Flight Headache - Anyone else?

I've had this happen many times, but I always call them when the new itinerary leaves me substantially worse off. I've even called multiple times and explained nicely what my situation is and asked if there is anything they can do to make me whole. Technically if they scrap your whole schedule and now you're getting in at a totally different time, they have the obligation to work with you to find a "better fit" than the one made automatically via computer algorithm. So just stay calm and get on the phone to do some negotiating...and be open to the idea that it may take talking to several people. I've had very positive experiences doing this, including fairly recently when I was rebooked to a much better flight than the one I originally booked. No matter how irate you are, try to be very patient and not demanding on the phone - I found that this increases the chances that someone will help you. When I'm on the phone, I have my desired alternative pulled up on the laptop (including flight numbers)...so I know what I'll be asking for. I say, I would really like to take flight X and Y instead and ask them to check their system if this is feasible with no extra fees.

For several years now, I have been purchasing tickets at the same time - September or October for the following May - and I have noticed in the past two years that my flights are changed more frequently. So I don't think it's the time you are buying the ticket, it's the computer shaking things up.

As stated, on the two occasions I've asked for a change because the new-newer-newest itinerary was not workable for me, the agents were very helpful, and I was ready with a couple of alternatives. I also asked for compensation (extra miles) when there was an extra layover, and got them.

I've had two different years recently where our flights have changed, and the option that give us sometimes has the 2nd flight leaving before the 1st one arrives! After a small panic, I look up all of the options, write down the 2 that work the best for us, and then call them (politely) and have had no issues. I do have a good level in the Delta mileage plan, so that may help, too. One year we needed to land in the morning to catch 3 afternoon trains into inner Switzerland the same day, so I was able to give them that requirement and not just "arrive that day" as their rebooking had given us.

If you are on British Air and you first fight gets rescheduled to arrive a day after your connecting flight leaves, they will not accommondate you. British Airs attitude is tough luck!

Thanks, everyone, for these replies. I've actually been remaining calm on the phone and the agents have been helpful. Unfortunately, at the moment, my flight out of Venice is at 7:15 am, which is exactly what I was trying to avoid. In talking with an agent this morning, she said things could continue to change so I should keep checking - of course I will. But I must say that it is still baffling to me how the flights change within just a couple of hours time. I fully expect more to come and will deal with it when it does. Is there any joy left in flying anymore ? (just a rhetorical question, of course)

But I must say that it is still baffling to me how the flights change within just a couple of hours time.

They are always trying to maximize schedules, passenger demand, etc. It really does happen quite a bit, it's not unusual. Computers troll through a bunch of data and do everything so it's easy. And not all changes are "big" changes - you'll get an automated e-mail even if there's a change of 5 minutes.

I understand what you are saying Agnes, but what I didn't say was that I didn't even receive notifications about the changes. I had read somewhere (not sure if it was on this helpline) of changes happening without notifications, so I started checking. Sure enough, there they were. So I'm not going to wait for notifications, just continue to check and handle matters as they arise. As annoying as this is, it certainly is nothing compared to other happenings in the world, of course. I try to focus on that to I maintain some kind of perspective.

I wonder if the lack of notifications is because, when an airline changes the schedule and puts you on another partner airline, perhaps that partner airline doesn't have you registered in their system (as in a user profile, as if you were their customer) to receive e-mail notifications? I am just guessing here...ideally the "parent" airline would be sending you any changes to your ticket (either by them or another party) but I guess if their partner makes the change, the notification protocol may not immediately transfer over??? Does that make sense? It's a faulty system if you somehow get only fragmented, or not complete, info about any changes to any leg of your itinerary. At any rate, best of luck to you in getting (and keeping) an improved itinerary.

Thanks, Agnes. Actually, I gave my contact info to both airlines - American and British Airways, but no notifications came from either one. It just makes sense to me to take it into my own hands rather than depend on them. I suspect changes will continue...oh well at least I'll have Paris and Italy!!!!

It just makes sense to me to take it into my own hands rather than depend on them.

Good idea, especially if you've been burned before. Just try to think of this as necessary "noise"...your vacation will be fantastic no matter what. I had booked some flights in Argentina many years ago where there were at least 4-5 changes - it was a bit of a pain because I had coordinated flights with a friend coming from another city. But everything worked out OK in the end, had to reshuffle some things.

This keeps happening with my United flight to Europe too. A couple small time changes, and one big cancellation/change -- which I called about and they rescheduled no problem, no cost.

I was wondering if making my flight plans so early (booked in May for a December flight) was a mistake too, but the latest schedule change was just last week.

This seems to occur more often when I am flying with a reward ticket which I guess is the penalty for flying for "free" along with not receiving my "special" meals!

"Is there any joy left in flying anymore ?"

Oh, yes! I'm smiling every time I land in Europe! : )

I had this happen with Delta two years ago. This forum has taught me to check my itinerary periodically. When I see a change, I look up an alternate itinerary before I call them and then ask them if that alternative is available. One time they actually dropped us a class! It wasn't award travel either. Out of curiosity, I kept checking to see if the flight they claimed was cancelled stayed cancelled and it did.

Months ago is the operative statement. I am willing to bet the majority of airline schedules are changed - big and small - over six months time. On this trip booked about six months ago each leg was changed, this time by only a few minutes and on some trips substantially. That is just the process when you book six to nine months early. We expected it so it is not a concern for us. It becomes a hassle if you allow it to be a hassle.

Jean, love your comment about landing in Europe. You are so right. I will admit that I expected changes in flight times, but I what I didn't see coming was the complete cancellation of flights. Staying focused on my itinerary now and will deal with flight changes as they happen. Thanks, everyone, for your input.