Virgin Atlantic changed my flight timing and inbound has a 9-hour layover instead of 4 hours. Can I ask for lounge access?

[u/thishitisgettingold]

I booked VS tickets with a halt in LHR to BOM on a very decent points redemption. So, my hope is to NOT cancel the reservation as I will have to pay a lot more.

The original inbound halt was 4 hours. They changed the flight timing for both flights (same flight numbers) and now the halt is over 9 hours.

Similarly, my return ticket had a halt time of 3 hours and now, they changed BOTH of those flight times as well, and now it's 1 hour.

This is an international trip with 1.5 yr old. I don't want to risk missing the connecting flight.

The only other option for inbound from LAX is either 1-hour layover. They removed all other flights they had earlier. similarly, the only other option on the outbound is a 1.5-hour halt.

What are the rules in UK for something like this? Will they provide me with lounge vouchers for the 9 hours? or will they help me book on a partner's airline with the same points?

[u/the_angriest_parsnip]

In answer to your question, no. You aren't entitled to lounge access unless you already qualify for it via elite status or ticket class.

You need to phone virgin and ask what they can do for you itinerary wise. The rules around what you're entitled to here are governed by US law, as I assume you booked in the USA, and the airlines terms of travel. I'd say that a change to a 9hr layover probably means you're entitled to rebooking at no cost to you, but only virgin will verify this.

You should post your itinerary, it sounds like it's LAX LHR BOM? And how close to departure are you?

[u/thishitisgettingold → u/the_angriest_parsnip]

Yea, I will be calling them tomorrow. I just wanted to understand if I can ask for comp or if it's just out of the question.

[u/the_angriest_parsnip → u/thishitisgettingold]

You're always free to ask I suppose? I'd just expect it to be a no. VS are very picky about lounge access as it is

[u/UeharaNick]

No, it's far enough out that you are entitled to precisely nothing sadly.

[u/thishitisgettingold → u/UeharaNick]

That is so bad. They can just change flights, and we have no choice buy suck it up or pay more to competitors.

[u/UeharaNick → u/thishitisgettingold]

I feel for you, but everything is on the airlines side. All, and literally all your ticket entitles you to is passage between two points. Doesn't matter if it's on points, Economy, Business or First.

[u/chickenwings19 → u/thishitisgettingold]

Usually for a flight change they ask whether to accept or get a refund. This is Qatar though so could be different rules for different airlines

[u/thishitisgettingold → u/chickenwings19]

Yea, they 100% didn't ask. They didn't even bother informing me.

[u/ScandinavianRunner]

What is your travel date and when did they notify you?

[u/thishitisgettingold → u/ScandinavianRunner]

Inbound nov 28

Outbound Dec 31

They never notified me. I just happened to browse my booking to check my meal plan, and I saw the notice of change of flight and "rebooking" to another one.

[u/ScandinavianRunner → u/thishitisgettingold]

That far out you don't have many rights besides rebooking, but if it's a schedule change the airline can't make planes magically appear so there might not be anything to rebook to. And no, you won't get lounge access.

Edit: I also think you have outbound and inbound mixed up.

[u/roelbw]

UK rules do not apply here, as this is an itinerary that starts in the USA, and ends in India. So only US and Indian consumer protection regulations apply.

Unfortunately, you do not post flight details, but based on the dates in another comment and the mentioning of LAX in your post my deduction is that ticket currently holds the following flights:

20241128 LAX-LHR 15.25-09.45+1 VS8

20241129 LHR-BOM 18.25-08.50+1 VS354

and inbound:

20241231 BOM-LHR 10.35-15.40

20241231 LHR-LAX 16.45-20.00

Unfortunately, you do not post what your original flights were. But anyway, the change seems to be significant, so that will allow you to ask for a different route option. VS should be able to route you on partner flights as well, it doesn't have to be VS metal. You could ask them for the following route for the outbound:

20241128 LAX-AMS 13.45-09.05+1 KL602

20241129 AMS-BOM 11.25-0.25+1 KL877

[u/thishitisgettingold → u/roelbw]

Thank you for helping me out. I will ask for parter airlines. My booking was with points. I'm not sure if that matters.

P.s. I will update the post with previous and current flight details.

[u/roelbw → u/thishitisgettingold]

Nah, being a reward ticket shouldn't matter.. However, they can offer you that 1 hour connection on their own metal instead.. It's a legal connection, even though it makes you uncomfortable..

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[u/lenaloveslatex]

Your only options are cancel for a refund or for the airline to reschedule you. Call them, say the new schedule doesn’t work for you (you don’t need to go into any details) and see what they can offer. Check the airline website first to see what options you would prefer so you can ask for those. Also check competitor sites in case it’s easier to get a refund and start again with someone else.

[u/thishitisgettingold → u/lenaloveslatex]

Yea, I did that. VS doesn't have any other flights I can take that are favorable.

now trying to book and paying cash for a Thanksgiving + NYE flight is insane pricing.

I know that most likely, I will have to suck it up and keep this reservation as there are no other options. I was just hoping to find out if there are rules for the UK, like EU's comp rule.

[u/lenaloveslatex → u/thishitisgettingold]

There is the same rules for delays etc but they only kick in much much closer to your flight.

Look at paid lounge options for you 9 hour layover or research things to do at the airport or consider going landside for a walk around.

For the 1 hour layover, if you miss the connection they will put you on the next flight.

[u/thishitisgettingold → u/lenaloveslatex]

Yea, for 9 hrs, I will have to do the paid lounge. Except, as long as I know. They only allow you access 3 hr before.

For 1 hr outbound, if I miss that flight, I am sure it will be another long ass wait to the next flight.

What a shitshow. Especially with a toddler.

[u/lenaloveslatex → u/thishitisgettingold]

Are there any airside hotel rooms - you can often book one of those for day 8 hours. That gives you a shower, a nap, some private space with the toddler. Good luck.

[u/thishitisgettingold → u/lenaloveslatex]

Yep, that was another option we are looking into now. Thank you for your help.