CarlaM

I have flight arrangements set from LAX to JNB with an 8 hour layover in Frankfurt using FF miles. I was hoping to find something with less of a layover. I am leary of trying to change things with the chance of messing up what I alreay have. Should I just stick to what I have and be grateful I found something?

Also, should I check my bag to Frankfurt (in case I can make other arrangements there)instead of straight through to JNB?

Anyone know of an inexpensive day room in Frankfurt within walking distance of the airport?

Thanks! &lt

AAFrequentFlyer

As long as time/date changes are allowed and there is availibility on the flight(s) you want then just call and make the change. Nothing will get screwed up.

I'm guessing but it seems like you're flying UA and LH or perhaps LH all the way. Your bags will be checked all the way through. You may be able to talk the TA in LAX to check your bags to FRA only but I really don't see a good reason why you would want to?

What other arrangments can you make at the last minute in FRA? other than a very expensive ticket?

mrwunrfl

Assuming thay are UA miles then time/date changes are allowed up until departure of the first leg. After that no changes are allowed because the trip involves a Star Alliance partner.

mrwunrfl

And I would not hesitate to call back and try to get a better schedule - if a better schedule exists for that route. Might be willing to pay the change fee, if it is $100, for a better schedule with a different routing.

easywalker

Hi, CarlaM.

You do not indicate whether your flights are next week, or next year. It would indeed make a difference.

The farther away in time your flights are from today, the easier it will be to make changes with no problems.

Bon voyage & let us know how it turns out.

CarlaM

Thanks everyone. I have a little over 2 months to go. I am using UA and SAA. Wasn't sure if once I am in FRA I can see if there is an earlier flight I can go stand by or not. That was the reason for keeping my bag with me in FRA but I guess that isn't a possibility.

Will make a call just to see what they say.

AAFrequentFlyer

If you decide to pick up your bags in FRA, you will have to go through immigration and customs, walk to the departure desks, wait in line, check in again and through security again to get back to the departure gates. Make sure SAA will allow standby or if they do, do they even have an earlier flight?

If your bags are checked through then you just proceed to Flights Connections, a much easier procedure.

BeachBoi

CarlaM..Re: Day Room, the Sheraton is attached to the airport. I got a room there, tho not cheap (I wasnt paying!!) and enjoyed the indoor pool. There is also a Holiday Inn Express about 4 miles away.There s a shuttle for a fee, but the hotel is very economy. In either instance, reservations for the day room must be made directly with the hotel.Best of luck.

CarlaM

Called airlines today and decided to stick with what I have. Dummy me, had my seats assigned before learning about Seat Guru and I have the worst possible seats.

Since I don't speak German, will have I problems communicating if I take a shuttle to the Holiday Inn etc.? I may decide to splurge for the Sheraton just for convenience sake. Thanks for all your suggestions.

flgirl0817

Carla,

You can call back the airline and have them change your seats or go on-line using your record locator and change them yourself. Or, you can change your seats when you arrive at the airport at their ticket counter.
Anita

BeachBoi

CarlaM...No, you will not have any problems with everyone understanding you. Go for the Sheraton, just a short walk up and over and you are there.Enjoy!

CarlaM

Thanks again. I booked a day room at the Sheraton (150 Euro)and will check bags all the way through to JNB. Checked out the seat assignments and the planes are full already, only a couple middle seats left. Will get to the airport early to see what I can switch. At least one of my seats is in Economy Plus which I didn't know until now.