Cancelled flights - compensation for lost resort accomodation - Timeshare Users Group Online Community Forums

Kola · February 6, 2008, 09:05 PM

I would welcome advice regarding the merit of our potential claim against United Airlines for the loss of two nights accomodation at a Marriott's resort due to cancellation of their flights to Ft. Lauderdale in January first due to weather conditions and the next day because of mechanical problems. The first cancellation shortly before our original scheduled departure on Sunday forced us to return home from the airport while UA rebooked us for the Monday flight. We were not compensated for the cost of travel to and from the airport. The UA flight on Monday took us only about half way because of mechanical problems with the scheduled connecting flight. While UA provided overnight hotel accomodation and rescheduled our connecting flight for the next day, we only managed to arrive at the resort on Tuesday. Thus we lost two nights of the full seven nights resort accomodation. As this was an exchange, obviously we have no claim against the resort. I wonder if anyone has successfully claimed compensation against the airline in similar circumstances.
Kola

dougp26364 · February 6, 2008, 09:24 PM

I don't think you have much legal ground to stand on. This is one of those times where travel insurance might have helped but I doubt you'll get much out of UA. Perhaps a few thousand FF miles for your inconvenience but that's about it.

UA is not responsible for weather delays. If they put you up in a hotel due to the mech. issues then I believe they've essentially fullfilled their obligation to travelers inconveniencd on that portion of your trip.

There's an old saying I repeat to myself every time we fly. If you have time to spare, go by air. Airlines seem to be pretty much bullet proof unless you are bumped involuntarily from a flight.

camachinist · February 6, 2008, 09:40 PM

https://secure.unitedmileageplus.com/CPR.jsp

Give 'em heck...

Dave M · February 6, 2008, 11:14 PM

I'm sorry about your troubles. I wish I had good news.

As Pat suggests, give 'em heck. But writing that complaint is the only thing that will make you feel good.

The airlines don't promise to get you to your destination at any specific time. UA's Contract of Carriage is similar to that of other airlines in that it specifically states that its schedules are subject to change and that it won't be held responsible for losses such as yours. That's what travel insurance is for.

Numerous people have tried to hold airlines responsible for claims such as yours. Unless the airline has done something grossly negligent, which they haven't in this case, every claimant has lost in the courts.

Thus, complain and hope they send you a $100 certificate good towards a future flight. Then consider travel insurance next time.

camachinist · February 7, 2008, 12:25 AM

Based on annecdotes of compensation for mx/cncl through the linked portal related on Flyertalk, I believe the OP has a good chance of getting something substantial (not cash) for their second delay.

Be aware such compensation is often as much a function of status (elite flyer status with the airline) as it is the type and severity of the issue. But, it never hurts to try. Sending a snail mail letter to WHQ in Chicago wouldn't hurt either. Squeaky wheels and all that.

IMO, if you do complain, don't focus on the missed nights at the Marriott, rather on their failure to transport you in a timely manner due to circumstances under their control.

Pat

Kola · February 7, 2008, 12:53 PM

Thanks for your thoughts. As Pat suggested, I wrote to give them heck. And as Dave said, writing my complaint was the thing that made me feel good.

Now, let's wait and see what happens next. Probably nothing

Thanks anyway.

K.

February 6, 2008, 09:05 PM	#1
Kola Guest BBS Reg. Date: Jul 4, 05 Posts: 1,003	Cancelled flights - compensation for lost resort accomodation I would welcome advice regarding the merit of our potential claim against United Airlines for the loss of two nights accomodation at a Marriott's resort due to cancellation of their flights to Ft. Lauderdale in January first due to weather conditions and the next day because of mechanical problems. The first cancellation shortly before our original scheduled departure on Sunday forced us to return home from the airport while UA rebooked us for the Monday flight. We were not compensated for the cost of travel to and from the airport. The UA flight on Monday took us only about half way because of mechanical problems with the scheduled connecting flight. While UA provided overnight hotel accomodation and rescheduled our connecting flight for the next day, we only managed to arrive at the resort on Tuesday. Thus we lost two nights of the full seven nights resort accomodation. As this was an exchange, obviously we have no claim against the resort. I wonder if anyone has successfully claimed compensation against the airline in similar circumstances. Kola

February 6, 2008, 09:24 PM	#2
dougp26364 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 5,357 Resorts: Polo Towers, Marriott's Ocean Pointe & Grand Chateau, HGVC LV Strip, Grand Regency, French Quarter resort Branson, MO	I don't think you have much legal ground to stand on. This is one of those times where travel insurance might have helped but I doubt you'll get much out of UA. Perhaps a few thousand FF miles for your inconvenience but that's about it. UA is not responsible for weather delays. If they put you up in a hotel due to the mech. issues then I believe they've essentially fullfilled their obligation to travelers inconveniencd on that portion of your trip. There's an old saying I repeat to myself every time we fly. If you have time to spare, go by air. Airlines seem to be pretty much bullet proof unless you are bumped involuntarily from a flight. __________________ Timeshare photo's http://community.webshots.com/user/dougp26364 Up Next: Branson, Carib. Cruise, Kauai, Hilton Head, Lake Tahoe, Breckenridge, Branson, W. Palm Beach

February 6, 2008, 09:40 PM	#3
camachinist TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Central California Posts: 2,305	https://secure.unitedmileageplus.com/CPR.jsp Give 'em heck... __________________ http://www.myspace.com/camachinist Visit my Alzheimer's/Dementia Discussion Forum

February 7, 2008, 12:25 AM	#5
camachinist TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Central California Posts: 2,305	Based on annecdotes of compensation for mx/cncl through the linked portal related on Flyertalk, I believe the OP has a good chance of getting something substantial (not cash) for their second delay. Be aware such compensation is often as much a function of status (elite flyer status with the airline) as it is the type and severity of the issue. But, it never hurts to try. Sending a snail mail letter to WHQ in Chicago wouldn't hurt either. Squeaky wheels and all that. IMO, if you do complain, don't focus on the missed nights at the Marriott, rather on their failure to transport you in a timely manner due to circumstances under their control. Pat __________________ http://www.myspace.com/camachinist Visit my Alzheimer's/Dementia Discussion Forum

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February 6, 2008, 11:14 PM	#4
Dave M Moderator TUG Lifetime Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 16, 04 Location: Sun City Hilton Head, SC Posts: 11,351	I'm sorry about your troubles. I wish I had good news. As Pat suggests, give 'em heck. But writing that complaint is the only thing that will make you feel good. The airlines don't promise to get you to your destination at any specific time. UA's Contract of Carriage is similar to that of other airlines in that it specifically states that its schedules are subject to change and that it won't be held responsible for losses such as yours. That's what travel insurance is for. Numerous people have tried to hold airlines responsible for claims such as yours. Unless the airline has done something grossly negligent, which they haven't in this case, every claimant has lost in the courts. Thus, complain and hope they send you a $100 certificate good towards a future flight. Then consider travel insurance next time.

February 7, 2008, 12:53 PM	#6
Kola Guest BBS Reg. Date: Jul 4, 05 Posts: 1,003	Thanks for your thoughts. As Pat suggested, I wrote to give them heck. And as Dave said, writing my complaint was the thing that made me feel good. Now, let's wait and see what happens next. Probably nothing Thanks anyway. K.