Beware of Expedia

On Tuesday, April 9th, 2007, I was scheduled to fly on Delta flight 1110 at 4:40 pm out of Dallas (DFW), connecting in Atlanta, and continuing on to arrive in Manchester (MHT) at 10:45 pm on flight 4552. I purchased this return flight through Expedia. Upon arrival at DFW, we were informed by a Delta agent that our connection time was illegal, and that we had no chance of making our connection in Atlanta. The Delta agent at the gate told us to call Expedia to see if you could accommodate us in finding another flight home to Manchester. The agent I spoke with told us that there was absolutely nothing that could be done for us. That even though the error of booking a flight was with Expedia (and, us I realize for not noticing the shortness of the switch). I asked if it would be possible for Expedia to find us another flight home, but were told that that would also be impossible. By this time, I was growing frustrated with the customer service rep and he with me, so I asked to speak to his supervisor. I was told that there was no point because he would tell me the same thing. At this point the Delta agent told us they would be able to get us out of Atlanta the following morning. I then asked the Expedia rep if they could accommodate us in Atlanta for the evening, and were told that they also, could not assist us in this. At this point I again asked for a supervisor, and was promptly hung up on. I am an avid traveler and have often used Expedia with no problems; however, what appears to be the case is that you have no problems unless there is some kind of glitch in your flight or hotel, which, in that case there is, nothing you can do. I was extremely disappointed with Expedia and am not sure I have the confidence to use your travel service again in the future. I contacted Expedia and recieved a canned reply response about two weeks after my initial email. I was very disappointed and replied to the email, only to recieve an additional canned reply. I have used Expedia in the past and had no problems, but it appears when you do, they are unable and unwilling to help.

Beware of Expedia

I had a experience with Expedia while traveling in South America this spring that almost mirrors the one experienced by ';VacationLover58';, and will never book my flights through Expedia again. I, too, am an avid traveler who has used Expedia for several years to reserve hotel rooms and book flights for different parts of trips through the United States, Europe, Asia and South America. While I still might use Expedia to book hotel rooms, the problems associated with incorrect booking of flights have cured me of using any web sites to finalize flight reservations but those of the airlines themselves.

Beware of Expedia

This is interesting, if nasty.

First of all, this is likely to be an issue with any on-line travel company. They are geared up to deal on-line. But even if you book with a travel agent, the opportunity to deal with a last-minute problem is limited. I doubt whether any agent would agree to foot the bill for a last-minute change of flight, even if it is their fault. The best option is to book with the airline direct, assuming the price is right

Secondly, all airlines operate by ';minimum connection times';. Each airport would have a designated ';MCT'; of say 1 - 2 hours. This is the minimum time necessary to connect between flights. In theory booking systems take this into account when booking connecting flights but possibly this only works if you book a through flight, ie from A to C via B. If you book 2 legs separately the sytem does not work.

But even recommended MCTs need to be considered with care. If an airline books a connecting flight say 1 hour later, they are making a big assumption ie that the inbound flight will be on time. At least, if you book the two legs with teh same airline, they will make the extra effort to rush you via transit if there is a delay.

When Delta says the connecting time was ';illegal'; presumably they meant that it was less than the MCT and that either Expedia%26#39;s system somehow did not communicate effectively with the Delta booking system or the two legs were booked separately