I just got an e-mail from Alitalia, and they've changed my flight to leave 5.5 hours later! Can they do this? It's a huge inconvenience, and really messes up my first day in Italy. It's funny how they have non-refundable tickets, but they can change their minds without explanation. The worst part is that I can get a flight on British Airways for close to $400 less (total for two passengers), and from what I've read on this forum, BA is far superior to Alitalia. I guess I'm just venting... <BR> <BR> <BR>

I would fight tooth and nail, though it is hard to say what "relief" or "satisfaction" you will get. I experienced a similar situation from USAir in 1998, and I was furious, because I had chosen the flight from a bunch of similarly priced fares based on arrival time (I chose a flight that arrived at about 9 am - - in London - - rather than the much more ubiquitous 5:45-6:15 am - - which is a lot more fatiguing, in my experience). I felt like it was as different as switching chopped sirloin for prime rib. They DID work with me, and switched us to a different gateway city, much more to my liking. <BR> <BR>I suppose that there are tons of displeased travelers writing to here, there and everywhere these days (Congress, the FAA, the companies, you name it). Even so, no airline wants allegations of "bait and switch" tactics (and that phrase may be a little strong) going to regulators. <BR> <BR>At a minimum, they "owe" you a dialogue - - regarding what other options you might be able to choose. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Thanks Rex, as always, you're there to help out! I plan to fight this to (what I hope won't be) the bitter end, but I have a funny feeling I won't get anywhere. But we don't know until we've tried! <BR> <BR>Thanks again, <BR> <BR>cindy

This is a situation in which I would really dig my heels in and complain Big Time! You're right that BA is a better airline, and saving $400 is no small change. Alitalia is notoriously difficult to get in touch with by phone, but do everything you can to get through to the highest-ranking person you can speak with and make a ruccus! Be creative and dramatic, as an Italian would be - tell them you will miss an Italian relative's funeral and it's just tearing you up!

On the other hand .... <BR> <BR>During the summer months many airlines reschedule their flights on a daily basis without notifying their passengers - at least you know ahead of time and can take action or at least have time to vent. <BR> <BR>I understand your frustration, particulary if you based your decision on the earlier flight time. <BR> <BR>I have noticed that if one books a flight well in advance (i.e. before an airline finalizes their next season schedule) they reserve the right to change the routing, not only the flight time, closer to the date - I think they are testing the market to see how many will bite and, if not enough passengers are willing to bite or buy the higher priced tickets or another airline undercuts their price, they will consolidate flights or re-route. (Heard this from an airline person - they do this on a regular basis - ALL OF THEM). <BR> <BR>Regarding getting a transfer to another airline based on the delay, I believe that there is an IATA rule regarding ability to cancel the ticket with full refund if the flight is delayed more than a certain number of hours (but I think its more like 8 than 5.5). However, in your case, they have rescheduled the flight which may give you more clout. Also, you should register your objection now because if it has been rescheduled by 5.5 hours and is then delayed by a further ? hours, it may allow you a refund or compensation. <BR> <BR>Your travel agent, if you booked through one, should be able to advise you on your rights. If you did it yourself, just remember that it is the squeeky wheel that gets the oil. <BR> <BR>Regarding stunts airlines play... We flew a return charter to Dublin. On the way back, the flight was delayed 4 hours (typical so we did not get too angry). Fours hours in the air, the pilot announced that because of "unusually strong head winds" we would have to refuel at Gandor Newfoundland! Oddly enough, same problem was encountered by three other friends on three different flights. Why - either this charter company only flies during periods of very strong headwinds or the fuel in Gandor is much cheaper than in Shannon and therefore the airline saves a buket of money. Go figure! <BR> <BR>Best of luck Cindy - go after them!

Thanks Rex, St.Cirq and Ger - you've all been very supportive and have helped my (usually nonexistant!) backbone stiffen considerably! <BR> <BR>St.Cirq: my trip is in mid-May, so I can't do the funeral thing, but I'll think of something equally as good - good suggestion though! <BR> <BR>I'll let you all know how things turn out, that is, if I "win". If I don't, I'll just fade into the electronic distance and never show my face again... <BR> <BR>Best regards, <BR> <BR>cindy

Just be glad you flight still leaves on the same day with the same itinerary. Our flight was cancelled by Austrian Air out of Chicago. So we were rerouted to New York where we had to do the mad dash all the way around the airport. Then, when we arrived, the Austrian clerk told us the plane was leaving half an hour early! <BR>I had called that morning to double check everything, too, and had not been told that! We barely made our connection. <BR>We had purchased our tickets through United. Well, the entire time we tried to make seat arrangements, neither United, nor Austrian Air, would confirm that we were even on the flight! They both claimed that I had to call the other airline. We made several calls over the period of several weeks, only to be told, "We can't confirm you are on this flight!!!" It was awful! <BR>Finally, I waited at the United counter for the agent to call Austrian Air. She was dumbfounded to hear what I had been telling her...they could not pull up the manifest nor confirm we were on the flight! <BR>I will move heaven and earth to avoid Austrian Air and United. We fly a lot and have many experience of cancelled flights, delayed flights, rerouting, etc. We have never had such a poor experience as this before. <BR>I am going to write several letters to both airlines.

I didn't even realize we had any recourse at all if the airline changed our schedule after the flights were booked. I'd always heard that the conditions of carriage said that they only have to get you to your destination, not that they have to meet the schedule they originally set. Is this not the case? <BR>

Gina, I think you are quite correct about accepting the carrier's term and conditions. I just want to vent. And, an apology would be nice. (I don't expect one, however!)

Cindy, <BR>Try this site (all on one line - sorry about the length of the URL): <BR> <BR>http://www.onetravel.com/advisor/AR_...Y|Y|Y|Y|Y|Y|Y& <BR> <BR>to find out what your rights are for each airline. <BR> <BR>Try a copy/paste of the URL to avoid typos.

Cindy, <BR>Sorry about my previous posting. It appears that only U.S. carriers are represented on the list. <BR>Oh well, maybe someone else can use the info.

Hi Cindy, <BR> <BR>Just a question. You mentioned that your flight was for mid-may. I have a flight to Rome booked for 5/26 from NY to Rome, and now I'm worried that mine may be changed also. Is is the same flight? <BR>Thanks.

Laura, <BR> <BR>My flight was supposed to leave at 4:10pm from JFK and is now rescheduled for 9 something. I hope this helps... <BR> <BR>Les - thanks for trying. Ger mentioned the IATA - I'm going to try their site. <BR> <BR>Thanks all, <BR> <BR>cindy <BR> <BR>P.S. Anon - if I were you, I'd be livid! Which I am...