Travel Agent says no changes - is this correct?
Nov 16, 2007 | 9:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, AC *S, Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 9,791
Travel Agent says no changes - is this correct?
I have just held a ticket on the following route [all on one ticket]
KHI-DXB EK
DXB-x/NCL-x/LHR-YYZ EK/BA/AC
YYZ-LHR AC
LHR-x/DXB- KHI EK
It is a combination of an AC fare [change fee C$100] and an EK fare [1st change free, others PKR 1500.] The agent said if I purchase this ticket
1) no changes will be allowed. Although technically possible, she said that AC would point me to EK and vv in the even that I want to change anything and I wouldn't be able to change it at all.
2) If I miss my connection in NCL, I am SOL and might have to buy a new ticket.
Both of these statement are contrary to what I have heard on FT. I thought I would be protected if I misconnent in NCL since it is all on one ticket. Instead, she suggested to pay more and buy separate tickets.
Is she correct?
Any advice?
Cheers,
KHI-DXB EK
DXB-x/NCL-x/LHR-YYZ EK/BA/AC
YYZ-LHR AC
LHR-x/DXB- KHI EK
It is a combination of an AC fare [change fee C$100] and an EK fare [1st change free, others PKR 1500.] The agent said if I purchase this ticket
1) no changes will be allowed. Although technically possible, she said that AC would point me to EK and vv in the even that I want to change anything and I wouldn't be able to change it at all.
2) If I miss my connection in NCL, I am SOL and might have to buy a new ticket.
Both of these statement are contrary to what I have heard on FT. I thought I would be protected if I misconnent in NCL since it is all on one ticket. Instead, she suggested to pay more and buy separate tickets.
Is she correct?
Any advice?
Cheers,
Nov 16, 2007 | 10:05 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: YYZ
Programs: Haven't been flying for a while... :(
Posts: 478
While the switch in carriers will provide less protection against mis-connect than staying on the same carrier, getting separate tickets is the fastest way to remove any and all such protection.
As usual, most restrictive rules apply. But it is definitely changeable.
As usual, most restrictive rules apply. But it is definitely changeable.
Nov 16, 2007 | 11:07 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 518
To be 100% sure that the ticket is changeable, it would be helpful to know the fare basis for each segment. For example, it is possible that the BA segment is non changeable, making the whole ticket non changeable.
Nov 16, 2007 | 11:35 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, AC *S, Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 9,791
The BA segment is part of the AC fare basis [if the things weren't confusing enough already 
]
The penalties from the EK fare:
AC fare:
Cheers,
] The penalties from the EK fare:
PENALTIES
CANCELLATIONS BEFORE DEPARTURE PER TICKET CHARGE PKR 1500 FOR REFUND. WAIVED FOR DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. PENALTY APPLIES ON ADULT / CHILD AND INFANT OCCUPYING A SEAT. --------- OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED IN THE CASE OF DEATH OF PASSENGER / FAMILY MEMBER. AFTER DEPARTURE CANCELLATIONS PERMITTED. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. FOR PARTLY UTILIZED TICKETS - IF OW AND RT ARE IN SAME BOOKING CLASS DEDUCT THE APPLICABLE FARE FOR THE JOURNEY TRAVELLED AND REFUND THE BALANCE AMOUNT. IF SAME RBD IS NOT AVAILABLE THEN DEDUCT THE NEXT HIGHER RBD. IN THE ABSENCE OF NEXT HIGHER RBD DEDUCT 75 PCT OF RT FARE AND REFUND THE BALANCE AMOUNT. ------------ NO REFUND APPLICABLE ON VOLUNTARY DOWNGRADES. ------------ REFUND IS NOT APPLICABLE ON REMAINING FLIGHT COUPONS IF THE TICKET IS UTILIZED OUT OF SEQUENCE. ------ PASSENGERS WHO NO-SHOW FOR A FLIGHT WILL BE CONSIDERED AS CANCELLING AFTER DEPARTURE . CHANGES ANY TIME PER TICKET CHARGE PKR 1500 FOR REISSUE/ REVALIDATION. WAIVED FOR DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. FIRST CHANGE FOC ANY SUBSEQUENT AT PKR1500. ------------------ CHANGE PENALTY WILL BE WAIVED IN CASE PAX UPGRADED TO HIGHER COMPARTMENT. ------------------
CANCELLATIONS BEFORE DEPARTURE PER TICKET CHARGE PKR 1500 FOR REFUND. WAIVED FOR DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. PENALTY APPLIES ON ADULT / CHILD AND INFANT OCCUPYING A SEAT. --------- OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED IN THE CASE OF DEATH OF PASSENGER / FAMILY MEMBER. AFTER DEPARTURE CANCELLATIONS PERMITTED. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. FOR PARTLY UTILIZED TICKETS - IF OW AND RT ARE IN SAME BOOKING CLASS DEDUCT THE APPLICABLE FARE FOR THE JOURNEY TRAVELLED AND REFUND THE BALANCE AMOUNT. IF SAME RBD IS NOT AVAILABLE THEN DEDUCT THE NEXT HIGHER RBD. IN THE ABSENCE OF NEXT HIGHER RBD DEDUCT 75 PCT OF RT FARE AND REFUND THE BALANCE AMOUNT. ------------ NO REFUND APPLICABLE ON VOLUNTARY DOWNGRADES. ------------ REFUND IS NOT APPLICABLE ON REMAINING FLIGHT COUPONS IF THE TICKET IS UTILIZED OUT OF SEQUENCE. ------ PASSENGERS WHO NO-SHOW FOR A FLIGHT WILL BE CONSIDERED AS CANCELLING AFTER DEPARTURE . CHANGES ANY TIME PER TICKET CHARGE PKR 1500 FOR REISSUE/ REVALIDATION. WAIVED FOR DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER. NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. FIRST CHANGE FOC ANY SUBSEQUENT AT PKR1500. ------------------ CHANGE PENALTY WILL BE WAIVED IN CASE PAX UPGRADED TO HIGHER COMPARTMENT. ------------------
Code:
Penalties:
CANCELLATIONS
ANY TIME
CHARGE CAD 200.00 FOR CANCEL/NO-SHOW/REFUND.
CHILD/INFANT DISCOUNTS APPLY.
WAIVED FOR DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER.
CHANGES
BEFORE DEPARTURE
CHARGE CAD 100.00 FOR REISSUE/REVALIDATION.
CHILD/INFANT DISCOUNTS APPLY.
WAIVED FOR DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER.
NOTE -
BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY - FOR O/B CHANGE
THE NEW BASE FARE AMOUNT MUST BE
RECALCULATED USING CURRENT AND APPLICABLE FARES IN
EFFECT AT THE DATE OF ISSUANCE. CHARGE DIFFERENCE
IN FARE PLUS CHANGE FEE. CHANGE FEE IS SUBJECT TO
EACH CHANGE TRANSACTION.
------------------------------------------------
BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY - FOR I/B CHANGE
THE NEW BASE FARE AMOUNT MUST BE RECALCULATED
USING HISTORICAL AND APPLICABLE FARES IN EFFECT
AT THE ORIGINAL TICKET DATE. CHARGE DIFFERENCE
IN FARE PLUS CHANGE FEE. CHANGE FEE IS SUBJECT TO
EACH CHANGE TRANSACTION.
-------------------------------------------------
NEW FARE AMOUNT MAY BE LOWER/EQUAL OR HIGHER THAN
ORIGINAL FARE. IF NEW FARE IS LOWER THAN ORIGINAL
FARE-NO REFUND PERMITTED. THE RESIDUAL AMOUNT IS
FORFEIT.
-------------------------------------------------
CHANGES NOT PERMITTED IN CASE OF NO SHOWS -
REFER TO CANCELLATION PENALTY.
IN THE EVENT OF A DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL FARE
COMBINATION THE INTERNATIONAL RULE PROVISION FOR
CHANGE AND CANCELLATION WILL APPLY.
AFTER DEPARTURE
CHARGE CAD 100.00 FOR REISSUE/REVALIDATION.
CHILD/INFANT DISCOUNTS APPLY.
WAIVED FOR DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER.
NOTE -
AFTER DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY
THE NEW BASE FARE AMOUNT MUST BE RECALCULATED
USING HISTORICAL AND APPLICABLE FARES IN EFFECT
AT THE ORIGINAL TICKET DATE. CHARGE DIFFERENCE
IN FARE PLUS CHANGE FEE. CHANGE FEE IS SUBJECT TO
EACH CHANGE TRANSACTION.
------------------------------------------------
NEW FARE AMOUNT MAY BE LOWER/EQUAL OR HIGHER THAN
ORIGINAL FARE. IF NEW FARE IS LOWER THAN ORIGINAL
FARE-NO REFUND PERMITTED. THE RESIDUAL AMOUNT IS
FORFEIT.
-------------------------------------------------
CHANGES NOT PERMITTED IN CASE OF NO SHOWS -
REFER TO CANCELLATION PENALTY.
IN THE EVENT OF A DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL FARE
COMBINATION THE INTERNATIONAL RULE PROVISION FOR
CHANGE AND CANCELLATION WILL APPLY.
Nov 16, 2007 | 8:22 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 120
While those are fare rules it is impossible to know if those rules apply to your ticket without comparing the fare basis. Also, if the travel agent is buying the ticket through a consolidator, and providing you with a discounted rate, there may be more constrictive rules applied.
Nov 17, 2007 | 2:01 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, AC *S, Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 9,791
While those are fare rules it is impossible to know if those rules apply to your ticket without comparing the fare basis. Also, if the travel agent is buying the ticket through a consolidator, and providing you with a discounted rate, there may be more constrictive rules applied.
Cheers,
Nov 19, 2007 | 12:05 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Little dot in Asia
Programs: AA-PP, HL-DM, MR-LTP, HY-LTG
Posts: 26,017
Then in this case, if the ticket is issued on EK ticketing stock, you would then have to refer this to EK.
Nov 19, 2007 | 2:10 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, AC *S, Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 9,791
ughh
I phoned EK as per the TA's recommendation but EK referred me right back to the TA. 
I cannot purchase the ticket without knowing if it allows changes because there is a 99.99999% chance that I will need to change it. [don't want to see 100% because nothing is ever really certain...] I have put in arbitrary return dates and will choose my actual dates sometime in late May.
Cheers,
I cannot purchase the ticket without knowing if it allows changes because there is a 99.99999% chance that I will need to change it. [don't want to see 100% because nothing is ever really certain...] I have put in arbitrary return dates and will choose my actual dates sometime in late May.Cheers,
Nov 19, 2007 | 2:19 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 12,952
I phoned EK as per the TA's recommendation but EK referred me right back to the TA. I cannot purchase the ticket without knowing if it allows changes because there is a 99.99999% chance that I will need to change it. [don't want to see 100% because nothing is ever really certain...] I have put in arbitrary return dates and will choose my actual dates sometime in late May.
I cannot purchase the ticket without knowing if it allows changes because there is a 99.99999% chance that I will need to change it. [don't want to see 100% because nothing is ever really certain...] I have put in arbitrary return dates and will choose my actual dates sometime in late May.You may wish to book this by calling EK or AC directly, as it sounds like your TA doesn't know what (s)he is doing.
Nov 19, 2007 | 3:14 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 120
It is not the travel agent at fault - it is all the airline rules and the unccooperative attitide. The ticket you requested would be controlled by EK. If you need a change to the segments on other airlines EK will probably refuse to do it. The other airlines will not be able to do it. The ticket will not auto-price and the travel agent would be left in a vulnerable position - subject to debit memos which are often very expensive. If this is the ticket you want, call the airline and reserve it with them and ask about changes. Keep in mind however, that you may be told you can change it but when you are in Newcastle, or London or Toronto, the answer may be different. If they do change it, it will be at the price of any additional fare plus the change fee.
Nov 19, 2007 | 4:59 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, AC *S, Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 9,791
Cheers,
Cheers