Flight Ease

[jerseygirl3]

We've used Celebrity's Choice Air several times in the past for one way flights to Europe when we've sailed a transatlantic.

 

This time we're doing Eurodam from Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale, so I checked into HAL's Flight Ease. The biggest difference is that with Choice Air, you can check flights on Celebrity's website, see what fare is offered, and book it yourself. With HAL your TA has to do it for you (unless you didn't use a TA). You tell them what flight you are interested (I knew we wanted the nonstop from Philadelphia to Barcelona overnight flight and we wanted first class seats).

 

HAL's price was 80% less than what American Airlines wanted for this same flight. The only thing is we had to pay for the cruise and air in full to protect the price we got for the flight, but we would have had to pay later anyway.

 

So we got the flight we wanted, with the seats we wanted, for a very good price.

[holacanada]

Is Flight Ease work with Cathay Pacific (from Singapore-> to Toronto) ? With a transfert in HKK ?

Am I too late to use this opportunity for a cruise in February 2016 ?

 

Thanks in advance for your attention.

 

Holacanada

Edited January 5, 2016 by holacanada

[jerseygirl3]

Is Flight Ease work with Cathay Pacific (from Singapore-> to Toronto) ? With a transfert in HKK ?

Am I too late to use this opportunity for a cruise in February 2016 ?

 

Thanks in advance for your attention.

 

Holacanada

 

 

I have no idea. You would need to have your travel agent check for you. I don't think it's too late though. If you didn't use a travel agent you can call HAL yourself. You just tell them which flight you're interested in and they will price it

[northernphoenix]

Purchased HAL Flightease for our Sudbury, Ontario CAN to Fort Lauderdale mid-February. The flights did not vary too dramatically, in price ( Air Canada ), but the best part of the inclusive fee, was the weather insurance. We live in the Near North , and weather is always a serious factor in winter travel. If there is a weather delay, the next available flight is made available, and HAL acts as an agent with the carrier. We are giving ourselves a one-day window for travel, but worst case scenario will insure that we will be delivered to the cruise, at the first available port. Any lengthy delay, a hotel is made available, at HAL's expense. This eliminates much of the frenzy of northern travel.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Should you have to cancel your cruise for whatever reason -- before final payment -- are the airline tickets refundable?

[jerseygirl3]

Should you have to cancel your cruise for whatever reason -- before final payment -- are the airline tickets refundable?

 

You know I'm not absolutely sure. I know if I elected to wait until final payment to pay for the airfare (we booked the flexible fare because it was less than the restricted, which was weird), it was fully refundable up until final payment. However, then the price wasn't guaranteed. So we elected to go ahead and pay. Now if we had to cancel before final payment, since final payment was not actually due yet, perhaps it would still be refundable. I guess I should have checked with my TA, but we have no plans to cancel unless for a medical emergency with family (or one of us), and we have travel insurance so I'm not too worried.

[Jade13]

Should you have to cancel your cruise for whatever reason -- before final payment -- are the airline tickets refundable?

 

 

It depends on what type of flights you purchase. If you purchase non refundable coach than no. HAL also sells Flex air flights that do not have to be purchased until final payment. We have one for a TA this October. The flight will be paid at final (there was no option to pay now) but base fare is guaranteed. The taxes could go up. It is a FLEX fare.

 

One of our flights was purchase using FFmiles. I was able to call the airline and have our seats selected so we can sit together. I was surprised that the airline could do this even though the flight through HAL had not been paid or ticketed. But it is the arrangement they have with HAL.

Edited January 6, 2016 by Jade13

[jerseygirl3]

It depends on what type of flights you purchase. If you purchase non refundable coach than no. HAL also sells Flex air flights that do not have to be purchased until final payment. We have one for a TA this October. The flight will be paid at final ( there was no option to pay now) but base fare is guaranteed. The taxes could go up. It is a FLEX fare.

 

One of our flights was purchase using FFmiles. I was able to call the airline and have our seats selected so we can sit together. I was surprised that the airline could do this even though the flight had not been paid or ticketed. But it is the arrangement they have with HAL.

 

 

We also booked flex. But you should read the policy attached to buying flex. Your fare is not guaranteed, nor is your ticket, until you pay for the cruise and air in full. If you wait to pay for the cruise and air ticket until final payment, your ticket and/or fare is not guaranteed. Our transatlantic isn't until November but for that reason we paid already.

[jerseygirl3]

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[jerseygirl3]

I'm trying to forward the contract from HAL that my TA sent me but I can't from my iPad. I'll try it from my laptop

[Jade13]

We also booked flex. But you should read the policy attached to buying flex. Your fare is not guaranteed, nor is your ticket, until you pay for the cruise and air in full. If you wait to pay for the cruise and air ticket until final payment, your ticket and/or fare is not guaranteed. Our transatlantic isn't until November but for that reason we paid already.

 

 

I have asked twice and so has my TA. It is not possible to pay for the air in advance on this ticket as is the case with some fares and airline contracts with HAL, but it is still considered a FLEX fare because the payment is made at final.

 

I asked all of these questions because the Celebrity FLEX/tickets that do not have to paid until final only guarantee the routing and not actual airline. I wanted to make sure I would be on the same flight with my DH. This is for a transatlantic cruise.

 

We have been told four times by HAL and by the airline directly that the fare is guaranteed and amount is on our invoice. I was also able to call the airline and get a seat assignment. I asked the airline and every arrangement is different but the one they have with HAL is that all of the bookings will be paid in bulk at final payment. The only possible change would be if the taxes go up but it would be minor since I believe I paid about 6.00 on the ticket that I purchased with FFmiles. I was surprised that the airline had my DH in the system and could give a seat assignment allow we had not paid.

 

Again, I wanted to pay in advance but it was not an option on this ticket. Every airline arrangement with HAL is different.

Edited January 6, 2016 by Jade13

[jerseygirl3]

I have asked twice and so has my TA. It is not possible to pay for the air in advance on this ticket as is the case with some fares and airline contracts with HAL, but it is still considered a FLEX fare because the payment is made at final.

 

I asked all of these questions because the Celebrity FLEX/tickets that do not have to paid until final only guarantee the routing and not actual airline. I wanted to make sure I would be on the same flight with my DH. This is for a transatlantic cruise.

 

We have been told four times by HAL and by the airline directly that the fare is guaranteed and amount is on our invoice. I was also able to call the airline and get a seat assignment. I asked the airline and every arrangement is different but the one they have with HAL is that all of the bookings will be paid in bulk at final payment. The only possible change would be if the taxes go up but it would be minor since I believe I paid about 6.00 on the ticket that I purchased with FFmiles. I was surprised that the airline had my DH in the system and could give a seat assignment allow we had not paid.

 

Again, I wanted to pay in advance but it was not an option on this ticket. Every airline arrangement with HAL is different.

 

Jade, I just hope you're not getting incorrect info. We've booked flex and we did, indeed, go ahead and pay the cruise and air in full. In fact, that was the only way my TA (who called HAL and verified it) said the fare and ticket availability was guaranteed.

 

What worries me is that they are telling you that you don't even have the option to pay now. That is completely incorrect. I've got the credit card bill and paid in full invoice to show for it!

 

Did your TA email you the contract that stipulates your fare and availability is not guaranteed until paid in full? I will go ahead and try once again to email it to you. BTW, we also had seat assignments before we paid, but when my TA reminded me that our fare and ticket wasn't guaranteed until we paid, we went ahead and paid. So just having a seat selection doesn't mean anything.

[jerseygirl3]

Here you go. The first paragraph is from my TA; the second paragraph is from HAL's flex airfare contract:

 

"I called Holland and I was told yes it is subject to change unless we pay the cruise and air in full

 

Here are the general terms and conditions for the flights, you have Flexible as that was much less the restricted for some reason :"

 

 

 

 

 

General Terms and Conditions

 

 

 

FLIGHT EASE

 

 

 

Flexible

 

Prices and Availability are not guaranteed until the cruise and air booking are paid in full. No fees will be charged for changes and cancellations made prior to the cruise final payment due date.

Edited January 6, 2016 by jerseygirl3

[chefestelle]

My experience with flight ease was not so joyous. I paid slightly more with them than if I booked online myself. My flights were changed continuously leaving me to change my seat selections myself. Ultimately, I was changed to entirely different airlines with poor connection timing. One flight was delayed. The connecting flight had no partnership with the departure airline so it wasn't held. We missed our flight and had to stay overnight in San Francisco. We were originally told by flightease that we had to fight the connecting airline ourself first to get on another flight. Only after I was unsuccessful did they step in to help. Now I have to make an insurance claim to be reimbursed for the transfers I couldn't take and hotel room I couldn't use. Now, if this had been my error, I would have been glad of the insurance. When it's their bookings that led to the loss, their transfer and their hotel booking, I think they should manage the refunds! Just my unhappy views - although the woman I ultimately dealt with in that fiasco was a pure gem!

[jerseygirl3]

My experience with flight ease was not so joyous. I paid slightly more with them than if I booked online myself. My flights were changed continuously leaving me to change my seat selections myself. Ultimately, I was changed to entirely different airlines with poor connection timing. One flight was delayed. The connecting flight had no partnership with the departure airline so it wasn't held. We missed our flight and had to stay overnight in San Francisco. We were originally told by flightease that we had to fight the connecting airline ourself first to get on another flight. Only after I was unsuccessful did they step in to help. Now I have to make an insurance claim to be reimbursed for the transfers I couldn't take and hotel room I couldn't use. Now, if this had been my error, I would have been glad of the insurance. When it's their bookings that led to the loss, their transfer and their hotel booking, I think they should manage the refunds! Just my unhappy views - although the woman I ultimately dealt with in that fiasco was a pure gem!

 

 

Did HAL change your original flight or did the airline change it? I've booked with American Airlines, and this is a standard flight that they haven't changed in a few years. It's the only evening non-stop flight (which we've taken before), so hopefully it won't change.

[chefestelle]

There were several changes. Some were HAL and some were the airline.

[jerseygirl3]

There were several changes. Some were HAL and some were the airline.

 

Gosh, I hope HAL doesn't change our flight. We have a friend traveling with us who's on the same flight, but she didn't book through HAL.

[Jade13]

.

 

 

Every contract HAL has with each airline is different and fares are different.

 

This is a direct non stop flight on Alitalia and there is no option to pay in advance. The base fare is guaranteed but the taxes could go up. It wouldn't be much since the tax is only $5.00.

 

We were told the flight / airline is guaranteed (of course as long as it is not canceled). This is important as one of us is booked on the same flight using FFmiles.

[Jade13]

My experience with flight ease was not so joyous. I paid slightly more with them than if I booked online myself. My flights were changed continuously leaving me to change my seat selections myself. Ultimately, I was changed to entirely different airlines with poor connection timing. One flight was delayed. The connecting flight had no partnership with the departure airline so it wasn't held. We missed our flight and had to stay overnight in San Francisco. We were originally told by flightease that we had to fight the connecting airline ourself first to get on another flight. Only after I was unsuccessful did they step in to help. Now I have to make an insurance claim to be reimbursed for the transfers I couldn't take and hotel room I couldn't use. Now, if this had been my error, I would have been glad of the insurance. When it's their bookings that led to the loss, their transfer and their hotel booking, I think they should manage the refunds! Just my unhappy views - although the woman I ultimately dealt with in that fiasco was a pure gem!

 

 

If a flight is canceled or there is a big change you have the right to cancel and get a refund. And you should have been able to select your new flights. I am not sure your situation on how you ended up with a connecting flight with no affiliation with the originating airline (How was your luggage going to be transferred or were you just traveling with carryon luggage?) Jet Blue? Southwest? That is a red flag to book that way in the first place. Did you know you were taking this risk?

 

As far as seat selections, regardless of how we book we always call the airline and book our own seats as far international flights.

 

We only use the cruise line sometimes for international one way flights for TA's since we often choose airlines that do not sell true one way airfare.

Edited January 7, 2016 by Jade13

[jerseygirl3]

Every contract HAL has with each airline is different and fares are different.

 

This is a direct non stop flight on Alitalia and there is no option to pay in advance. The base fare is guaranteed but the taxes could go up. It wouldn't be much since the tax is only $5.00.

 

We were told the flight / airline is guaranteed (of course as long as it is not canceled). This is important as one of us is booked on the same flight using FFmiles.

 

 

I didn't realize HALs flight policy varies from airline to airline. Our flight is the overnight nonstop PHL to BCN on American Airlines. I'm just happy the wine will be free flowing in First Class and the seats are fully reclinable so we can sleep.

[Jade13]

I didn't realize HALs flight policy varies from airline to airline. Our flight is the overnight nonstop PHL to BCN on American Airlines. I'm just happy the wine will be free flowing in First Class and the seats are fully reclinable so we can sleep.

 

 

What kind of fares are they charging for first class one way. I didn't ask about that since we do not consider Europe a long flight. Not like a 16 hour flight to Asia anyway.

 

Also, did you just pay for the airfare or were you required to pay the cruise in full as well?

Edited January 7, 2016 by Jade13

[iancal]

We are not fond of HAL or Princess flight programs. They are not particularly flexible or user friendly.

 

We have used RCI and Celebrity flight programs. They are very good. You can check air prices prior to even booking your cruise. The website lists multiple airlines, multiple prices, multiple routings. You don't need to phone your TA or the cruise line to get the information. It is available on their respective web sites. You can book very easily. You can do one ways from your disembarkation port to a destination that is not your home. Last time we tried air was on Princess. It was a comparatively brutal process and CSR could not or would not get us a price on air home from Australia.

 

We have only used cruise air twice. We have always been able to get as good or better air fare on our own.

[jerseygirl3]

What kind of fares are they charging for first class one way. I didn't ask about that since we do not consider Europe a long flight. Not like a 16 hour flight to Asia anyway.

 

Also, did you just pay for the airfare or were you required to pay the cruise in full as well?

 

Well, American Airlines is charging $6,200/pp for a one way (which is insane, I would never pay that...well, maybe if I win the Powerball!!!LOL).

 

HAL is charging $1,200/pp. If it was a daytime flight we might go coach, but for an overnight flight, we really like those flat lying seats and all the other perks that go along with First Class. We arrive in Europe well rested and hit the ground running.

[CJcruzer]

We also booked flex. But you should read the policy attached to buying flex. Your fare is not guaranteed, nor is your ticket, until you pay for the cruise and air in full. If you wait to pay for the cruise and air ticket until final payment, your ticket and/or fare is not guaranteed. Our transatlantic isn't until November but for that reason we paid already.

 

I just booked flex fare with HAL, and my air is not due until cruise final payment...However, the base fare IS GUARANTEED, the amount appears on my invoice...only taxes/fees could change. Then again, I can have it removed from the booking before final payment, possibly even re-fare with HAL for other air options(different airline).

 

the TA I have worked with for the past 10 years is VERY thorough and knowledgeable, we travel quite often and I have complete faith in what he tells me, as he would not steer me wrong.

 

Carol

Edited January 8, 2016 by CJcruzer

[RMLincoln]

Well, American Airlines is charging $6,200/pp for a one way (which is insane, I would never pay that...well, maybe if I win the Powerball!!!LOL).

 

HAL is charging $1,200/pp. If it was a daytime flight we might go coach, but for an overnight flight, we really like those flat lying seats and all the other perks that go along with First Class. We arrive in Europe well rested and hit the ground running.

 

Is that the price for First Class?? Wow that sounds like a deal too good to be true! We like to do a flight to Europe, land tours and a cruise back. Thanks, m--