc'd my ticket, I incurred no reprice compared to the outrageous $4K fee for that one particular date w/KLM US. Same exact ticket, booking code, etc., but the zero reprice aligns with the original booking conditions that state if you fly one leg then you should incur historical fares/no fare difference.
Short story is that if you flew one leg already and want to change dates on the return and you are being given a fare difference, try calling the Hungary line and have them recalc. Make sure you find the same I/J fare combo as the original ticket.
Sep 1, 2021, 11:46 am
#2775
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: RDU
Posts: 713
Here was my experience making changes to the US portion of the ticket after flying the BUD-US portion:
{prem fare gone}: AF/KL/DL/VS: BUD-US from $750 R/T
This was for a priceline-issued AF ticket. Short story, the DL Singapore office was really helpful in making the change after several failed attempts with AF and priceline. The reissued ticket is still on AF stock.
{prem fare gone}: AF/KL/DL/VS: BUD-US from $750 R/T
This was for a priceline-issued AF ticket. Short story, the DL Singapore office was really helpful in making the change after several failed attempts with AF and priceline. The reissued ticket is still on AF stock.