Airline change - options?

Ivrytwr3

I logged into my flight schedule and find that due to a change to my original booking, I will now miss my connecting flight. 

• Date of Flight: 5 May 25
• Flight 1, Delta: BHM > ATL
• Flight 2, Virgin Atlantic: ATL > LHR

I specifically paid extra to ensure I flew Virgin Atlantic ATL > LHR and not with another Delta for the long haul. Speaking to Virgin they want to change flight 2 to a Delta.

I have looked at Delta and Virgin Atlantic sites and find: 

1. 5 May 25, Flight 1: BHM 1445 > ATL 1649 Delta Comfort+
2. 5 May 25, Flight 2: ATL 1815 > arriving 6 May 26 at LHR 0715, Premium - this was my original flight details, it is the first flight change that has caused the issue.

I said this to Virgin, who replied that Flight 1 is not marketed with them - whatever that means!

They can still get me back 5 May 25, but both flights are with Delta. Do i have any options here or just accept their alternative?

Thank you.

Leavemealone

Delta and Virgin offer the same flight under differing numbers - it may therefore be the same flight but virgins allocation is full so you become a Delta passenger Possible scenario. 

Ivrytwr3

It's definitely a Delta aircraft they are trying to switch me to.

eskbanker

I found it difficult to join up the dots from what was posted - are you saying that the US domestic flight has been retimed so that it's no longer practical to make the connection at ATL and that as a result they're planning to fly you on a later transatlantic flight but you're unhappy that this is with DL not VS?  If so, what's your preferred outcome?

Ivrytwr3

eskbanker said:

I found it difficult to join up the dots from what was posted - are you saying that the US domestic flight has been retimed so that it's no longer practical to make the connection at ATL and that as a result they're planning to fly you on a later transatlantic flight but you're unhappy that this is with DL not VS?  If so, what's your preferred outcome?

Correct.

Preferred outcome: earlier US Domestic flight to make the original VS transatlantic flight.

eskbanker

Bought directly from Virgin as a single-ticket through booking?

Ivrytwr3

Direct with Virgin and is the return part of the round trip booking.

400ixl

What's the objection to Delta? Personally would take a Delta transatlantic over Virgin every day of the week.

You can ask if they will change you to an earlier flight, but as they will all be Delta (as US internal) it may not be entirely within their control.

Ivrytwr3

Why do Virgin charge more for a Virgin flight if there is no difference or Delta is better?

I personally find Virgin is better - not by a massive difference, but food, service and general all roundness, i find Virgin a better flight.

bagand96

Ivrytwr3 said:

I said this to Virgin, who replied that Flight 1 is not marketed with them - whatever that means!

Ordinarily that would mean Virgin don't have a codeshare (VS flight number) attached to that flight so can't sell you a Virgin ticket on it.  However as you say it seems they do as searching on the Virgin website shows the following:

05/05 BHM - ATL 14:45 - 16:49 VS4345 (Delta operated)
05/05 ATL - BHM 18:15 - 07:15 VS104 (Virgin operated)

What fare class was your original booking under? The flight is bookable and appears to show availability in all classes (although it does show varying results and availability depending on what fare class you select for the outbound).  I wonder if your booked fare class is somehow incompatible with availability today?

That said it shouldn't really matter, it's their reschedule so they should accommodate you within reason. Try speaking to them again, pointing out the itinerary is bookable.

Ivrytwr3

Comfort+ on Delta
Premium Economy on Virgin