My flight has changed destinations! What are my options?
About 2 months ago, I booked a flight from Nashville to Hong Kong, then Hong Kong to Xi'an, since it was less expensive to book that way. The flight from Hong Kong to Xi'an is China Eastern Airlines.
I was notified that my flight has changed and now it will take me to Shanghai, which is not useful to me. After spending about 6 hours on the phone, the only thing they are willing to do is give a refund. My problem with that solution is that while I spent $250 2 months ago, right now a flight will be around $420.
Is there anything else I can do?
NOTE: Hong Kong to Xi'an is around 900 miles, and Shanghai to Xi'an is around 850 miles.
Best Answer
This happens all the time, and the only thing the airline is required to do is give you a full refund.
Yes you are screwed. No there is nothing you can do. You can try asking the airline for 'ex gratia' compensation, but you can't compel them to pay anything. You could also write a song about them and put it on YouTube if it will make you feel better.
Pictures about "My flight has changed destinations! What are my options?"
Can an airline change your flight destination?
Yes. They have the power to switch your arrival, layover, and departure airports for a variety of reasons. If it happens to you (and if you travel enough, it likely will), don't get flustered and make a bad move\u2014like panic-booking a last-minute flight on another airline for top dollar.Do you have to accept flight changes?
How do I accept or refuse a schedule change? Usually, you don't have to do anything when you agree to the schedule change. Just present yourself at the airport after checking-in. If you want a different flight or a refund, however, you must contact the airline.Can I get a refund if the airline changed my flight?
Schedule Change/Significant Delay - A consumer is entitled to a refund if the airline made a significant schedule change and/or significantly delays a flight and the consumer chooses not to travel.What happens if my flight schedule changes?
If you notice that your trip has been hit with a major schedule change, research the individual airline's policy to see if it counts as \u201csignificant\u201d enough for a refund. Then, you can call to cancel the itinerary or do so online (with some airlines).HOW TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS - My Best Tips After Booking 500+ Flights
More answers regarding my flight has changed destinations! What are my options?
Answer 2
The airlines should really bridge the gap but sometimes they do not. The problem is that most people do not have time or funds to fight them over a single incident. This happened to be before and in the end it worked out, but it was not easy. Here is what worked for me:
- Ask to change the flight which no longer connects. Instead of Hong Kong - Xi'an, change it to Shanghai - Xi-an. If you bought a cheap ticket you will be charged a change fee for this.
- Request a refund for the change fee based on the fact that they could not bring you to the connection point. This takes a while but my refund arrived about 6 weeks later.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio, Laker