FYI TK won't rebook *A awards for cancelled flights
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MIA
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 492
FYI TK won't rebook *A awards for cancelled flights
I booked TK MIA-IST business class for 2 months ago with UA miles. TK cancelled the flight. Refuses to rebook day before/after since there is no award availability (although there are business seats available). UA apologetic, says TK should rebook but won't, offering a 3 leg instead of the TK direct.

#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
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I am sorry but this is UA's problem unless TK cancelled the flight within 24 hours before departure.
If this was a TK issued ticket, they would have rebooked you -7/+14 days on any TK flight of your choice but since you have bought your ticket through United, you would need to contact them for rebooking and their policies would apply.
If this was a TK issued ticket, they would have rebooked you -7/+14 days on any TK flight of your choice but since you have bought your ticket through United, you would need to contact them for rebooking and their policies would apply.
#5
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
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Your problem is that UA won't rebook you without award availability. NOT that TK won't rebook you. It's up to UA to find a way to get you to IST on your day of travel.
This is a very common problem with partner award bookings in general. You either accept it as a fact of life, or you never book partner awards.
This is a very common problem with partner award bookings in general. You either accept it as a fact of life, or you never book partner awards.
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: UA 1MM/1K, HH Diamond
Posts: 6,751
I just had a situation just like this one. It indeed sucks.
One option is to search ua.com for alternatives, regardless of mile costs. If there is an option - any option - in your desired class of service, UA should book it without further charges. Another possibility is for UA to open award space on its own metal to get you as close to your destination as possible, then look at awards from there. Maybe to TLV/AMM, then TK to IST in Y? Youd likely get a fight - and your status would matter - but if theres really no other way UA might relent.
One option is to search ua.com for alternatives, regardless of mile costs. If there is an option - any option - in your desired class of service, UA should book it without further charges. Another possibility is for UA to open award space on its own metal to get you as close to your destination as possible, then look at awards from there. Maybe to TLV/AMM, then TK to IST in Y? Youd likely get a fight - and your status would matter - but if theres really no other way UA might relent.
#7
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Your problem is that UA won't rebook you without award availability. NOT that TK won't rebook you. It's up to UA to find a way to get you to IST on your day of travel.
This is a very common problem with partner award bookings in general. You either accept it as a fact of life, or you never book partner awards.
This is a very common problem with partner award bookings in general. You either accept it as a fact of life, or you never book partner awards.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 10,894
Not relevant here but just for anyone who reads this later on:
If its ex-EU/UK ticket on TK. It's the operating carrier you have a claim with. Even if that's booked by a TA, miles, or whatever. They MUST rebook you, at earliest opportunity or dates of your choice, in the same cabin. It's the law.
If its ex-EU/UK ticket on TK. It's the operating carrier you have a claim with. Even if that's booked by a TA, miles, or whatever. They MUST rebook you, at earliest opportunity or dates of your choice, in the same cabin. It's the law.
#9
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: UA 1MM/1K, HH Diamond
Posts: 6,751
Your problem is that UA won't rebook you without award availability. NOT that TK won't rebook you. It's up to UA to find a way to get you to IST on your day of travel.
This is a very common problem with partner award bookings in general. You either accept it as a fact of life, or you never book partner awards.
This is a very common problem with partner award bookings in general. You either accept it as a fact of life, or you never book partner awards.
My upcoming trip involves EWR-IST-MCT. That TATL flight it seems has a problem of frequently being quite late. If I miss the connecting flight to MCT, the next one isnt for another 24 hours. Will TK (a) book me on the same flight the next day, (b) tell me to call UA to deal with it, or (c) get me on the WY flight that leaves a few hours later? Starting to get nervous
#10
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: TK*G (E+), IHG Plat Ambassador
Posts: 7,840
So heres a question: I get that in the case of a a *A award on TK booked with UA miles, it is on UA to fix problems prior to travel. What happens if I arrive in IST and misconnect, whether due to TKs fault (MX) or otherwise (WX)? Will TK get me to my destination in a reasonable amount of time, or will they tell me to pound sand and call UA?
My upcoming trip involves EWR-IST-MCT. That TATL flight it seems has a problem of frequently being quite late. If I miss the connecting flight to MCT, the next one isnt for another 24 hours. Will TK (a) book me on the same flight the next day, (b) tell me to call UA to deal with it, or (c) get me on the WY flight that leaves a few hours later? Starting to get nervous
My upcoming trip involves EWR-IST-MCT. That TATL flight it seems has a problem of frequently being quite late. If I miss the connecting flight to MCT, the next one isnt for another 24 hours. Will TK (a) book me on the same flight the next day, (b) tell me to call UA to deal with it, or (c) get me on the WY flight that leaves a few hours later? Starting to get nervous
#11
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
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There is a big difference between IRROPS and schedule changes/cancellations in advance. I believe we have yet to hear of anyone being told to contact the issuer of the ticket by TK in case of IRROPS. It seems that TK is pretty good at dealing with IRROPS situations.
#12
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Join Date: Aug 2011
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Within 24 hours of departure, plane tickets pass to "airport control". In other words, the operating airline's agents have full control and responsibility.
#14
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
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