Delta changing flight times

[Jersey Cruisers]

In May, I purchased 4 round trip, non-stop tickets from JFK to Barcelona for a Nov. cruise. The return flight on Nov 25 was scheduled for 10AM. My ship is scheduled to dock at 5AM. I knew that was cutting it very close (i posted here about it and got varying opinions.) However, now I just checked online (that's how I booked the tickets also - online) and they've changed the return flight time to 9:35AM. I don't know when they made the change, but as of right now, they have not notified me of it. I haven't called Delta yet because I wanted to first get some informed opinions in this forum, which I know has some very knowledgeable people. The next available Delta flight that day is at about 1PM. However, it is not non-stop, and more importantly the fares would increase my total outlay by about $1800.00. I had gotten what I considered a great price: about $2800.00 for the four tickets. Before I call Delta I'd like to know what my "rights" are, if any. I would think that they would waive any change fee because it would be due to their schedule change. But beyond that, is there any chance of my getting the same fare for the later flight? I'm assuming not, but any and all opinions on this would greatly appreciated. My stomach was already churning about making the 10AM flight...9:35AM is going to give me an ulcer. What makes things even more complicated is that its quite important that we get back on Nov 25, so any possibilities of staying overnight in Barcelona IF it could get us comparable fares, is problematic. Also, do you think there's much chance of me making that 9:35AM flight?
Thanks

[Mike M]

Originally Posted by Jersey Cruisers

In May, I purchased 4 round trip, non-stop tickets from JFK to Barcelona for a Nov. cruise. The return flight on Nov 25 was scheduled for 10AM. My ship is scheduled to dock at 5AM. I knew that was cutting it very close (i posted here about it and got varying opinions.) However, now I just checked online (that's how I booked the tickets also - online) and they've changed the return flight time to 9:35AM. I don't know when they made the change, but as of right now, they have not notified me of it. I haven't called Delta yet because I wanted to first get some informed opinions in this forum, which I know has some very knowledgeable people. The next available Delta flight that day is at about 1PM. However, it is not non-stop, and more importantly the fares would increase my total outlay by about $1800.00. I had gotten what I considered a great price: about $2800.00 for the four tickets. Before I call Delta I'd like to know what my "rights" are, if any. I would think that they would waive any change fee because it would be due to their schedule change. But beyond that, is there any chance of my getting the same fare for the later flight? I'm assuming not, but any and all opinions on this would greatly appreciated. My stomach was already churning about making the 10AM flight...9:35AM is going to give me an ulcer. What makes things even more complicated is that its quite important that we get back on Nov 25, so any possibilities of staying overnight in Barcelona IF it could get us comparable fares, is problematic. Also, do you think there's much chance of me making that 9:35AM flight?
Thanks

It all depends on what class of ticket you booked. The 30 minute time change basically leaves you with no recourse. Booking a 10 AM flight was not a good idea in the first place. (Sorry about the I told you so)

Call Delta and see what you can work out. The earlier you call the better.

You can always miss the 9:35 a.m. flight and throw yourself on their mercy and see what happens but that is pretty risky.

If all else fails MAKE SURE YOU ARE THE FIRST OFF THE SHIP!

Take care,
Mike

[Marc]

You have no recourse with Delta. With a 25 minute change they will not even rebook you for free. Call, but don't be surprised.

I don't know why you would have a problem making a 0935 flight if ship docks at 0500. It sounds like you are doing a Barcelona round trip cruise; therefore, ship is regularly in port so shouldn't be too much of a hassle with crew clearing customs especially if all your stops were in EU countries).

Get off the ship early and take a taxi, it is only 25 minutes. Better yet, arrange a private transfer for the four of you. Car/van will be waiting.

I wouldn't sweat this.

[MariaD]

I had a great experience with Delta. My flights (for this coming December for a cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale) were also changed by Delta. They changed my flight home from a one hour layover to a FOUR hour layover and my flight down from a late afternoon flight to a early morning flight.

I was expecting a fight when I called, but I got exactly the opposite. The customer service agent told me that "since Delta changed my flights I could change them to anything I wanted" and for NO CHARGE. I ended up getting a NON-STOP flight on the way home and moved my other flight back to the afternoon. No problems whatsoever.

So, please call and try. Good luck!