Flight changed, 1030 departure from LGB

[TheChefslc]

I am trying to figure out my best option here.

 

I booked flights into lgb, which was more expensive than lax. My return flight was nearly empty when purchased and seats were selected.bi got a notice that my flight that was at 1pm is now at 10:30am! And my original flight only has a couple empty seats now.

 

We are scheduled for arrival at 8am. Honestly, is this flight doable? We are a group of 6, 4 adults, 2 kids (used to traveling).

 

Flights are now $200 more expensive than when I booked.

 

 

[CruiserBruce]

You are arriving where? Can you carry off your bags? Can you assure you can be in the first few off the ship?

 

Most importantly, have you accepted the flight schedule change? If not...don't yet!

 

Its going to be a very stressful day if you stick with that flight.

[TheChefslc]

I have not accepted it, but they sent notice on the 17th(9 days ago). I have been away for a bit and haven't been able to move forward with it yet.

 

We arrive at 8am at port long beach (carnival). My understanding is we are really only 15-30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic.  but getting off the boat is the hardest part and there is no real telling how long that will take. 

 

I paid extra for our original flights into LGB of LAX. It also had a great departure time what worked very well with no stress getting off the ship and to the airport.

 

What would be some of my best options to get this resolved? Obviously I need to get with Delta on it, but I would like to have as much info as possible before reaching out to them.

 

[CruiserBruce]

Plan on a 20-25 minute drive, as traffic will build some around the port and airport.

 

I would talk to Delta, see what they can offer you. Be blunt...the flight change is very tight for you. 

 

I don't think I would try the 10:30 flight. You might make it, again, if you can get off the ship in the first few people, and grab a taxi immediately. Immigrations and Customs has been reported to be a bit inconsistent at Long Beach. Do you have TSA Pre?

 

 

[KeepCalmBearOn]

I would not choose a 10:30AM flight, but it was forced on me, I'd live with it. It is very doable if you walk off and use 2 cabs at the curb.

Edited October 27, 2022 by scottca075

[cruisinqt]

The cruise lines always encourage departing flights to be no earlier than 12 since there are so many unforeseen issues that can arise. Sometimes there are weather delays, an ill person needs to be escorted off, an unruly passenger needs security to escort them off, etc. Once on one of our cruises an older gentleman fell and was injured during debarkation. It delayed us for over an hour waiting for medical personnel and an ambulance. Stuff like this has only happened a few times for us over the years. But each time it delayed debarkation for at least an hour or more and on one cruise debarkation didn't start till 10:00 am. (I haven’t sailed out of New Orleans since.)  If it was me I’d bite the bullet and pay extra if I had to for the later flight. Even though odds are you’d probably make it if debarkation went along smoothly like it’s supposed to, the worrying about it isn’t worth it. I did an early flight like that once many years ago and the worry about making the early flight bothered me the whole trip. Good luck, I hope they work with you on changing flights. 

[skrufy]

On 10/26/2022 at 12:10 PM, CruiserBruce said:

You are arriving where? Can you carry off your bags? Can you assure you can be in the first few off the ship?

 

Most importantly, have you accepted the flight schedule change? If not...don't yet!

 

Its going to be a very stressful day if you stick with that flight.

Call your airline and tell them you can't accept the flight change. If they deny you tell them you want a later flight a no extra cost. The change was not caused by you. Southwest has done this to me on a few occasions. 10:30 is a little tight even for the short ride to LGB. 

Edited November 15, 2022 by skrufy
Addition