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
May 14, 2020, 7:44 am
#1202
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, Le ClubAccor Gold
Posts: 776
. Also my old e-ticket number seems too long for the Saudia website.they did it without any problem and just reply with « Done. You should have received your tickets through email »
and it was the case...
May 14, 2020, 11:41 am
#1203
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 244
all Flights are still there on google flights and also on the Delta website, although now book into Z class. The fare is now Ł2500, instead of Ł500 when originally booked into i class. If I were to change flight dates voluntarily i think i will have to pay the fare difference between i and z class. Can anyone help with searching for i class fares on the same route as originally booked ?
May 15, 2020, 9:03 am
#1204
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 37
So I called the US refund department and was proven right. The ticket is fully flexible despite social media agents telling me otherwise. The employee reinstated the ticket and cancelled it again - this time saying that a cash refund will be processed. Hopefully it will show up on my credit card ultimately.
May 15, 2020, 11:19 am
#1205
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 68
I'm confused. Why does it matter what the fare is now? You are still booked in I class at the original fare and your flight is intact. Don't do anything, let it be. Chances are your flight will get some kind of schedule change/cancellation, then you can change the dates to next year. Why messing with it now?
May 16, 2020, 3:47 am
#1206
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 37
So I called the US refund department and was proven right. The ticket is fully flexible despite social media agents telling me otherwise. The employee reinstated the ticket and cancelled it again - this time saying that a cash refund will be processed. Hopefully it will show up on my credit card ultimately.
May 16, 2020, 9:14 am
#1207
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 14
The DL fare rules (and I assume KL - where I booked - is similar) state that stopovers are permitted on the pricing unit. But I have to admit I do not know what the pricing unit is exactly.
My inbound trip is SJU-JFK-AMS-BUD. Question is, can I put in a stopover in AMS? By doing this, I could use the leg AMS-BUD for another trip. Trying to do it online (app or Internet) does not work for me. And no, I will not call right away. Plenty of time.
My inbound trip is SJU-JFK-AMS-BUD. Question is, can I put in a stopover in AMS? By doing this, I could use the leg AMS-BUD for another trip. Trying to do it online (app or Internet) does not work for me. And no, I will not call right away. Plenty of time.
May 16, 2020, 9:30 am
#1208
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 53
Did anyone recently try to change the routing and/or to change from Economy to business class using the historical fare, due to a cancellation in the origin routing?
I got a routing where the legs SEA-HNL and HNL-SEA is in Economy. the HNL-SEA leg is cancelled without any rebooking (since approx. 3 weeks now). Any chance to use this for reason to change the routing and to change to business seating?
Regards.
I got a routing where the legs SEA-HNL and HNL-SEA is in Economy. the HNL-SEA leg is cancelled without any rebooking (since approx. 3 weeks now). Any chance to use this for reason to change the routing and to change to business seating?
Regards.
May 16, 2020, 11:28 am
#1209
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: AF/KL FB Plat ; A3 Gold ; HH Gold ; IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 2,378
The DL fare rules (and I assume KL - where I booked - is similar) state that stopovers are permitted on the pricing unit. But I have to admit I do not know what the pricing unit is exactly.
My inbound trip is SJU-JFK-AMS-BUD. Question is, can I put in a stopover in AMS? By doing this, I could use the leg AMS-BUD for another trip. Trying to do it online (app or Internet) does not work for me. And no, I will not call right away. Plenty of time.
My inbound trip is SJU-JFK-AMS-BUD. Question is, can I put in a stopover in AMS? By doing this, I could use the leg AMS-BUD for another trip. Trying to do it online (app or Internet) does not work for me. And no, I will not call right away. Plenty of time.
May 16, 2020, 11:32 am
#1210
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: STR-BUD-ZRH-MUC-FRA
Posts: 210
Funny: I was booked 26.9.20 BUD-AMS-JFK-SJU - long hault flight DL047 still "confirmed" but the robot seem to have rebooked me BUD-AMS-CDG-JFK-SJU 
3 times changeing but even DL265 stays... how stupid a robot can be? 
Ah: reason for rebookig is that connecting time in AMS for DL047 is "only 1h20min" - however the MCT in AMS is 50min for skyteam connecting flights? and in another booking my connecting time in AMS to MIA is 1h10min (ok it's a KL-operated flight)
Anybody?
3 times changeing but even DL265 stays... how stupid a robot can be? Ah: reason for rebookig is that connecting time in AMS for DL047 is "only 1h20min" - however the MCT in AMS is 50min for skyteam connecting flights? and in another booking my connecting time in AMS to MIA is 1h10min (ok it's a KL-operated flight)
Anybody?
Last edited by Tenere; May 16, 2020 at 11:45 am
May 16, 2020, 2:48 pm
#1211
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 244
it matters in case i would have to pay and fare difference as a result of a voluntary change. And I’m not messing, I’m doing all my enquiries without speaking to the airline, hence my question of how to search for for I class fares. If i was ‘messing’ i would talk to Delta but i dont want to do that in case it jepordizes my deal or indeed anyone else’s. The easiest thing for me to do would be to call the airline and ask questions. I’m not doing that
If the goal is to avoid paying a fare difference, either switch to something before 9/30, or sit tight and wait. If they extend the 9/30 deadline or if your flight gets pulled from schedule, they will allow you to change your dates for free. If nothing happens, you can cancel and get a refund.
May 16, 2020, 4:43 pm
#1212
formerly mattking2000
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: DXB
Programs: BA|AC|AZ|SPG|H|FPC
Posts: 1,187
Seems those with mid-June itineraries onwards might have a slim chance of going forward ...
https://hungarytoday.hu/coronavirus-...s-in-budapest/
https://hungarytoday.hu/coronavirus-...s-in-budapest/
The government is lifting the curfew restrictions imposed due to the novel coronavirus epidemic in Budapest as well, with measures in the capital to follow the rest of the country with a two-week delay, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said in a video message posted on Facebook on Saturday.
It became clear at expert-level discussions on Saturday that “we have contained the virus in Budapest as well so we can move on – albeit carefully and cautiously – to the second phase of defence here too”, he said.
Responsible behaviour and social distancing are particularly important in the capital, the prime minister said.
Orbán asked mayors not to take the risk lightly and pay special attention to nursing homes.
“On the 66th day from the announcement of the state of emergency”, Orbán said, “I can give you the good news that we have won the first battle, the one for the containment of the virus”. “This is no longer just a hope, a wish or self-encouragement, but a fact,” he added.
Orbán said the number of those who have been infected with the virus is low and the number of new cases is also showing a favourable trend.
“We have succeeded because we made all the decisions in time, and because – let me especially emphasise this – everyone, people in the countryside, citizens of Budapest, single people, families, the elderly and young people alike, we all behaved responsibly; let me say thank you for this!” the prime minister said in his message.
It became clear at expert-level discussions on Saturday that “we have contained the virus in Budapest as well so we can move on – albeit carefully and cautiously – to the second phase of defence here too”, he said.
Responsible behaviour and social distancing are particularly important in the capital, the prime minister said.
Orbán asked mayors not to take the risk lightly and pay special attention to nursing homes.
“On the 66th day from the announcement of the state of emergency”, Orbán said, “I can give you the good news that we have won the first battle, the one for the containment of the virus”. “This is no longer just a hope, a wish or self-encouragement, but a fact,” he added.
Orbán said the number of those who have been infected with the virus is low and the number of new cases is also showing a favourable trend.
“We have succeeded because we made all the decisions in time, and because – let me especially emphasise this – everyone, people in the countryside, citizens of Budapest, single people, families, the elderly and young people alike, we all behaved responsibly; let me say thank you for this!” the prime minister said in his message.
May 17, 2020, 2:02 am
#1213
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, Le ClubAccor Gold
Posts: 776
Funny: I was booked 26.9.20 BUD-AMS-JFK-SJU - long hault flight DL047 still "confirmed" but the robot seem to have rebooked me BUD-AMS-CDG-JFK-SJU 3 times changeing but even DL265 stays... how stupid a robot can be?
Ah: reason for rebookig is that connecting time in AMS for DL047 is "only 1h20min" - however the MCT in AMS is 50min for skyteam connecting flights? and in another booking my connecting time in AMS to MIA is 1h10min (ok it's a KL-operated flight)
Anybody?
3 times changeing but even DL265 stays... how stupid a robot can be? Ah: reason for rebookig is that connecting time in AMS for DL047 is "only 1h20min" - however the MCT in AMS is 50min for skyteam connecting flights? and in another booking my connecting time in AMS to MIA is 1h10min (ok it's a KL-operated flight)
Anybody?
- SEA-BOS-CDG (AF coded) with BOS CDG on new A350
- SEA-CDG (DL coded (previously af coded)) —> i like the DL coded flight because it makes more flying blue miles
Anyway, I am thinking about pushing this trip to next year by doing first leg to CDG before Nov 30th and following legs next summer.
May 17, 2020, 2:43 am
#1214
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, A3 Gold, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 2,811
Got a schedule change/involuntary rebooking for my US VI trip in August, which actually fits me very well since it was on AZ metal and I don’t think I would have been able to go anyway because of travel restrictions.
Any experience how far out we can rebook? I don’t want to get a voucher obviously.
Any experience how far out we can rebook? I don’t want to get a voucher obviously.
May 17, 2020, 2:59 am
#1215
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: VIE/PRG
Programs: FB Platinum, Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 1,592
Got a schedule change/involuntary rebooking for my US VI trip in August, which actually fits me very well since it was on AZ metal and I don’t think I would have been able to go anyway because of travel restrictions.
Any experience how far out we can rebook? I don’t want to get a voucher obviously.
Any experience how far out we can rebook? I don’t want to get a voucher obviously.