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 31, 2020, 9:40 am
#1291
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,487
I also looked at the Delta site and only saw that change fees were waived, but not fare differences. I didn't want to HUCA on FB Messenger and press my luck. Perhaps some of you were able to change in the past?
I had asked the CSR if there were any circumstances that I could keep the historical pricing (i.e. fly within a certain time frame, etc.) and the reply was "No. There isn't any circumstances on a voluntary change."
I have a couple more trips I booked that start later on in the year, but ended up cancelling this first one.
I had asked the CSR if there were any circumstances that I could keep the historical pricing (i.e. fly within a certain time frame, etc.) and the reply was "No. There isn't any circumstances on a voluntary change."
I have a couple more trips I booked that start later on in the year, but ended up cancelling this first one.
May 31, 2020, 10:44 am
#1292
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, Le ClubAccor Gold
Posts: 776
I think DL might have changed this. I’m pretty sure at one point they had the same policy as I think I’m seeing on the KL site - change to later in the year no fee/no difference. Only variation was DL only went to September while KL (and AF) were allowing November. Can anybody confirm that?
It can be found here
If your travel is eligible for a waiver, you can move your travel dates and even select a new destination. Your unused ticket will be applied toward your new flight, and in some instances a fare difference will apply. If the new fare is lower, you will receive an eCredit for the difference. If the new fare is higher, the difference will be collected. The fare difference will be waived for changes to existing travel between March - Sept 2020 if originally purchased before April 17th and traveling to the same destination before September 30, 2020.
Jun 1, 2020, 9:22 am
#1293
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: NYC
Posts: 117
I confirm there are waiving the fare difference for all trips scheduled until September 30th if you are travelling before that date
It can be found here
It can be found here
Here's additional verbiage towards the bottom of the link:
International Travel Scheduled to Depart March Through September 30, 2020
- For international travel originally scheduled to depart March through September 30, 2020, all change fees are waived.
- You can rebook your trip to the same destination for travel departing before September 30, 2020, with no difference in fare applied.
- For trips rebooked to the same destination for travel departing October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2022, there will be no change fees. If there is a difference in price, the fare difference will apply.
- We understand you might not know where you want to go. If you’d like to change your destination, or if you don’t know when you want to travel, you may cancel without a fee and use your eCredit to book a new flight at a later date.
- Travel to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will qualify for the international ticket flexibility policy.
- For the best experience, please go to My Trips to adjust your plans before your original travel date. Your new travel should be completed by September 30, 2022
- Eligible Customers: All Tickets Originally Issued on or before April 17, 2020
- Impacted Travel Date(s): February 25 – September 30, 2020
- New Ticket Must Be Re-issued On/Before: September 30, 2022
- Rebooked Travel Must Be Completed No Later Than: September 30, 2022
Jun 1, 2020, 9:34 am
#1294
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 390
can someone please confirm that the above conditions apply mainly for tickets where there have been no changes or cancellations by the airline?
In my case, one of the legs of the trip (Amsterdam - LAX) has been canceled altogether. Is it correct that I can reschedule the same trip with a start date later in the year than September 30 without being charged a fare difference charge?
thank you.
In my case, one of the legs of the trip (Amsterdam - LAX) has been canceled altogether. Is it correct that I can reschedule the same trip with a start date later in the year than September 30 without being charged a fare difference charge?
thank you.
Jun 1, 2020, 10:36 am
#1295
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: AMS
Programs: BAEC Silver, Flying Blue Gold, TK M&S Nobody
Posts: 2,487
can someone please confirm that the above conditions apply mainly for tickets where there have been no changes or cancellations by the airline?
In my case, one of the legs of the trip (Amsterdam - LAX) has been canceled altogether. Is it correct that I can reschedule the same trip with a start date later in the year than September 30 without being charged a fare difference charge?
thank you.
In my case, one of the legs of the trip (Amsterdam - LAX) has been canceled altogether. Is it correct that I can reschedule the same trip with a start date later in the year than September 30 without being charged a fare difference charge?
thank you.
Jun 1, 2020, 11:35 am
#1296
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, Le ClubAccor Gold
Posts: 776
can someone please confirm that the above conditions apply mainly for tickets where there have been no changes or cancellations by the airline?
In my case, one of the legs of the trip (Amsterdam - LAX) has been canceled altogether. Is it correct that I can reschedule the same trip with a start date later in the year than September 30 without being charged a fare difference charge?
thank you.
In my case, one of the legs of the trip (Amsterdam - LAX) has been canceled altogether. Is it correct that I can reschedule the same trip with a start date later in the year than September 30 without being charged a fare difference charge?
thank you.
- before September 30th, you can pick up any flight whatever the fare class
- After September 30th, you should pick up flights with “I” availibility.
Yesterday, I have tried to make a trip with BUD-CDG in September 20th and following flights next April (with the intention to move it to next summer when it opens), but did not succeed (mostly because i was chatting with delta and this ticket was issued by AF (which i have noticed after I have started to chat..). I would try again with AF chat...
Jun 2, 2020, 8:57 am
#1297
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: DL DM/MM
Posts: 2,278
The thing is:
- before September 30th, you can pick up any flight whatever the fare class
- After September 30th, you should pick up flights with “I” availibility.
Yesterday, I have tried to make a trip with BUD-CDG in September 20th and following flights next April (with the intention to move it to next summer when it opens), but did not succeed (mostly because i was chatting with delta and this ticket was issued by AF (which i have noticed after I have started to chat..). I would try again with AF chat...
- before September 30th, you can pick up any flight whatever the fare class
- After September 30th, you should pick up flights with “I” availibility.
Yesterday, I have tried to make a trip with BUD-CDG in September 20th and following flights next April (with the intention to move it to next summer when it opens), but did not succeed (mostly because i was chatting with delta and this ticket was issued by AF (which i have noticed after I have started to chat..). I would try again with AF chat...
Jun 2, 2020, 3:15 pm
#1298
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, Le ClubAccor Gold
Posts: 776
That is my understanding of the exception policies. At the same time, there's some real ambiguity in what AF means in its wording: "If you wish to travel on or after 1 December 2020, you can also postpone your departure date without any change fee. If the fare type mentioned in your ticket is not available, you may need to pay the fare difference." What does AF mean by "fare type?" Why didn't they just say, "fare class" or "cabin."
fare class= booking class (j,c,d,I,z)
fare type ? —> KLM talk about booking class in their policy so I would expect AF to be the same.
fare code: I2FFHU
Jun 2, 2020, 3:34 pm
#1299
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
So, if at least one segment has been cancelled (for me, it was JFK-STT, cancelled and moved onto JFK-ATL-STT)--
One should ostensibly be able to change all dates if the same itinerary is kept?
Thanks!
One should ostensibly be able to change all dates if the same itinerary is kept?
Thanks!
Jun 2, 2020, 5:18 pm
#1300
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: SE+, OWS
Posts: 373
Jun 3, 2020, 12:56 am
#1301
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 120
refund update on a request on March 14: still no refund 12 weeks later...this was cancelled within 30 minutes of booking. Just called KLM, they said give it 2 more weeks because it's taking people about 3 months to get refunds. Last time I talked to them a month ago, they said it was taking 8-10 weeks for people to get refunds. This is getting ridiculous
Jun 3, 2020, 4:30 am
#1302
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 10
refund update on a request on March 14: still no refund 12 weeks later...this was cancelled within 30 minutes of booking. Just called KLM, they said give it 2 more weeks because it's taking people about 3 months to get refunds. Last time I talked to them a month ago, they said it was taking 8-10 weeks for people to get refunds. This is getting ridiculous
Other flights are still without cancellations, but I wouldn't mind to move them until next year.
Jun 3, 2020, 11:58 am
#1305
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: Flying Blue Platinum, Le ClubAccor Gold
Posts: 776
Ithink it is quite difficult to find a itinerary which quotes in I-class with a stopover in cdg or ams.
I think there are some married segment with BUD-CDG/AMS-USA and then the “unlimited stopover” works.
But probably it has worked with some of you...