Can airlines do this?

Question

I just received a notification from United that my return direct flight (Las Vegas - San Francisco) departing at 11 pm was cancelled and I am now booked on 1 pm flight (10 hours earlier!!) on a flight with a stop in Denver (it will now take me 7 hours to get from Vegas to SF, instead of an hour and a half!) I called the airline and was told that all they could do for me is allow me to cancel my itinerary without penalty... Is this really all they can do? Is there anything I can do?

Answer 1

That's why I never fly United plus they always screw me over when it comes to getting mileage credit. Call them and work with them, other than that....yes they can do it...all of the above is correct

Answer 2

They can, if there was a schedule change wherein the flight you originally had was not operating anymore, or there was a change in frequency of flights into the route that you have and due to that they are changing your flight, however, they should offer other alternatives if you already started your travel, like another airline.

If you have not started your travel, then, they should not charge any penalty, because it was not your fault that they changed your intended flight. Ask them about Ted which is their no frills sub airline to see if they have any flights available in that routing.

I know that US Air have lots of flight on that route. Maybe you should get online and verify with them, but that is if you haven't purchase the ticket with United yet. If you have, they should give you a credit, since they can no longer comply with the agreement you had previously made (when you purchased the ticket), and purchase the ticket on another airline.

I hope this can help you out...

Answer 3

Call back and tell them the flight they have re-accommodated you on is not an acceptable option. If you have some flexibility with your travel date...tell them you want to be on a non-stop flight... even if it's the next day. You mentioned that they will allow you to cancel your itinerary w/o penalty... are they offering you a full-refund? If so, consider taking it... and see if you can rebook on another airline.... Southwest has non-stop flights from San Jose to Las Vegas... and the fares are pretty reasonable.

Answer 4

yes.. airlines are known for that. I had a delta flight out of boston during a blizzard. they canceled the flight with no new scheduled flight so I would have to travel through the blizzard to the airport to wait there for poss days instead of just letting me reschedule from home. If I wanted to reschedule I had to pay150 change fee on my 200 ticket...your lucky you got the option to cancel without penalty.. I only fly southwest now.. no change fees and you can reuse your funds for missed flights for up to a year.

Answer 5

Huh? I would ask to be put on the next non-stop flight. (of course, this depends on YOUR availability) The airline is only required to get you from point A to point B no matter what route or airline and so they ARE holding up to their agreement. They are doing nothing wrong. If this schedule interferes with your plans, ask to be put on the next direct flight. Call again..you may get someone else who will help in a different way.

Answer 6

Re-book with another airline for you trip back to Frisco. (USAir or Southwest) and have UA refund half of your ticket.
Or try to go to the airport early evening, and see if they can put you on an earlier flight.

Answer 7

According to United's Contract of Carriage, yes they can. But, they can put you on another airline that is closer to your original departure at their discretion. It is worth a call to explain your situation and ask for another solution.

Answer 8

Arrive at the airport early. Ask the ticket agent if she or he can do anything for you.