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Asking for specific hotel during MX IRROPS?
I misconnected last night due to aircraft maintenance. A UA agent gave me a voucher for a hotel that was mediocre, to put it generously. I didn't ask -- but do people have any luck requesting specific brands or properties?
The last time I misconnected and got stuck overnight, I booked a hotel of my choice and submitted the receipt to customer care. I was reimbursed in the form of travel credit. But this time I did not feel like taking my chances with reimbursement. |
Never a good idea to take chances with reimbursement.
It's been a while since I've been forced to overnight, but usually I try and nicely ask what the options are, and I can't remember ever being denied a choice of what they have. Sometimes they've proactively said "I can put you at the Marriott or the Holiday Inn" or whatever. Depending on where I am, I might be bold and ask for something specific. At ORD, for example, I'll almost always ask for the Hilton, especially if the kids are with me. It's always easier to walk down the hall than have to schlep onto a shuttle, especially with the kids (and their stuff) in tow. I can't remember ever being denied a request. |
I had a mechanical misconnect at ORD; agent originally provided me with a voucher for an off-airport hotel, but I’d asked if the Hilton was available, and they were able to book me there. It’s worth asking. |
You should ask before they process it, but don't be entitled about it.
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I had a forced overnight at EWR after a 9-hr MX delay out of MXP in May. I had been told by someone else on the flight that as a 1K I'd be given a choice of decent hotels, but that turned out not to be the case. UA had booked me at a not-so-great hotel 30 minutes away, and presented it as a fait accompli. I told them that wasn't acceptable. I asked to be booked at the Marriott. The agent had to get the supervisor's approval, but they did it. I think if you can make a good case for a better hotel (like distance and an airport shuttle) you have a much better shot. |
Originally Posted by SS255
(Post 30585538)
I had a forced overnight at EWR after a 9-hr MX delay out of MXP in May. I had been told by someone else on the flight that as a 1K I'd be given a choice of decent hotels, but that turned out not to be the case. UA had booked me at a not-so-great hotel 30 minutes away, and presented it as a fair accompli. I told them that wasn't acceptable. I asked to be booked at the Marriott. The agent had to get the supervisor's approval, but they did it. I think if you can make a good case for a better hotel (like distance and an airport shuttle) you have a much better shot. This would also be based on status and fare class/cabin class unless laws/regulations say otherwise. |
I always ask what the options are, and if something I like is listed, I'll say "Oh, [hotel name] sounds great!". If I hate all the options, I might say, "Well I have status here, is there anything I can do to get in this hotel?" and if that fails I might ask for a transportation reimbursement and then book the hotel on my own.
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Ask. Start with a specific property and then move to the more general. Neither EC 261/2004 (in the case of flights departing the EU), not contract provisions specify the properties which may be offered.
UA will likely be more willing to do more for a premium cabin passenger or one with status, but in IRROPS, there may also be few choices left. |
It is definitely worth keeping in mind that if you're in IRROPS, there's probably also a bunch of other people in the same situation, and the hotel 30 minutes away may be the only one with rooms left...
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If none of the hotels offered sound good I will book myself where I want and deal with any possible reimbursement later (although not expecting any).
I have had enough bad experiences at terrible airport hotels to not just do it myself. |
Originally Posted by MSPeconomist
(Post 30585764)
This would also be based on status and fare class/cabin class unless laws/regulations say otherwise. It does not hurt to ask agent nicely at other locations. |
Originally Posted by MSPeconomist
(Post 30585764)
This would also be based on status and fare class/cabin class unless laws/regulations say otherwise. |
Originally Posted by UAL250
(Post 30585955)
If none of the hotels offered sound good I will book myself where I want and deal with any possible reimbursement later (although not expecting any).
I have had enough bad experiences at terrible airport hotels to not just do it myself.
Originally Posted by raehl311
(Post 30585921)
It is definitely worth keeping in mind that if you're in IRROPS, there's probably also a bunch of other people in the same situation, and the hotel 30 minutes away may be the only one with rooms left...
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It can be worth making a reservation for yourself during bad IROPs that will affect a lot of passengers. Sometimes you can grab a room at a good hotel on points or for a reasonable rate if you do it quickly. Personally I like just to have the control if the cancellation penalty won't be huge. Also, for business travel, the employer should reimburse anything reasonable in the circumstances, although of course it's good to know the policy in advance. |
Originally Posted by MSPeconomist
(Post 30586612)
It can be worth making a reservation for yourself during bad IROPs that will affect a lot of passengers. Sometimes you can grab a room at a good hotel on points or for a reasonable rate if you do it quickly. Personally I like just to have the control if the cancellation penalty won't be huge. Also, for business travel, the employer should reimburse anything reasonable in the circumstances, although of course it's good to know the policy in advance. |
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