I booked a flight in June for the Christmas holidays to Christchurch NZ from Melbourne (direct) with Virgin Blue (Pacific Air). I am flying out 3 days before XMAS. I have already organised accommocation and car rental, and was very alarmed to receive an email from Pacific Air that they had changed my flights and the departure times.
My previous (direct flight) back to Melbourne from Christchurch (4.30pm departure) was changed to a 2-route flight from Christchurch to Brisbane (early morning flight) (long delay in Brisbane) and departing from Brisbane to Melbourne arriving near midnight.
I explained that there would be no way I could meet this earlier flight as I would be at the bottom of the South Island. All they could do was offer me a flight the next day. Of course I have to book another nights accommodation at my expense!
I have noticed that Pacific Air have already starting to connect Melbourne departing flights to Christchurch NZ (and are re-routing them to Sydney or Melbourne) and vice versa from NZ to Melbourne re Syd/Bris.
Will there be more inconvenience for customers who have previously booked direct flights? It doesn't seem fare when the airline changed flights and departure times for no reason. (especially during XMAS holidays)
Do they not realise that customers have already booked early and have organised accommodation, car hire or connecting flights in NZ will be harshly disadvanted?
Any advice. Is this normal or has anyone experienced this significant convenience?
My previous (direct flight) back to Melbourne from Christchurch (4.30pm departure) was changed to a 2-route flight from Christchurch to Brisbane (early morning flight) (long delay in Brisbane) and departing from Brisbane to Melbourne arriving near midnight.
I explained that there would be no way I could meet this earlier flight as I would be at the bottom of the South Island. All they could do was offer me a flight the next day. Of course I have to book another nights accommodation at my expense!
I have noticed that Pacific Air have already starting to connect Melbourne departing flights to Christchurch NZ (and are re-routing them to Sydney or Melbourne) and vice versa from NZ to Melbourne re Syd/Bris.
Will there be more inconvenience for customers who have previously booked direct flights? It doesn't seem fare when the airline changed flights and departure times for no reason. (especially during XMAS holidays)
Do they not realise that customers have already booked early and have organised accommodation, car hire or connecting flights in NZ will be harshly disadvanted?
Any advice. Is this normal or has anyone experienced this significant convenience?