Stuck in Israel with a group
Mar 14, 2020, 4:39 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: York, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, Hilton Diamond, Marriott GOLD, Accor Club Gold
Posts: 709
Stuck in Israel with a group
I'm one of a group of 12 stuck in Jerusalem, with a group ticket due to fly out late Tuesday night. The government has just announced that we may not leave our hotel until then. The travel agent through whom we booked the group ticket is, of course, shut until Monday morning EST. Can I get United to change our ticket by calling them?? The website will not allow me/us to make any changes.
Mar 14, 2020, 4:42 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,024
Mar 14, 2020, 5:37 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
I'm one of a group of 12 stuck in Jerusalem, with a group ticket due to fly out late Tuesday night. The government has just announced that we may not leave our hotel until then. The travel agent through whom we booked the group ticket is, of course, shut until Monday morning EST. Can I get United to change our ticket by calling them?? The website will not allow me/us to make any changes.
The answer is that UA can change tickets issued by a travel agent, but prefers not to do so. They may charge you a fee to "take over" the ticket from the agency.
Skype should allow you to call the US customer service line -- +1-800-864-8331 -- for no charge with a free account. They're open 24/7. You can also try United directly in Israel at 1-809-344-363, but note that they are closed Saturday and will re-open at 8:30 AM tomorrow morning.
Mar 14, 2020, 6:26 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NYC/Northern NJ
Programs: 1K - UAL, Platinum DL, Marriott, Hilton, SPG
Posts: 1,815
Be prepared for long hold times @ UA as you don't indicate status and all airlines are cancelling flights. Lucky, no travel ban on flights to/from ISrael as of yet.
Just so I comprehend the issue is the Israeli governmetn has you in quarantine so wnat UA to change tickets for 12 passengers until you are released.
Just so I comprehend the issue is the Israeli governmetn has you in quarantine so wnat UA to change tickets for 12 passengers until you are released.
Mar 14, 2020, 6:44 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
As noted, call the US number and be prepared to sit on hold for several hours. Presuming that these are published fares, UA may well take over the tickets and rebook you (presuming availability) and it may even waive the $50 per ticket fee for doing so.
You will do best if you have everybody's exact details, including e-ticket number & PNR handy and know exactly what you want.
You will do best if you have everybody's exact details, including e-ticket number & PNR handy and know exactly what you want.
Mar 14, 2020, 7:30 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 206
Mar 14, 2020, 11:01 pm
#12
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Israel/United States
Posts: 1,234
I am also in Israel. - have been here since end of December. I leave early Wednesday ( confirmed El Al) While, almost everything is closed and there are huge restrictions, unless you are subject to government quarantine- and then you couldn’t fly, no one is prohibited from going outside. Please check jpost.com for actual list of restrictions.
Mar 15, 2020, 10:28 am
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
There is a broader lesson for the future. If one really must use a TA, make certain that it is a TA with 24/7 emergency backup. This doesn't mean that you can call at 02:00 to discuss seat assignments, but it does mean that there is a service which will handle matters which must be handled prior to the next business day.
It's worth looking at when you are pondering travel. Covid-19 may not pop up every day, but bad weather, injuries and other matters intervene all the time.
It's worth looking at when you are pondering travel. Covid-19 may not pop up every day, but bad weather, injuries and other matters intervene all the time.