[RegulateAirlines]

I made reservations for my son to fly home for Thanksgiving on Thursday morning. After weeks, AA sends me an update saying they decided to cancel that flight and will bring him home 3 hours later than we had planned. Of course, that messes up our entire Thanksgiving day program.

I called them and talked to Sarah Pena of AA's Southern Reservation Office and she says basically tough luck. I explained to her the situation and suggested that they put him on another airline or fly him home on Wednesday afternoon/evening.

Although AA has flights available on Wed but not in the same fare category, they will not make the change. I explained how this will mess up all our Thanksgiving plans and Sarah says, "I dont care".

I think, it is about time there are laws to limit the Airline abuse. Why do we as customers have to $100 to $150 change fee and airlines can get away with a simple - sorry we cant do anything.

Also, one of the things Sarah said is that she has been an agent at AA for 23 years and she knows what should happen...take it or leave it.

Any advice what I can do? I am tired of being bullied by airlines.

[Silent Bob]

They actually have it in their contract of carriage that says they take no responsibility for schedule changes. You can try calling back again and talking to another agent who might be more sympathetic to your plight, try calling their customer service line, or if its "really" that important, pay the fee and enjoy thanksgiving. Try continental or United as, to me, they are flexible when it comes to schedule changes and have always made changes with no additional charge. (at least in my experience)

[screennamie]

Like wise. Plans change. Especially around the holidays. If you're traveling on the day of a US holiday and get where you expect to go, given everything that can go wrong; consider your self lucky.

Schedule changes, maitenance, weather are all huge factors while traveling by air and should be planned for accordingly. Everyone recomends 2hrs arrival before check in. I say 24hrs too travel before you want to be anywhere. Especially on a holiday.

Why is it so difficult to plan something one day in advance.

[jimworcs]

Perhaps airlines shouldn't bother posting schedules if we all have to allow an extra two days to allow for their incompetance. It's ridiculous!

[screennamie]

Perhaps. Then people would argue why can't I be scheduled somewhere and wonder why a flight is charter instead.