Package Flight slot change - any redress?

[IndianaMac]

Morning all, first post on the Dibb for donkeys in the actual holiday bit rather than general chat etc... missing this part, though not happy on the reason for this particular post!

Short version, our August '20 package with Ocean Florida was fully paid, and rather than fight/wait for refunds etc, we worked with OF to shift to August '21.

So on doing so, our new booking for next August has flight times that were consistent with VS75/VS76 (ie, morning flight out, afternoon flight home), and with the extra year and scope to throw a bob or two more at the hols, we upgraded to Virgin Upper for the return... so they've got a lot of our money, and had the lion's share of it since June/July...

Had an email today saying they're moving us to the afternoon flight out and evening flight home (VS73/74 timings).

Not terribly happy about it, as the late flight out means our first night (where we've a Park Reservation for HS) is likely completely scuppered, and what can you do with your last day and an evening flight home when you're basically stuck with your cases in a hotel lobby after checkout.

Anyone had similar happen and been able to argue a case for getting the booking back to the original flights? Virgin website is still showing the early flight as scheduled, so it's not as if we're being shifted because the 'plane is no longer flying.

I'd wager we'd have more of a case if the flight number had been specified, but then, is there a case since our time slot was specified.

Thoughts appreciated all, tia.

[uktigg]

If you are flying on a VS flight, providing they start it up again, you should be able to get rid of luggage at Disney Springs check in on your morning of departure, so that all you have with you for the rest of the day is your carry on.

[rafjen]

Package holiday companies often change the times and it will be build into their terms and agreements. They can make minor changes without offering any compensation or a refund. We found this out the hard way when they changed us from direct to indirect flights ( the original flight were still scheduled) - Told us this was a minor change as per terms and conditions and basically tough. No amount calls/speaking to mangers would change it. We were furious as we have 3 kids and would not have booked indirect- and certainly not at that price. A change of time by a few hours will most likely be considered a minor change.
The issue is common when you book before flights are confirmed and the companies get an allocation of seats from the flight companies. They book on what they are expecting but if they don''t get them the customer is out of luck.

[Baltic]

We always put our luggage with bell service on our last day and then go to the parks.

[DisneyCupcake]

Originally Posted by IndianaMac

Morning all, first post on the Dibb for donkeys in the actual holiday bit rather than general chat etc... missing this part, though not happy on the reason for this particular post!

Short version, our August '20 package with Ocean Florida was fully paid, and rather than fight/wait for refunds etc, we worked with OF to shift to August '21.

So on doing so, our new booking for next August has flight times that were consistent with VS75/VS76 (ie, morning flight out, afternoon flight home), and with the extra year and scope to throw a bob or two more at the hols, we upgraded to Virgin Upper for the return... so they've got a lot of our money, and had the lion's share of it since June/July...

Had an email today saying they're moving us to the afternoon flight out and evening flight home (VS73/74 timings).

Not terribly happy about it, as the late flight out means our first night (where we've a Park Reservation for HS) is likely completely scuppered, and what can you do with your last day and an evening flight home when you're basically stuck with your cases in a hotel lobby after checkout.

Anyone had similar happen and been able to argue a case for getting the booking back to the original flights? Virgin website is still showing the early flight as scheduled, so it's not as if we're being shifted because the 'plane is no longer flying.

I'd wager we'd have more of a case if the flight number had been specified, but then, is there a case since our time slot was specified.

Thoughts appreciated all, tia.

See more...

You need to read through carefully the Terms and Conditions that you have with Ocean Florida and see if the changes that have taken place are covered. Then contact OF to find out what your options are.

[disneymummy]

I like an evening flight home. When we were there in Feb our flight home was 9pm with aer lingus. We checked out of the room early morning, left the bags at bell services and went to epcot.

[IndianaMac]

Well, MrsIndiana queried OF, and they've put us back to the early outbound flight... Result, methinks; can make something of that first evening