Delta changed our flights. Can we change our FF tickets to new flight w/o penalty?

[Anne S]

I guess the heading says it all. I booked two business/first class tickets, JFK to Seattle. At the time the nonstop was not available, so I chose a stopover in Atlanta, with a scheduled arrival in Seattle at 7:12 pm. But now those clowns at Delta have changed our connecting flight out of Atlanta, and we don't get into Seattle until 9:10 pm. Now the nonstop out of JFK is available, with business class at the same mileage level. Any chance that we can switch our outgoing flight to that without paying a penalty? I've been trying to call Delta but all I get is a busy signal, so I thought I would ask here first.

 

[SherryS]

I had changes to two different flights that were FF flights (NW/Delta) that were NOT convenient for us. Both times, the airline was willing to make changes, with no penalty, so to accomodate our needs. Good luck!

 

[Anne S]

I had changes to two different flights that were FF flights (NW/Delta) that were NOT convenient for us. Both times, the airline was willing to make changes, with no penalty, so to accomodate our needs. Good luck!

Thanks, Sherry, that's good to know!

 

[grest]

same here...we had no problem with Delta in this regard.
Connie

 

[dougp26364]

Most, if not all, airlines will work with passengers when they change their schedules. I've had schedules changed almost every time we've flown. I've just gotten use to it and now plan the travel day as strictly a travel day without any other plans. However, some flights work out better than others and I will make that phone call to get us on the flights that work out best for us. So far I've never had a problem when it's been the airlines that have changed the flights.

 

[calgal]

I got a full refund on a Delta revenue flight when they changed the schedule. I believe they apply a 90 minute rule, so you would certainly qualify to cancel and rebook without penalty.

 

[Talent312]

I concur with the foregoing posters.
Even for FF tickets, when an airline changes your flights, they will usually allow you to select an alternative for the same city-pair within reason, without penalty.

 

[Anne S]

Update: After trying to phone Delta all morning yesterday and getting a busy signal every time, I finally got through. And after being on hold and having to listen to Christmas music for twenty minutes, I finally got to speak to a real live human being but it did not begin very auspicously. I explained the situation and asked if I could change my outbound flight for the non-stop flight. He replied that there were only two buisness class seats on that flight. To which I replied: "that's fine, I only need two seats." He said that he would have to "clean up" my reservation before he could make the change. then, a long silence, punctuated by much huffing, puffing and other sounds of frustration. Finally he tells me that the system will not allow him to make the change but that he will make it work. He tells me to hold on while he goes to seek help. After being on hold for an hour he comes back and tells me the reason why he could not change my reservation: while he was working on it, Delta cancelled my return flight!!! However, all was not lost. He said that he could put us on the nonstop in business class, and asked us which flight we wanted, the morning, early afternoon or evening one. I was online checking FF availability while this was going on, and said I only saw the red eye. But he said that he could put us on one of the other nonstops although there was no FF seats because (and I love this part!): "it's our fault and we take responsibility."

So now we have nonstop flights in both directions. However, the flight is not until May, so I'm sure Delta will find a way screw up this reservation too. And to think, I could have gotten the AA nonostop flight in first class for the same amount of miles, but I wanted to use up the worthless Delta miles ...

 

[Talent312]

Update: ... after being on hold and having to listen to Christmas music for twenty minutes... ... After being on hold for an hour...

Congrats on your accomplishment.
I find speaker phones very useful for extended holds.

Once, I called an airline ~ 1AM (late arrival) to try to change a 7AM flight. I was put on hold 2x for 90 minutes. I dozed off only to be awakened with, "There are no later flights available." At 2:30AM, I wanted to say, "F-You," but settled for, "Have a nice day," and gave the phone the finger.