Same Day Travel Advice

[sunnydelaware]

I would really appreciate it if you'd write up some same day travel advice. I'm afraid we might need it.

My DH and I booked a cruise and flights through AAA some 16 months ago. Our first, so we didn't know at the time of booking that it's better to fly in a day ahead, or we would have, we just went with the TA's plans.

Our original flights got us to Athens early enough, to catch our cruise.
But then our TA told us that Air One cancelled a bunch of flights.

So now we leave Philadelphia on Oct. 1st and arive in Rome where we catch a connecting flight to Athens and arrive at 2:00. This is the only flight we can get without paying a bunch of money (over $1,000) to change to another. We can't fly out earlier now, because of work.

Now comes the hard part... Our plane arrives at 2:00, the last HAL transfer leaves the airport at 3:00, the ship leaves the port at 6:00. Oh no, Oh no, Oh no! There's no way to get off the plane, pick up our luggage, and get through customs and get the transfer in one hour!
The TA has told us to trade in the HAL transfer and hire a private car to be waiting for us and that she's confident that this way we will make the ship. But right now, I'm not so sure.

I am trying not to panic and I think a "Plan B" would be a smart thing right now. What should we do if we get to the ship and it's too late? What should we do right now to be prepared?
If we miss the boat it will be in Alexandria, Egypt about 36 hours later.
We did purchase Travel Insurance, but after reading some the lastest threads I'm not so sure what all that covers.

This is a second honeymoon for us, our first trip without the kiddies, our youngest just left the nest. I'm afraid we might be getting into our own little Amazing Race. So please help with any advice.
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[mamaofami]

I have a friend who just sailed on another line. She flew to London, had a two hour ride to Dover and caught the ship the same day. Never in a million years would I have done that. It worked out OK for her. But, your schedule has too many loop holes with the connecting flight and it means now that two of your flights could be delayed.

If you absolutely can't fly in a day or two earlier, then yes, have a car waiting for you at the airport. But, if it were me, I would do everything I could to try to rearrange your schedule and pay the extra to fly in a day earlier. You'll wind up paying it to fly from Athens to Cairo anyway.Not to mention that you'll need a place to stay for those 36 hours.

[jhannah]

If you truly must keep your current flight arrangements, then there's no advice I can think of other than to PRAY! You could end up with all things falling right into place. Definitely arrange for a private car to pick you up. That way, even if your place arrives on time you won't be waiting on other people to board the bus.

[Krazy Kruizers]

You should definitely talk to your boss and ask for a day -- maybe withour pay -- and make arrangements to fly out early!!!

[WeLoveCruising]

Oh boy...
If you absolutely must keep those flights, be prepared with lots of information on Plan B's

Get to the airport as early as you can, call the airlines way ahead to start checking on the flight. Find alternate flights to get you from Philadelphia to Athens. That way if something happens to your flight you can ask to be put on another specific flight. We had to do this years ago when flying from Montreal to Lisbon. Our Air France flight that connected in Paris was delayed by 3 hours, which would have made us miss our connection in Paris. We knew of a Sabena flight through Brussels to Lisbon and asked at the Air France counter to be booked on that flight instead. Their first answer was no, but we persisted and they did it. That was the difference of us making the ship or being stranded in Paris.

How long is your connection in Rome? Find other Rome to Athens options so you know what they are in the worst case.

I would go for the private car too.

Also, look online for maps of the Rome and Athens airport so you know exactly where you are going.

Tell the flight attendents before landing in Athens that you are in a huge hurry, mayube they can find a way to help you, or at least help you off the plane quickly.

Also, I believe the pier isnt in Athens, but nearby? I dont know the distance from the Athens airport to the pier...maybe someone else does?

[WeLoveCruising]

Another thing is to try to talk to AAA, get a manager involved, and tell them the new flight schedule isnt acceptable. Ask for their help in getting something else. I dont know where you live, but is possible for you to drive to another airport (Newark, BWI, or Washington DC) that would have a flight with better times?

[Jade13]

You also risk arriving without your luggage since your flights are not direct. This happened to us on Lufthansa (flights on time but they put our luggage on the next flight). We came to Rome 2 days early so the airline brought our luggage to our hotel, this was after 2 hours at the airport trying to find out where our luggage was.

Did the flight schedules change? Often if this happens the airlines will change you at no additional cost. If you can not get the airlines to pay, personally i would pay myself for the earlier flight (was that $1,000 more for 2 persons or one?)

[KBD1516]

I would really appreciate it if you'd write up some same day travel advice. I'm afraid we might need it.

My DH and I booked a cruise and flights through AAA some 16 months ago. Our first, so we didn't know at the time of booking that it's better to fly in a day ahead, or we would have, we just went with the TA's plans.

Our original flights got us to Athens early enough, to catch our cruise.
But then our TA told us that Air One cancelled a bunch of flights.

So now we leave Philadelphia on Oct. 1st and arive in Rome where we catch a connecting flight to Athens and arrive at 2:00. This is the only flight we can get without paying a bunch of money (over $1,000) to change to another. We can't fly out earlier now, because of work.

Now comes the hard part... Our plane arrives at 2:00, the last HAL transfer leaves the airport at 3:00, the ship leaves the port at 6:00. Oh no, Oh no, Oh no! There's no way to get off the plane, pick up our luggage, and get through customs and get the transfer in one hour!
The TA has told us to trade in the HAL transfer and hire a private car to be waiting for us and that she's confident that this way we will make the ship. But right now, I'm not so sure.

I am trying not to panic and I think a "Plan B" would be a smart thing right now. What should we do if we get to the ship and it's too late? What should we do right now to be prepared?
If we miss the boat it will be in Alexandria, Egypt about 36 hours later.
We did purchase Travel Insurance, but after reading some the lastest threads I'm not so sure what all that covers.

This is a second honeymoon for us, our first trip without the kiddies, our youngest just left the nest. I'm afraid we might be getting into our own little Amazing Race. So please help with any advice.

http://boards12.cruisecritic.com/images/misc/progress.gif


Get a written copy of your travel insurance! That will spell out your conditions, including flight delays under trip interruption. Call the travel insurance company (directly if you can) and ASK them what is covered. Possible situations are the exact reason people buy travel insurance and there is no excuse for the traveler not to know exactly what the insurance does (or does not) cover.

Carry a copy of your insurance and everybody's phone numbers with you. If possible, set up a personal contact before you leave.

I have a friend who recently had a flight delay into Seattleand she missed her purchased transfer. Got a private taxi, the airline helped her get her luggage (no customs though) and someone called the ship. She got on board as the very last person -- the ship had already had muster. So my advice is to talk to people before and as you go along. People will try to help -- if they can.

You are smart to be looking at all your options of plan B now.

[hammybee]

International flights have a better track record over domestic flying.

The airport in Athens is relatively close to the port area.

Have a Plan B, how to get to the next port of call, Cairo, in the event that you are delayed.

Know exactly what your Trip insurance covers, versus not and who to call in the unlikely event you are delayed.

Pay particular attention to your carry-on luggage so that you have something/anything to change into, in the event your luggage is delayed. Heck, you can even wear two outfits.

Travel is so glamorous, isn't it. ;)

[jtl513]

I vote to pay the $1000 and get an earlier flight. Three days of hotel rooms and meals can burn that much up easily. I don't know how long your cruise is, but I think $1000 is worth it to protect 25% or 33% of it! :)

Here's a thought: can you downgrade your cabin to offset the extra cost flight?

[sunnydelaware]

Mamafami, We absolutley can't fly in earlier. Work schedules won't allow a change at this late date. We could have easily arranged it if it had been planned before now. You're right we'll have to pay to stay in Cairo but we'd have had to pay in Athens too. If it comes to this I'd hope that insurance would cover the flight, but in my ignorance I did not really look at the insurance. I just said "Yes, we'd like insurance, and how many formal nights are there?" I mean, that's how little I thought of it, now with a little education from you kind people I'd never do that again.

Jhannah, We'll be praying! Hope you'll pray for us too.

Krazy Kruizers, My boss said "That's Krazy Talk"

Welovecruising, The connection in Rome is, Arrive: 8:45A Depart 11:00A then Athens Greece Arrive: 2:00P I talked to the TA about other flights out of Rome and she says this is the only option.
Good ideas about maps and I will definately talk to the flight attendants, maybe they could help. According to the TA the port is 30 minutes from the airport.
We have talked to the manager of AAA, we went to AAA in the first place because we've no experience with travel plans, so I feel upset with them because we wouldn't be in this situation if they'd have advised us to get there a day early. They suggested we change flights from Philadelphia to Zurich, which would be "a true connecting flight" (whatever that means) then from Zurich to Athens which would get us there a couple of hours earlier. But this is the flight which costs $1,000 more. Now, I'm willing to pay more but there's still no guarantee these flights won't be delayed, but the TA says it's less likely,(I mean the Swiss are always on time, aren't they?) What would you do?

Jade13, ARGHHH! Luggage, another problem.

KBD1516, Yes, I need to get a copy of the insurance. I'm trying to be pro-active and find the path forward.

Thanks for all the advice, please keep it coming.

[SF Cfan]

It sure sounds like you will not have a lot of room for any sort of delay, flight, customs, baggage reclaim, traffic, etc.

By the way, a couple of port information sites report the Athens cruise terminal as "about 30 minutes from the airport."

I agree with an earlier poster, go back to your travel agent and ask for more help in booking a less Amazing-Race like flight itinerary. Here are a couple of options:

Delta Flt 132 dp JFK 3:55 p.m. ar ATH 8:50 a.m. next day
This is a direct flight, $940 round-trip depending on your return date

United Flt 8784 dp IAD (Dulles) 3:20 p.m. connecting in Munich, arriving in Athens at 11:30 a.m. These flights are operated by Lufthansa

I know that going out of JFK would mean a substantially longer drive to the airport. The direct flight and early arrival time seem pretty attractive though.

Best wishes and if you do need to stick with your current flights, you really should be fine even though it's a tight schedule - figure getting in to your hired car at 3:45 p.m. and arriving at the cruise terminal by 4:30 p.m.

[WeLoveCruising]

If this is the best you have to work with, just be prepared. You have more than two hours in Rome, so as long as you dont have any significant delays leaving PHL you should be ok with that.

There is a website that allows you to check the on time historical performance of flights. You might have some peace of mind by checking to see if your booked flights are normally on time or late. Just remember that late can mean late by only a few minutes, so dont panic. Most flights these days can be a LITTLE late with no significant problems.

Here is the site:
http://www.flightstats.com/go/FlightRating/flightRatingByRoute.do

[jtl513]

... which would be "a true connecting flight" (whatever that means) ...I think that would be a flight on one airline (or code-sharing partners) as opposed to a pair of flights on non-cooperating airlines that you have coupled yourselves.

[mamaofami]

One other thing I've read here recently. Be sure to fll out all your boarding papers and immigration forms on line so HAL has them in their computers. It seems that if you arrive less that 90 minutes before sail away, you can not board if this info isn't in the system...for security purposes.

[jtl513]

It seems that if you arrive less that 90 minutes before sail away, you can not board if this info isn't in the system...for security purposes.That's for ships sailing from U.S. ports, because of the CBP requirement to have all the passenger manifest 60 min prior. I don't think it has to be that far ahead at foreign ports.

[crusinbanjo]

I strongly agree with Mamaofami. The ride from the Athens airport to the port is about an hour long, depending on traffic. Having a private car waiting will help a lot.

look into anything to save time by not waiting for the luggage to appear from the black hole called luggage handling.



If you absolutely can't fly in a day or two earlier, then yes, have a car waiting for you at the airport. But, if it were me, I would do everything I could to try to rearrange your schedule and pay the extra to fly in a day earlier. You'll wind up paying it to fly from Athens to Cairo anyway.Not to mention that you'll need a place to stay for those 36 hours.

[cccole]

I agree with those that say have a couple plans in case you are not going to make the port intime. This way you are not scrambling and stressing to put together an alternate plan at the last minute.

And......to avoid the $1000 additional charge can you fly stand-by on the earlier flights? You can probably find out how many seats are still for sale on the flights you want and it will give you an idea of your chances. You might just check that option out.

Good luck with everything and I know you will have a great cruise, even if you join the ship a day late!!!!! Enjoy your second honeymoon!!!!! Cherie

[komo]

I think that contrary to the previous replies, you shouldn't be worried. As you're coming from Italy to Greece - both are EU countries and part of the so-called Schengen zone - there will be no passport controll. I have been to Athens airport a couple of times and it doesn't take more than 15-30 minutes to get to the taxi cabs. The cab ride to the seaport is about 45 Euros and won't take more than 60 minutes. Thus, if your flight arrives on time you should be at the port by 3.40-4 pm at latest. Good luck and don't worry!

[TCF]

You sound to me like an incredibly patient and co-operative person...especially in your attempts to sort out the problem with your TA and AAA.

However...your patient, co-operative attitude and approach have not had the desired and necessary outcome, therefore, it is now time for a bloody good temper tantrum that will get their attention!!!!

The folks on this thread have given you some options...albeit none of them ideal...but nonetherless viable options and suggestions, (one poster has given you airline, flight numbers and departure times for an alternative routing, and it is my ecxperience that where there is one there are probably more). Your TA and AAA appear to have given you nothing but excuses as to why they cannot solve the problem. Why can't they? Why have they not gone after the airline(s)? Are they working with HAL to see if their is anything it can do through their Port Agent or others on the ground in Athens?

It would appear you have two alternatives.

1. Hold your breath, hope and pray that it all works out in the end. But plan for it to fail and build in the three days with an alternative holiday plan that picks up the ship at the first port of call.

2. Bite the bullet...accept that this is going to cost you up to $1000 more than you thought for airfare....and make the arrangements that will get you to Athens and on the ship on time.

It seems to me...and I could be wrong... that your TA and AAA management is more interested in protecting their commissions on your trip than they are in making sure you get what you bought and paid for.

Call another TA and see exactly what can be done to get you from home to the ship on the day you need to have it happen and within your time constraints.

Once you know that their is an acceptable alternative to you, call the AAA TA and tell him/her that you are cancelling the air portion you have bought through them because they have done nothing to solve a problem that threatens a very important vacation, and a problem you did nothing to create. Give them 24 hours to come up with a better option than, "there is nothing we can do", and see what happens.

If they can't come up with a better solution then why should you reward them with an even bigger commission from a flight that is even more expensive?!!?

At the end of the day I think you are going to end up paying more for the trip than you had planned if you want to guarantee that the trip will happen.

I hope it all works out for you and you have the second Honeymoon and celebration that you have planned.

[TedC]

The AAA agent was VERY negligent - or VERY inexperienced - in not warning you of the risks of flying in day of departure. Airline delays and cancellations are far too prevalent these days.

I hope you make all your connections and get to the ship on time and have a GREAT cruise. Good luck.

PS: Get a new TA!

[sunnydelaware]

When my husband came home from work today I showed him this thread. This community really wowed him! He said you all are obviously smart and well traveled with alot of great advice to give. Thank you all for your kindness.
We have not decided what exactly to do yet, we are trying. We will be weighing our options and sifting through your advice, we better hurry and make a decision.
No matter what we'll get there.
I'm taking notes, so keep the advice coming.

[Bill S]

sunny--I wish I could add to "Plan B" suggestions. The only thing I can suggest is to post your dilemna over on the "Cruise Air" sub-forum within the "Cruise Discussion" forums here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=128

There are some highly knowledgeable and very experienced international air travelers, some affiliated with the airline industry, who post over there. They might be able to come up with alternatives for you to consider.

I wish you well, and I agree that in this turbulent time in the travel industry, your TA did not serve you very well with respect to the air travel segment. Even though it is possible that you will not have any problem with the current routing, you should not have to subjected to having to worry about making the ship on time.

[watchdiva]

I work for a Swiss watch company at the US hdqrts in Boca Raton and am VERY familiar with Swiss Air NY-Zurich. I can tell you their on-time departure/arrival is great. We fly staff back and forth across to Zurich on a routine basis and (except for weather delays) I honestly cannot remember the last time we had problems with any of their flights - either out of Miami or NY.

I know you don't want to spend the extra $$ BUT do you really want to stress your second honeymoon cruise with the added stress of "possibly" missing a connection when the times are so tight.

At least check out the options with Swiss Air - and talk to the AAA Manager again and if they're not open to helping you sort this out, go to the next person above them and the person above them etc. Have you tried calling AAA (not the TA but AAA itself) and explaining your dilemma.
I find it hard to believe that someout out there won't help you.......it may just be that you need to "go higher" and find out who that person is.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.....I've sailed HAL before and one thing I can assure you, once you're onboard you'll have a fantastic time!

[funcorn]

One other little thing--No matter what you decide, be sure and get some sleep/rest on the flight over so you won't be jet-lagged because you'll need to be alert when you do arrive. Good luck. I hope it works out for you.