American play games with flights grrrr

[robin]

Last week I received an email that our direct flight from PHL to AUA was changed from PHL to MIA to AUA with a mere 42 minutes between flights and us in the back of the plane on the flight from PHL to MIA. When I received the email, I checked and the original flight was not listed. A few weeks before I had checked the seats and the plane was fairly full. I had planned to call and ask for compensation for being switched from direct to layover, but I have not had time.

Since I had a few minutes today-baking is done, everything else is prepped and the bird is in the oven. I figured I'd take a look at other options-like going through Charlotte or a later flight out of MIA in case we missed the flight from MIA to AUA. Guess what I found? They now have a new direct flight out of PHL leaving 9 minutes later than our original flight which is very empty. I called and we were moved back to the direct flight. I am guessing they moved everyone to fill the other flights and then put in the new direct flight. SMH

[cpjones]

Last week I received an email that our direct flight from PHL to AUA was changed from PHL to MIA to AUA with a mere 42 minutes between flights and us in the back of the plane on the flight from PHL to MIA. When I received the email, I checked and the original flight was not listed. A few weeks before I had checked the seats and the plane was fairly full. I had planned to call and ask for compensation for being switched from direct to layover, but I have not had time.

Since I had a few minutes today-baking is done, everything else is prepped and the bird is in the oven. I figured I'd take a look at other options-like going through Charlotte or a later flight out of MIA in case we missed the flight from MIA to AUA. Guess what I found? They now have a new direct flight out of PHL leaving 9 minutes later than our original flight which is very empty. I called and we were moved back to the direct flight. I am guessing they moved everyone to fill the other flights and then put in the new direct flight. SMH

Airlines can really make one feel insignificant!

[schexc]

I've been watching AA for awhile for February 2022, as we still have flight credits to use for our last canceled trip. We'd prefer to fly through Charlotte, as we don't have any direct flights. Up until a week ago, Charlotte had a 37 minute layover, seriously...Now it has a much longer on, which I'd prefer, but it now takes us ten hours to get to the island. I guess that is better then missing your connection. We'll probably book soon. What a PIA...

[Andrea J.]

when you say you planned on asking about being compensated, did you mean with $$?
do airlines do that?

Last week I received an email that our direct flight from PHL to AUA was changed from PHL to MIA to AUA with a mere 42 minutes between flights and us in the back of the plane on the flight from PHL to MIA. When I received the email, I checked and the original flight was not listed. A few weeks before I had checked the seats and the plane was fairly full. I had planned to call and ask for compensation for being switched from direct to layover, but I have not had time.

Since I had a few minutes today-baking is done, everything else is prepped and the bird is in the oven. I figured I'd take a look at other options-like going through Charlotte or a later flight out of MIA in case we missed the flight from MIA to AUA. Guess what I found? They now have a new direct flight out of PHL leaving 9 minutes later than our original flight which is very empty. I called and we were moved back to the direct flight. I am guessing they moved everyone to fill the other flights and then put in the new direct flight. SMH

[robin]

when you say you planned on asking about being compensated, did you mean with $$?
do airlines do that?

I complained in the past and we received credit or points. I figure it doesn't hurt to ask. I figure I paid for a direct flight, so I expect to get a direct flight which is usually more expensive. However, the direct flight right now is only $129 one way and the flight through MIA that they booked us on was $678.

[Traceyd14]

When American canceled your direct flight and put you in a new one, their own rules allow you to request a refund. You will get back what you paid to the original form of payment and can rebook whatever flight you want. Since this happened well in advance seems like it may work out in your favor. They used to refund anytime the change was over 2 hours time difference to your itinerary but this year they changed it to 4 hours from your departure time.

Last year they got us with the 45 minute layover in Miami, a change from our original booking. The change was only under the 2 hour mark for refunds at that time so we rolled the dice, and I stressed over it. We made it and our luggage made it, which was more surprising to me. We were in business and got to our next gate as some of the last groups were boarding our connection. Word of advice, the gates are pretty spread out in Miami so even if
you think you can walk faster than dealing with the terminal train, you probably cannot.

[robin]

When American canceled your direct flight and put you in a new one, their own rules allow you to request a refund. You will get back what you paid to the original form of payment and can rebook whatever flight you want. Since this happened well in advance seems like it may work out in your favor. They used to refund anytime the change was over 2 hours time difference to your itinerary but this year they changed it to 4 hours from your departure time.

Last year they got us with the 45 minute layover in Miami, a change from our original booking. The change was only under the 2 hour mark for refunds at that time so we rolled the dice, and I stressed over it. We made it and our luggage made it, which was more surprising to me. We were in business and got to our next gate as some of the last groups were boarding our connection. Word of advice, the gates are pretty spread out in Miami so even if
you think you can walk faster than dealing with the terminal train, you probably cannot.

Thanks for the info Tracy. I'm going to cut and paste it into a word doc and save it. Since I was able to get back on to a direct flight, I'm okay with it even though the tickets are currently or least on T-Day cheaper than I booked. If I would have known what you said now, I would have cancelled and rebooked.