Flight Reschedule. What Can I Get?

Lhabek on 01/08/2018 - 15:03
Last edited 01/08/2018 - 15:31 by 1 other user

Hi all, just wondering if any of you had had a similar experience as mine and wondering what is the best step to take?

Story is…. my and my family had a trip booked for November this year to Hong Kong flying with Cathay Pacific. Considering we have 2 small children (2 and 5), we thought a 7pm flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne is good as the kids would be able to sleep during the flight. Received an email last night saying the flight has now been changed to 00:05 the next day.

Does anyone know if this is eligible for Cathay to provide meal voucher or accommodation (even at airport hotel)? Because technically, flight has moved to "next day", and would be great if I can get a place for the kids to take a quick nap/dinner before the flight so they don't get too cranky. Also means that we can out our things somewhere on after we checked out from our hotel.

I know my chances are slim, just thought I'd ask.

Travel Asia Cathay Pacific China Hong Kong

Comments

  • Skramit on 01/08/2018 - 15:06
    +4

    Ring cathay and ask. They are ranked one of the worlds best airlines for a reason. See how you go…

  • Randxyz123 on 01/08/2018 - 15:16
    +1

    Call up and ask.

    When you call ask for a manager. Tell them you picked that flight for x,y and a reasons.

    See if there’s a earlier flight.

    • habek on 01/08/2018 - 15:59

      Will do this later tonight. Thanks

  • boomramada on 01/08/2018 - 15:22
    +5

    Let me ask Cathay for you and get back to you.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 01/08/2018 - 15:37

    It is just 5 hours and not really next day, you can chose not to accept it and ask them for alternative.

    As it is an outbound flight therefore they wont offer you accommodation, food may be but not mandatory.

  • [Deactivated] on 01/08/2018 - 15:38
    +2

    What did Cathay Pacific say when you approached them about this?

  • hawkeye on 01/08/2018 - 15:53
    +13

    They said push 5# to speak to a real person or 6# to voice to text Ozbargain forum

  • NancyCat on 01/08/2018 - 15:58
    +1

    Cathay usually have 2 night time HKG-MELB flights, CX105 departs around 7pm and CX135 departs after midnight. If I were you I would ask them to put you back on CX105 (unless for some reasons they've cancelled that flight, or they've combined two flights.)

    On the other hand, my family with 3 young kids regularly fly to HK. We always choose the midnight flight, we found the kids sleep much better. Last time, our 5 y.o. fell asleep while the plane was still taxiing on the runway, did not wake up until an hour before landing.

    • habek on 01/08/2018 - 16:02

      Yeah we booked yhe 7.30pm (cx135) flight originally, and now moved to cx105 at midnight. I have checked their schedule on the website and cx135 is now gone. My best guess is that they combined the flight.

      How did you keep the kids busy before the flight? Anything to do at hong kong airport to keep them entertained at night?

      • NancyCat on 01/08/2018 - 16:40
        +2

        HK Airport is huge! The boarding gate for flights to Melb is usually very far away from the main section of the airport (immigration & food court), takes a mini-train ride, and numerous travelators to get there. My kids love the train & travelators LOL. There's a huge food court. Lots of shops (my kids like to sample ALL the perfume at duty free!) Free Wifi, with many charging stations.

        Actually we don't spend much time at the airport, as we usually get to the airport quite late. We check-in our check-in luggage at the city check-in counters in the afternoon (after check out from the hotel) and just have hand luggage with us for the rest of the day.

  • mini2 on 01/08/2018 - 16:22

    With that much notice, I doubt it they'll be providing anything. Had a late plane change couple of years ago flying CX (HKG-PVG), all we've ended up with are a couple of lousy $75 HKD meal vouchers. See anyone on here happens to be there at the same time and guest you guys into lounges there? Worth a shot.

  • retiredfeline on 01/08/2018 - 16:25
    +1

    Also means that we can out our things somewhere on after we checked out from our hotel.

    Last time I was there you can check in your luggage at the city terminal where it will be transported to your flight, leaving you with no encumbrance for the rest of the day.

    https://www.tripsavvy.com/list-of-airlines-offering-in-town-…

    It's brilliant, more airports should offer it.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 02/08/2018 - 11:40

    any update OP?

  • habek on 02/08/2018 - 15:10

    just rang up earlier. Still on queue. But on the automatic voice thingy they said "if you booked the flight through a travel agent (which i did), please contact your travel agent for queries".

    So not liking my chances :(

  • habek on 03/08/2018 - 11:51

    Yup can confirm that Cathay can't do anything about it :(

    Oh well, looks like i'll have to find some resting lounges and rest there until midnight.
    Thanks all for the suggestions

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