michaelporourke
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Primitivo
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Hi Mike- first - you scared me! I am flying JFK-Madrid this FridayGood morning, fellow pilgrims.
I am hiking the Primitivo in mid-September.
American Airlines just canceled my nonstop flight from my closest airport (Philadelphia International Airport, a transatlantic hub for AA).
I'm trying to decide whether I should keep the new reservation made by the airline (screenshot below) that involves a connection in Charlotte ... or consider driving to a less-convenient airport (JFK) that is still offering nonstop service to Madrid.
My overall goal is reaching my destination, Oviedo, so I can begin my Camino on the day originally planned.
Full details are below, and I'd really appreciate anyone's guidance on next steps in what is (and obviously will continue to be) an ever-changing situation that is beyond my control.
Background
I live in Lititz, Lancaster County (South Central Pennsylvania), about a 1.5 hour drive to Philadelphia International Airport.
I originally booked a flight itinerary that involved a nonstop/redeye flight from Philadelphia International Airport to Madrid the afternoon of September 12, followed by a nonstop 11:50 am - 12:50 flight from Madrid to Asturias Airport on September 13. I was going to take a bus to Oviedo afterward.
Flash forward to the present, American Airlines just notified me that my original flight has been canceled, and my new one involves a connection out of Charlotte (see screenshot below).
View attachment 128994
View attachment 128997
A Potential Alternative
I performed a search on AA and noticed that JFK still offers non-stop service to Madrid (screenshot below).
I'm wondering whether I should call AA and request to get a seat on this flight.
Full-disclosure: I have never traveled to / used JFK before for flights. I was originally trying to avoid it when I booked my original flight from Philly.
View attachment 128995
In Closing
Basically, I'm just trying to hedge my bets.
Would you all agree that the bigger risk in either scenario is keeping my existing reservation and running the risk of a delay from PHL to Charlotte, and missing my flight from Charlotte to Madrid?
In terms of getting to Oviedo, I guess I'm less concerned about making the second flight to Asturias Airport because I know there are a couple train trips available to Oviedo (screenshot below).
View attachment 129009
Thanks in advance for your guidance!
Mike
Or, is there an earlier flight out of PHI to Charlotte?
I would stick with what you've got since you now don't have a too tight connection in Charlotte.keep the existing reservation but get an earlier flight from PHL to Charlotte (***which AA was able to secure for me, by the way ... I took the 8:33-10:27 am to be safe.***)
You might want to read up on this article as it's very helpful to capture where we are and how to be minimize headaches: https://thepointsguy.com/news/tips-flight-attendant-summer-travel/Thank you, @Grousedoctor and @peregrina2000 ... I had not thought of simply booking an earlier flight to Charlotte from PHL.
At the end of the day, my primary concern was missing that Charlotte flight to Madrid. In this scenario, if there are unforeseen delays Charlotte-Madrid (thereby missing my Madrid-Asturias flight), I *should* have train departure options to Oviedo.
Thanks for the heads up. I am not impacted as this is a one-way ticket.Just a note of caution. If you have a round trip ticket as part of this deal and the Oviedo flight is part of that deal, your return trip can be cancelled if you do not take the Oviedo flight. If the Oviedo flight is a separate one way flight, then it does not matter if you take that flight or take the train.
Airlines will cancel the rest of your trip, if you do not take all the flights on the reservation (even if your reason for not taking one of the flights is their fault).
Many people have been burned by this. Airlines do this to combat "hidden city" or "hidden destination" schemes. Too complicated to go into here, but you can google the practice.
Great minds think alike.My first thought was to see what earlier flights there would be from PHL to CLT. I second the idea that going through Charlotte is preferable to JFK, and with a comfortable connection time, I think it’s far preferable for the reasons you’ve stated.
I am sure AA will rebook you, here is a screen shot of the possibilities for Sept. 12. I thnk the 6:25 and 8:33 are probably overkill, but you do have options!
View attachment 129022
If you choose the Charlotte option and arrive earlier, at least it’s a small, very pleasant airport to spend time inHey Mike, that’s a tough call! In April, we took the PHI-MAD flight with no problems. As we were coming to Philly from northern NY, we made sure that the connection time (BTV-PHI) to catch our Madrid flight was sufficient for any reasonable unforeseen delays (we chose to get to PHI several hours early and wait). What makes me nervous is the relatively short time you have in Charlotte to catch your connecting flight to Madrid. But, if the flight is on time, an hour ten “should” be enough time. I went through JFK last week on my way to the west coast. What a nightmare! Arrived in SLC two hours after my connecting flight had left. Spent the night in the airport! Honestly, with all the cancellations and delays these days, it’s a difficult situation for any traveler. Can you fly from PHI to JFK? Seems easier then driving. Or, is there an earlier flight out of PHI to Charlotte? Better to wait a few hours there than risk missing your connection. I would call American, if you haven’t already done so, and have them work with you on other options instead of just accepting the changes that they’ve suggested. Good luck.
Mike - I have taken that flight fromGood morning, fellow pilgrims.
I am hiking the Primitivo in mid-September.
American Airlines just canceled my nonstop flight from my closest airport (Philadelphia International Airport, a transatlantic hub for AA).
I'm trying to decide whether I should keep the new reservation made by the airline (screenshot below) that involves a connection in Charlotte ... or consider driving to a less-convenient airport (JFK) that is still offering nonstop service to Madrid.
My overall goal is reaching my destination, Oviedo, so I can begin my Camino on the day originally planned.
Full details are below, and I'd really appreciate anyone's guidance on next steps in what is (and obviously will continue to be) an ever-changing situation that is beyond my control.
Background
I live in Lititz, Lancaster County (South Central Pennsylvania), about a 1.5 hour drive to Philadelphia International Airport.
I originally booked a flight itinerary that involved a nonstop/redeye flight from Philadelphia International Airport to Madrid the afternoon of September 12, followed by a nonstop 11:50 am - 12:50 flight from Madrid to Asturias Airport on September 13. I was going to take a bus to Oviedo afterward.
Flash forward to the present, American Airlines just notified me that my original flight has been canceled, and my new one involves a connection out of Charlotte (see screenshot below).
View attachment 128994
View attachment 128997
A Potential Alternative
I performed a search on AA and noticed that JFK still offers non-stop service to Madrid (screenshot below).
I'm wondering whether I should call AA and request to get a seat on this flight.
Full-disclosure: I have never traveled to / used JFK before for flights. I was originally trying to avoid it when I booked my original flight from Philly.
View attachment 128995
In Closing
Basically, I'm just trying to hedge my bets.
Would you all agree that the bigger risk in either scenario is keeping my existing reservation and running the risk of a delay from PHL to Charlotte, and missing my flight from Charlotte to Madrid?
In terms of getting to Oviedo, I guess I'm less concerned about making the second flight to Asturias Airport because I know there are a couple train trips available to Oviedo (screenshot below).
View attachment 129009
Thanks in advance for your guidance!
Mike
Hi Mike,Good morning, fellow pilgrims.
I am hiking the Primitivo in mid-September.
American Airlines just canceled my nonstop flight from my closest airport (Philadelphia International Airport, a transatlantic hub for AA).
I'm trying to decide whether I should keep the new reservation made by the airline (screenshot below) that involves a connection in Charlotte ... or consider driving to a less-convenient airport (JFK) that is still offering nonstop service to Madrid.
My overall goal is reaching my destination, Oviedo, so I can begin my Camino on the day originally planned.
Full details are below, and I'd really appreciate anyone's guidance on next steps in what is (and obviously will continue to be) an ever-changing situation that is beyond my control.
Background
I live in Lititz, Lancaster County (South Central Pennsylvania), about a 1.5 hour drive to Philadelphia International Airport.
I originally booked a flight itinerary that involved a nonstop/redeye flight from Philadelphia International Airport to Madrid the afternoon of September 12, followed by a nonstop 11:50 am - 12:50 flight from Madrid to Asturias Airport on September 13. I was going to take a bus to Oviedo afterward.
Flash forward to the present, American Airlines just notified me that my original flight has been canceled, and my new one involves a connection out of Charlotte (see screenshot below).
View attachment 128994
View attachment 128997
A Potential Alternative
I performed a search on AA and noticed that JFK still offers non-stop service to Madrid (screenshot below).
I'm wondering whether I should call AA and request to get a seat on this flight.
Full-disclosure: I have never traveled to / used JFK before for flights. I was originally trying to avoid it when I booked my original flight from Philly.
View attachment 128995
In Closing
Basically, I'm just trying to hedge my bets.
Would you all agree that the bigger risk in either scenario is keeping my existing reservation and running the risk of a delay from PHL to Charlotte, and missing my flight from Charlotte to Madrid?
In terms of getting to Oviedo, I guess I'm less concerned about making the second flight to Asturias Airport because I know there are a couple train trips available to Oviedo (screenshot below).
View attachment 129009
Thanks in advance for your guidance!
Mike
Just a question, I am flying to Philadelphia on 7/11, then the direct flight to Madrid. Did they let you know about the cancellation before you left? Or when you got to Philly? Thanks.Good morning, fellow pilgrims.
I am hiking the Primitivo in mid-September.
American Airlines just canceled my nonstop flight from my closest airport (Philadelphia International Airport, a transatlantic hub for AA).
I'm trying to decide whether I should keep the new reservation made by the airline (screenshot below) that involves a connection in Charlotte ... or consider driving to a less-convenient airport (JFK) that is still offering nonstop service to Madrid.
My overall goal is reaching my destination, Oviedo, so I can begin my Camino on the day originally planned.
Full details are below, and I'd really appreciate anyone's guidance on next steps in what is (and obviously will continue to be) an ever-changing situation that is beyond my control.
Background
I live in Lititz, Lancaster County (South Central Pennsylvania), about a 1.5 hour drive to Philadelphia International Airport.
I originally booked a flight itinerary that involved a nonstop/redeye flight from Philadelphia International Airport to Madrid the afternoon of September 12, followed by a nonstop 11:50 am - 12:50 flight from Madrid to Asturias Airport on September 13. I was going to take a bus to Oviedo afterward.
Flash forward to the present, American Airlines just notified me that my original flight has been canceled, and my new one involves a connection out of Charlotte (see screenshot below).
View attachment 128994
View attachment 128997
A Potential Alternative
I performed a search on AA and noticed that JFK still offers non-stop service to Madrid (screenshot below).
I'm wondering whether I should call AA and request to get a seat on this flight.
Full-disclosure: I have never traveled to / used JFK before for flights. I was originally trying to avoid it when I booked my original flight from Philly.
View attachment 128995
In Closing
Basically, I'm just trying to hedge my bets.
Would you all agree that the bigger risk in either scenario is keeping my existing reservation and running the risk of a delay from PHL to Charlotte, and missing my flight from Charlotte to Madrid?
In terms of getting to Oviedo, I guess I'm less concerned about making the second flight to Asturias Airport because I know there are a couple train trips available to Oviedo (screenshot below).
View attachment 129009
Thanks in advance for your guidance!
Mike
Bob, thanks for your response, I’m also flying from Phoenix, but haven’t had any email from AA that my trip from the hub to Madrid has been canceled?I'm in the same boat: plan to fly via PHL on 26th Sep which is now cancelled. Interestingly, it looks like the non-stop to Madrid is back by mid-October!
I haven't pulled the plug on the ticket yet, but was following this route on Google Flights, and noticed it was gone! Options now include long (4-5 hours) layover in CLT or DFW. Don't really want to fly on Iberia, as have good status on AA.Bob, thanks for your response, I’m also flying from Phoenix, but haven’t had any email from AA that my trip from the hub to Madrid has been canceled?
Thanks again Bob, like you I have points with AA and have cancelled 3 times since 5/9, due to crazy connections. I was hoping this was the one.I haven't pulled the plug on the ticket yet, but was following this route on Google Flights, and noticed it was gone! Options now include long (4-5 hours) layover in CLT or DFW. Don't really want to fly on Iberia, as have good status on AA.
I just returned from doing the Primitivo and took the identical flights AA has changed you to. I was able to make the Oviedo flight. It was a really long delay in Madrid customs and I still made it. I booked my Madrid to Oviedo flight separately because it was cheaper.Good morning, fellow pilgrims.
I am hiking the Primitivo in mid-September.
American Airlines just canceled my nonstop flight from my closest airport (Philadelphia International Airport, a transatlantic hub for AA).
I'm trying to decide whether I should keep the new reservation made by the airline (screenshot below) that involves a connection in Charlotte ... or consider driving to a less-convenient airport (JFK) that is still offering nonstop service to Madrid.
My overall goal is reaching my destination, Oviedo, so I can begin my Camino on the day originally planned.
Full details are below, and I'd really appreciate anyone's guidance on next steps in what is (and obviously will continue to be) an ever-changing situation that is beyond my control.
Background
I live in Lititz, Lancaster County (South Central Pennsylvania), about a 1.5 hour drive to Philadelphia International Airport.
I originally booked a flight itinerary that involved a nonstop/redeye flight from Philadelphia International Airport to Madrid the afternoon of September 12, followed by a nonstop 11:50 am - 12:50 flight from Madrid to Asturias Airport on September 13. I was going to take a bus to Oviedo afterward.
Flash forward to the present, American Airlines just notified me that my original flight has been canceled, and my new one involves a connection out of Charlotte (see screenshot below).
View attachment 128994
View attachment 128997
A Potential Alternative
I performed a search on AA and noticed that JFK still offers non-stop service to Madrid (screenshot below).
I'm wondering whether I should call AA and request to get a seat on this flight.
Full-disclosure: I have never traveled to / used JFK before for flights. I was originally trying to avoid it when I booked my original flight from Philly.
View attachment 128995
In Closing
Basically, I'm just trying to hedge my bets.
Would you all agree that the bigger risk in either scenario is keeping my existing reservation and running the risk of a delay from PHL to Charlotte, and missing my flight from Charlotte to Madrid?
In terms of getting to Oviedo, I guess I'm less concerned about making the second flight to Asturias Airport because I know there are a couple train trips available to Oviedo (screenshot below).
View attachment 129009
Thanks in advance for your guidance!
Mike
4-5 hours layover is infinitely better than some of the short layovers I have seen. (50 minutes? riiiiight.) If I am checking any luggage (tube with poles? the packs?) I will make very sure to have at least 2 hours at each plane change. That way the stuff is pretty likely to make the next flight. With tight connections, you might make the flight and find that your necessary equipment is arriving on the next airplane afterwards. ;-)I haven't pulled the plug on the ticket yet, but was following this route on Google Flights, and noticed it was gone! Options now include long (4-5 hours) layover in CLT or DFW. Don't really want to fly on Iberia, as have good status on AA.
I flew AA/Iberia to Madrid this April and had a wonderful experience. Lovely crew, great service & on time. Good luck in Madrid Airport on return home. You need to make sure to allow time for long distance to connecting gate & check points. I barely made my return flight. Good luck & Buen Camino!I wanted to throw out another option to the group regarding a nonstop JFK-Madrid.
It appears there are AA options, but the flights are operated by Iberia.
What are your experiences flying Iberia? I only wanted to go this route so long as they would be an reliable enough option. Is there more risk using them?
View attachment 129025
So my decision will come down to either:
- keep the existing reservation but get an earlier flight from PHL to Charlotte (***which AA was able to secure for me, by the way ... I took the 8:33-10:27 am to be safe.***)
- or, do one of these nonstop JFK-Madrid flights that are operated by Iberia. Is there more risk using them?
Thoughts?
I know United has direct nonstop out of Dulles in Virginia to Madrid 6pm daily arrive 8am. Just another option.Good morning, fellow pilgrims.
I am hiking the Primitivo in mid-September.
American Airlines just canceled my nonstop flight from my closest airport (Philadelphia International Airport, a transatlantic hub for AA).
I'm trying to decide whether I should keep the new reservation made by the airline (screenshot below) that involves a connection in Charlotte ... or consider driving to a less-convenient airport (JFK) that is still offering nonstop service to Madrid.
My overall goal is reaching my destination, Oviedo, so I can begin my Camino on the day originally planned.
Full details are below, and I'd really appreciate anyone's guidance on next steps in what is (and obviously will continue to be) an ever-changing situation that is beyond my control.
Background
I live in Lititz, Lancaster County (South Central Pennsylvania), about a 1.5 hour drive to Philadelphia International Airport.
I originally booked a flight itinerary that involved a nonstop/redeye flight from Philadelphia International Airport to Madrid the afternoon of September 12, followed by a nonstop 11:50 am - 12:50 flight from Madrid to Asturias Airport on September 13. I was going to take a bus to Oviedo afterward.
Flash forward to the present, American Airlines just notified me that my original flight has been canceled, and my new one involves a connection out of Charlotte (see screenshot below).
View attachment 128994
View attachment 128997
A Potential Alternative
I performed a search on AA and noticed that JFK still offers non-stop service to Madrid (screenshot below).
I'm wondering whether I should call AA and request to get a seat on this flight.
Full-disclosure: I have never traveled to / used JFK before for flights. I was originally trying to avoid it when I booked my original flight from Philly.
View attachment 128995
In Closing
Basically, I'm just trying to hedge my bets.
Would you all agree that the bigger risk in either scenario is keeping my existing reservation and running the risk of a delay from PHL to Charlotte, and missing my flight from Charlotte to Madrid?
In terms of getting to Oviedo, I guess I'm less concerned about making the second flight to Asturias Airport because I know there are a couple train trips available to Oviedo (screenshot below).
View attachment 129009
Thanks in advance for your guidance!
Mike
I was going to suggest this as I have taken the same flight this past May. I think he's keeping his AA itinerary at this point.I know United has direct nonstop out of Dulles in Virginia to Madrid 6pm daily arrive 8am. Just another option.
Just an update re this thread. I left Phoenix on 7/11 to Philadelphia, then picked up my direct flight to Madrid in the same terminal, very easy. So not all flights for AA out of that hub have been cancelled.I would do literally anything to avoid a connection in Charlotte. I've had 4 issues with flights connecting in CLT this year alone.
General FYI: there is a Minimum Connection Time for every airport (90 minutes for Charlotte if an international flight is involved) and your AA rebooking violated that which means you had every right to request an earlier AA flight with no penalties. You've already wisely rebooted. Contact AA if you have incurred any costs with the rebooking. Ironically my direct flight from CLT to MAD last year was canceled and I was rerouted through JFK with a 40 minute connection.So thankful someone informed me then of MCT and my rights. And yes, Premier main cabin is worth it for a transatlantic flight!
If I understand correctly, you initially stated you were not thrilled about going through JFK--listen to your instincts.I wanted to throw out another option to the group regarding a nonstop JFK-Madrid.
It appears there are AA options, but the flights are operated by Iberia.
What are your experiences flying Iberia? I only wanted to go this route so long as they would be an reliable enough option. Is there more risk using them?
View attachment 129025
So my decision will come down to either:
- keep the existing reservation but get an earlier flight from PHL to Charlotte (***which AA was able to secure for me, by the way ... I took the 8:33-10:27 am to be safe.***)
- or, do one of these nonstop JFK-Madrid flights that are operated by Iberia. Is there more risk using them?
Thoughts?
Can you please direct me to where the MCT policy for international flights is available online? I don’t see anything official on the CLT website. If AA violated the airport’s policy I would definitely like to get my money back for the new reservation.
This can happen with any airline, especially when you book well in advance. I understand that they change their schedules a couple of times a year (in normal times, during the pandemic changes are much more frequent), so if you book before one of these regular seasonal changes there's a much better chance of your flight schedule changing.Separately I wonder if AA gave you a reason for the cancellation--was it simply that they changed their schedule? I have had this problem many times with AA because I tend to book well in advance.
Yes, trecile, that's exactly what I said.This can happen with any airline, especially when you book well in advance. I understand that they change their schedules a couple of times a year (in normal times, during the pandemic changes are much more frequent), so if you book before one of these regular seasonal changes there's a much better chance of your flight schedule changing.
No, I’m very happy with keeping my existing itinerary (i.e., taking your advice and purchasing for an earlier AA flight from PHL to ensure I have plenty of buffer time to make my CLT-Madrid flight in the late afternoon).My understanding is that thte MCT gives you a remedy only if you miss a connection that was scheduled under the minimum. If you make a short connection, you have no damage, so why would you have a claim for compensation?
Are you saying that you would like to cancel your AA flight and switch to Iberia? If you want to fly on Iberia from JFK, my guess is that AA will rebook you. Iberia and American are partners. But I’m not sure why that is preferable to the routing you have now, with plenty of time for the connection.
No, I’m very happy with keeping my existing itinerary (i.e., taking your advice and purchasing for an earlier AA flight from PHL to ensure I have plenty of buffer time to make my CLT-Madrid flight in the late afternoon).
When AA canceled my direct flight (PHL-Madrid) they gave me a flight with an 1hr 10 minute connection time at CLT and didn’t offer an earlier flight for free. I had to pay AA for an earlier flight to CLT, and it was very expensive.
A pilgrim on this thread said CLT has a 1 hour 30 minute Minimum Connection Time, and that I should have been offered an earlier flight for free since what they offered was less than the 1 hour 30 minute threshold.
I was not going to call AA seeking a refund unless I saw that Minimum Connection Time policy available somewhere on the CLT airport website.
Did you ask to speak to a supervisor? Rarely do I just accept what the first airline agent tells me if I am not in agreement with what they are telling me….ask for a callback from a supervisor or wait till the supervisor is available and state your case politely. It also helps if you have belong to its mileage/loyalty program.
I misunderstood, sorry. I am surprised that American made you pay for the rebooking. I agree with @Marbe2 that you should have spoken with a supervisor. When AA has automatically re-routed me (and this has happend pretty frequently in the last few years), I always check out the alternatives before I call them. If I find a better connection and schedule, I have all the info ready and have never had any problem or extra charge.When AA canceled my direct flight (PHL-Madrid) they gave me a flight with an 1hr 10 minute connection time at CLT and didn’t offer an earlier flight for free. I had to pay AA for an earlier flight to CLT, and it was very expensive
American Airlines has totally revamped its “frequent flyer program.” It is now based almost totally on money spent, not miles @flown. The card itself is pricey, about $400 a year, but it does give a few perks.Having a credit card with AA is helpful, When you sign up you are usually given 50k in points to use. I have used the card for big purchases and then paid it off before incurring interest and also to validate the points offered with card. There is a certain amount you have to spend within 90 days or 6 months, not remembering which, but it’s worth it.
Couldn’t disagree more, not accurate info.I misunderstood, sorry. I am surprised that American made you pay for the rebooking. I agree with @Marbe2 that you should have spoken with a supervisor. When AA has automatically re-routed me (and this has happend pretty frequently in the last few years), I always check out the alternatives before I call them. If I find a better connection and schedule, I have all the info ready and have never had any problem or extra charge.
I would call back and use all your interpersonal skills to work your way up the food chain. And let us know how it goes.
American Airlines has totally revamped its “frequent flyer program.” It is now based almost totally on money spent, not miles @flown. The card itself is pricey, about $400 a year, but it does give a few perks.
A friend described the change to me in the following way — The Aadvantage program used to be an airline frequenty flyer program, now it’s a credit card program that happens to own an airline.
Couldn’t disagree more, not accurate info. They should do some research rather than our info.I misunderstood, sorry. I am surprised that American made you pay for the rebooking. I agree with @Marbe2 that you should have spoken with a supervisor. When AA has automatically re-routed me (and this has happend pretty frequently in the last few years), I always check out the alternatives before I call them. If I find a better connection and schedule, I have all the info ready and have never had any problem or extra charge.
I would call back and use all your interpersonal skills to work your way up the food chain. And let us know how it goes.
American Airlines has totally revamped its “frequent flyer program.” It is now based almost totally on money spent, not miles @flown. The card itself is pricey, about $400 a year, but it does give a few perks.
A friend described the change to me in the following way — The Aadvantage program used to be an airline frequenty flyer program, now it’s a credit card program that happens to own an airline.
Could you be more specific with what you think is inaccurate about what I said? You may be right, and I very much want information on the forum to be accurate, but I’m not sure which part of what I said you are referring to.Couldn’t disagree more, not accurate info. They should do some research rather than our info.
Out.
Sure, I’ve had my Advantage card for about 15 years. I pay $100 for the annual fee. When I signed up knew that I had to use the card within the first 6 months, spending $1000 within that time frame to receive the points which was 50k.Could you be more specific with what you think is inaccurate about what I said? You may be right, and I very much want information on the forum to be accurate, but I’m not sure which part of what I said you are referring to.
That clears it up, thanks. I should have been clearer that I was talking more about elite status (gold, platinum, exec platinum, etc) rather than the straightforward collecting of points to get miles for flights.Sure, I’ve had my Advantage card for about 15 years. I pay $100 for the annual fee. When I signed up knew that I had to use the card within the first 6 months, spending $1000 within that time frame to receive the points which was 50k.
Yes thanks for your input. I did have a platinum card along with normal card. I signed up to receive additional points, but didn’t want to pay the $200 annual fee at that time and canceled it, but did get the points.That clears it up, thanks. I should have been clearer that I was talking more about elite status (gold, platinum, exec platinum, etc) rather than the straightforward collecting of points to get miles for flights.
To get any sort of elite status on American now, you essentially have to get an American Airlines credit card. Before 2020, so long as you had flown 50,000 miles you got Platinum, 75,000, Executive Platinum, etc). That program is gone.
To get miles on American, as a way to “purchase” frequent flier flights, you can accumulate them via credit card points or purchases with an American CC. Those stay in your account so long as you are active and have flown within the last 18 months (maybe some other time frame, but there is an expiration date only if you stop flying).
Anyway, this isn’t @michaelporourke’s problem now. His problem is figuring out how to get American to refund the hefty surcharge they imposed when rebooking him on a flight that goes through Charlotte with a short connection time, rather than his original non-stop flight from Philadelphia. I still agree with @Marbe’s advice to call back, explain the problem, and then ask to speak to a supervisor.
I wished you had mentioned this critical info at the start. When the airline cancels or reschedules your original itinerary, you have leverage and this is the ideal time to request an alternative flights that work for you, for free. You can even request a refund and cancel altogether. If I remember correctly, you were asked if you accepted the new itinerary. I think you can still adjust as necessary but you didn't need a separate ticket altogether. If the airline refuses to accommodate, you can hope there is a schedule change again to be entitled for any additional changes. Airline status helps but in this scenario you should be okay.When AA canceled my direct flight (PHL-Madrid) they gave me a flight with an 1hr 10 minute connection time at CLT and didn’t offer an earlier flight for free. I had to pay AA for an earlier flight to CLT, and it was very expensive.
I was not going to call AA seeking a refund unless I saw that Minimum Connection Time policy available somewhere on the CLT airport website.
Yes, when the airline reschedules or cancels, one does have the option to get a refund, which is why I suggested [22] that if OP couldn’t get a flight to his liking he get a refund and fly non stop out of EWR on United!I wished you had mentioned this critical info at the start. When the airline cancels or reschedules your original itinerary, you have leverage and this is the ideal time to request an alternative flights that work for you, for free. You can even request a refund and cancel altogether. If I remember correctly, you were asked if you accepted the new itinerary. I think you can still adjust as necessary but you didn't need a separate ticket altogether. If the airline refuses to accommodate, you can hope there is a schedule change again to be entitled for any additional changes. Airline status helps but in this scenario you should be okay.
I wished you had mentioned this critical info at the start. When the airline cancels or reschedules your original itinerary, you have leverage and this is the ideal time to request an alternative flights that work for you, for free. You can even request a refund and cancel altogether. If I remember correctly, you were asked if you accepted the new itinerary. I think you can still adjust as necessary but you didn't need a separate ticket altogether. If the airline refuses to accommodate, you can hope there is a schedule change again to be entitled for any additional changes. Airline status helps but in this scenario you should be okay.
seems American Airlines is making many changes…because they may not have the pilot as in these smaller hubs.I didn’t accept the new itinerary; I received an email stating that “there’s been a change to your trip” with the new itinerary.
I don’t travel often and am very inexperienced. I would have pushed back had I been more seasoned about all the matters discussed on this thread, MCT policies, etc.
What's your current itinerary now? Still staying with American? Or sounds like you may have ended that American option with the latest round of changes.I didn’t accept the new itinerary; I received an email stating that “there’s been a change to your trip” with the new itinerary.
I don’t travel often and am very inexperienced. I would have pushed back had I been more seasoned about all the matters discussed on this thread, MCT policies, etc.
Good news. Things have a way of working themselves out somehow, which is no different in life and on the Camino. Go with your instinct if nothing else. Best wishes going forward. Feel free to DM me if you need to reach out directly.Just closing this news feed with two final updates:
- I spoke with a very kind AA customer service person just now. He said I should never have been charged for the earlier flight. They are going to submit a refund request. Thank you, everyone!
- I'm keeping my current itinerary (i.e., early AM flight from PHL to Charlotte to ensure I have enough buffer/connection time for my late afternoon flight to Madrid). I've been hearing horror stories from colleagues who recently flew out of JFK to Spain or Portugal.
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