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
Apr 4, 2020, 5:23 am
#646
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,484
Whereas I had no success with changing online, I called Delta and changed without a problem: changed inbound from SLC-AMS-BUD to SLC-CDG-BUD. I have also changed the date of the inbound legs and extended stopover in SLC. No repricing/additional fees at all. Changed flights are visible in MyTrip on Delta.com, however I am not able to make any additional changes online.
Apr 4, 2020, 5:41 am
#647
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 8
And is there someone successful with changing the CDG/AMS-YVR-HNL legs (or otherway direction) for transfer through Seattle or LA with Delta? I have AF ticket (057) and I cannot change this without paying millions of HUF.
Apr 4, 2020, 7:49 am
#648
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 28
When I checked now new email confirmation from Delta (after changes being made) it shows all original fare components (including Dutch security tax, eventhough I don't travel via AMS anymore)....
Apr 4, 2020, 8:09 am
#650
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,484
Just did my change via facebook - still had to stick with the original outbound TATL to get it reprice free. Also didn't get the refund indicated by the app.¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Apr 4, 2020, 8:12 am
#651
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: NYC
Posts: 117
I have a feeling that may be due to the FX of the HUF. It was stronger against the USD or EUR during the sale, but weaker at this point in time. And for some reason, when its weaker, youll get a credit if you make a change r (or if you cancel and ask for a refund, you'd also get less back that what you paid originally)
Apr 4, 2020, 8:53 am
#652
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: AMS
Programs: KL PFL; BA Gold; A3 Silver; EY Silver; SU Silver
Posts: 2,488
Its an agent mistake i guess - most fares do not allow refunds as changes are permitted to higher or equal fare only, so probably one shall insist. Not urgent for most to talk to a real agent though.
Apr 4, 2020, 8:54 am
#653
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: AMS
Programs: KL PFL; BA Gold; A3 Silver; EY Silver; SU Silver
Posts: 2,488
I have a feeling that may be due to the FX of the HUF. It was stronger against the USD or EUR during the sale, but weaker at this point in time. And for some reason, when its weaker, youll get a credit if you make a change r (or if you cancel and ask for a refund, you'd also get less back that what you paid originally)
Apr 4, 2020, 9:05 am
#654
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: AMS
Programs: KL PFL; BA Gold; A3 Silver; EY Silver; SU Silver
Posts: 2,488
Some data:
I have just completed an exchange via DL.com (was too itchy to see what happens
) for a ticket originally purchased via Orbitz. I only changed return HNL-BUD as this is the only change i could make in that booking and keep the original fare. The website is saying i will get USD 60 refund.
DL stock ticket (006).
I was curious where the reund comes from and what I see is:
1) YQ USD 13.48 - this was YQ surcharge for AF segments sold via agents. As I changed to all DL marketed this no longer applies. Fine.
2) US transportation tax (as DL says, but in reality it US international arrival/ departure tax) is not there - USD 18.90 + 18.90 + 0.73. I checked and found that excise taxes are suspended from 27 March but not the international arrival/ departure tax (anyone can further check?). Details are hon NBAA website.
3) XF Passenger facility tax US - now 13.50 was 18.
No difference in the fare of course.
The fare calculation line (can be found in email) has been updated to the new routing.
If I make further changes when taxes are reinstated then DL shall collect the different (well if the agents make it right).
And... I can no longer open my ticket via Amadeus Japan, well it was reissued under DL control so not an active ticket anymore in Amadeus.
And... as it often happens with changes in different systems - the original return HNL-BUD is still showing in in checkmytrip and AF.com - maybe it will get in sync over time and will drop, but 'confirmed' for now.
I have just completed an exchange via DL.com (was too itchy to see what happens
) for a ticket originally purchased via Orbitz. I only changed return HNL-BUD as this is the only change i could make in that booking and keep the original fare. The website is saying i will get USD 60 refund.DL stock ticket (006).
I was curious where the reund comes from and what I see is:
1) YQ USD 13.48 - this was YQ surcharge for AF segments sold via agents. As I changed to all DL marketed this no longer applies. Fine.
2) US transportation tax (as DL says, but in reality it US international arrival/ departure tax) is not there - USD 18.90 + 18.90 + 0.73. I checked and found that excise taxes are suspended from 27 March but not the international arrival/ departure tax (anyone can further check?). Details are hon NBAA website.
3) XF Passenger facility tax US - now 13.50 was 18.
No difference in the fare of course.
The fare calculation line (can be found in email) has been updated to the new routing.
If I make further changes when taxes are reinstated then DL shall collect the different (well if the agents make it right).
And... I can no longer open my ticket via Amadeus Japan, well it was reissued under DL control so not an active ticket anymore in Amadeus.
And... as it often happens with changes in different systems - the original return HNL-BUD is still showing in in checkmytrip and AF.com - maybe it will get in sync over time and will drop, but 'confirmed' for now.
Last edited by Keter; Apr 4, 2020 at 1:06 pm
Apr 4, 2020, 11:21 am
#655
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,484
I wonder if the payment failures on site/app change flow is it not liking foreign cards [same ones I bought the fare with, so the sale flow is obviously fine]. Can also see if it'll process with my Partner's US card at some point.
Apr 4, 2020, 12:25 pm
#657
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYC
Posts: 2,075
I've got two of these tickets booked BUD - North America both for the same dates early 2021. I only actually need one of the trips, I booked the second one when I found a better routing later on. One booking is KL, the other one (the one I would prefer to keep) is on DL.
I requested a refund from KL straightaway after booking the DL ticket - well within 24 hours - but still haven't received it yet. I was thinking about it a bit more, and if I could modify one of the tickets to completely different dates I'm happy to let them keep my money. I don't want to bother overworked agents by calling in, but since I haven't got a refund yet I've already lost 10% of the ticket value on the drop in the HUF.
Any advice on what I should do?
I requested a refund from KL straightaway after booking the DL ticket - well within 24 hours - but still haven't received it yet. I was thinking about it a bit more, and if I could modify one of the tickets to completely different dates I'm happy to let them keep my money. I don't want to bother overworked agents by calling in, but since I haven't got a refund yet I've already lost 10% of the ticket value on the drop in the HUF.
Any advice on what I should do?
Apr 4, 2020, 1:01 pm
#658
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PlatMM, BA and Alaska Emerald, HHonors DIA, Accor, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, UA Silver, AA
Posts: 4,516
I've got two of these tickets booked BUD - North America both for the same dates early 2021. I only actually need one of the trips, I booked the second one when I found a better routing later on. One booking is KL, the other one (the one I would prefer to keep) is on DL.
I requested a refund from KL straightaway after booking the DL ticket - well within 24 hours - but still haven't received it yet. I was thinking about it a bit more, and if I could modify one of the tickets to completely different dates I'm happy to let them keep my money. I don't want to bother overworked agents by calling in, but since I haven't got a refund yet I've already lost 10% of the ticket value on the drop in the HUF.
Any advice on what I should do?
I requested a refund from KL straightaway after booking the DL ticket - well within 24 hours - but still haven't received it yet. I was thinking about it a bit more, and if I could modify one of the tickets to completely different dates I'm happy to let them keep my money. I don't want to bother overworked agents by calling in, but since I haven't got a refund yet I've already lost 10% of the ticket value on the drop in the HUF.
Any advice on what I should do?
I think this could be a way for you to change the dates of the KLM one without a price change. I'd at least try that one first, since you're likely to be in for a fight about actually getting cash back anyway!
Apr 4, 2020, 4:50 pm
#660
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: LAX/SFO
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Fortune Wings Club Gold
Posts: 358
