Flying Qatar in business on a promo fare I was offered the option of changing to an alternative flight when the aircraft on my flight to Bangkok was changed from a A380 to a B777! Wasnt fussed by the slight inconvenience of not having direct aisle access as was travelling with my partner anyway, still a flat bed more or less, but contacting me, apologising and then making the offer put a smile on my face.
Contrast that experience with business fare, Malaysia Airlines flight - Perth to Kuala Lumpur - I wasnt notified of the aircraft change (a330 flat bed to b737 recline), but a departure time change prompted me to check. I emailed to query the change and see if alternatives were offered and I was informed someone would contact me in within three months (my first leg was less than two months away).... after a few phone calls i was told they were within their rights to do this, no apology ...I guess it was my fault for booking with Malaysia Airlines in the first place!
Secondary 'aircraft change' consideration is the timing of the flight and the airlines inability to roster the aircraft effectively. I have noticed that the Perth to KL flights MH127 and MH126 are regularly delayed following the switch to primarily using 737 on the route, sometimes by as much as four hours!
I wonder if they have notified those who bid on the upgrades of the aircraft change?
It's tantamount to a bait and switch. Sure, it's not intentional, but it ought warrant a full refund. I'm not sure if a partial refund is reasonable. But certainly you should be given the option of cancelling with a full refund.
It's no different to me buying a ticket to Hoyts Gold Class for $50, and then arriving and being told that Gold Class is closed and to go the regular cinema. I paid to both see the movie AND sit in Gold Class.
IN CONCLUSION - finally received a response from AA customer relations, whilst vague the agent had said she ‘has requested a refund for the value’...and that I can check the status which should take up to 10 business days. I’ll just wait and see what value gets refunded to me and if the ticket is cancelled (currently still valid)/ it’s a business promo fare non flexible. I would have accepted some sort of compo if they offered. I seem to be having very bad luck lately, My flight from LAX-BOG on avianca is cancelled due to pilot strike. The airline does not inform you and when you check booking it says still confirmed; but they are not selling the flights which prompted me to call up and check. Really bad options they provided which involved an overnight stay at an airport. Called Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer as these were award booking flights and was able to pick up COPA airlines albeit on a B737 instead of a Dreamliner and flatbed :( first world problems. no compo here either but atleast I’m going and able to make the start of my tours!
Also for anyone flying with AA in future - customer relations do not have a phone number and everything must be done via their website compliment/complaint portal. Reservations can’t help in instances with aircraft change and moving flights etc without hitting you with fees. It’s all by the book.
Got a full refund by AA issued earlier this week. Booked on Delta for $200 less then what I paid with AA and get their delta one A330 product from Atlanta to LA. Also access to their delta sky lounge far superior to Americans admirals club.
Copland
Copland
Member since 24 Feb 2017
Total posts 5
Flying Qatar in business on a promo fare I was offered the option of changing to an alternative flight when the aircraft on my flight to Bangkok was changed from a A380 to a B777! Wasnt fussed by the slight inconvenience of not having direct aisle access as was travelling with my partner anyway, still a flat bed more or less, but contacting me, apologising and then making the offer put a smile on my face.
passer-pete
passer-pete
Member since 20 Oct 2017
Total posts 3
Interesting stories, subscribe to learn how it will end
traveller99
traveller99
Member since 18 Nov 2015
Total posts 114
It's tantamount to a bait and switch. Sure, it's not intentional, but it ought warrant a full refund. I'm not sure if a partial refund is reasonable. But certainly you should be given the option of cancelling with a full refund.
Dan22
Dan22
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 07 Aug 2013
Total posts 165
IN CONCLUSION - finally received a response from AA customer relations, whilst vague the agent had said she ‘has requested a refund for the value’...and that I can check the status which should take up to 10 business days. I’ll just wait and see what value gets refunded to me and if the ticket is cancelled (currently still valid)/ it’s a business promo fare non flexible. I would have accepted some sort of compo if they offered. I seem to be having very bad luck lately, My flight from LAX-BOG on avianca is cancelled due to pilot strike. The airline does not inform you and when you check booking it says still confirmed; but they are not selling the flights which prompted me to call up and check. Really bad options they provided which involved an overnight stay at an airport. Called Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer as these were award booking flights and was able to pick up COPA airlines albeit on a B737 instead of a Dreamliner and flatbed :( first world problems. no compo here either but atleast I’m going and able to make the start of my tours!
Dan22
Dan22
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 07 Aug 2013
Total posts 165
Also for anyone flying with AA in future - customer relations do not have a phone number and everything must be done via their website compliment/complaint portal. Reservations can’t help in instances with aircraft change and moving flights etc without hitting you with fees. It’s all by the book.
Dan22
Dan22
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 07 Aug 2013
Total posts 165
Got a full refund by AA issued earlier this week. Booked on Delta for $200 less then what I paid with AA and get their delta one A330 product from Atlanta to LA. Also access to their delta sky lounge far superior to Americans admirals club.