I wish Regent offered upgradable flights in N. America.

[UUNetBill]

On 4/17/2019 at 11:54 AM, rallydave said:

Thanks for the update.   Don't really believe the risk of delays/cancellations/missing cruise is any different using cruise line air vs purchasing your own flights.  Many people believe no matter what Regent will come to your aid, get you to the ship on time or on to the next possible boarding spot.  While Regent does at times take that approach, per the written T's and C's they absolve themselves contractually from any responsibilities for third parties of which airlines are third parties.  The airline has the ultimate responsibility and is available 24/7 while Regent may at times be difficult to contact during non-business hours and still has to make contact with the airlines.

 

We have found that directly contacting the airlines greatly speeds the process and if any of the problems exist while you are at the airport, they are available in person.  Plus, with Business Air, you have access to the airline club where the staff consists of many more senior people who will go the extra 9 yards to get you to your destination.  As far as missing the ship and having to pay for transportation and lodgings, believe it to be a wash and you will most likely need to pay in any case.  Just more reasons to leave at least a day if not two before your cruise to avoid these issues.

 

Another risk to booking your own flights is that most fights that are anywhere near your credit are highly restrictive and non-refundable.

The one time we missed a connection for a weather delay we got online and found alternate flights, called the Regent Air desk and gave them our situation and some of the options we'd found, and they had us fixed up within about 45 minutes.  Different routing than what we'd found but it actually got us to CPH quicker than the flights we'd found.  

 

Maybe our experience is atypical but I was impressed.

[sctraveler04]

On 4/17/2019 at 11:45 AM, briar14 said:

sctraveler04, we live in Greenville, usually travel from CLT for long trips, such as cruises. We often lease a car at GSP the day before leaving, drop it in CLT and do the same in reverse when returning. Costs vary by season and demand but have done this for as little as $30 each way. We prefer this to leaving a car at CLT for long periods of time.

that is an interesting-good idea.. we have a cruise in 2020 for over 3 weeks so will look into that. Was surprised that flying out of GSP was cheaper than CLT on American this fall .. altho have to have another leg but with coming home on overnight flight from SA, be glad to be closer to home this trip. Thanks for idea!