Change of schedule – what are my rights?

[yonasl]

Hello,

Hopefully you guys can help me with the following.

MAD to Japan open jaw ticketed with JAL in business class.

I am based in LON but from MAD so going there for relocation is also an excuse to see family.

Original fights:
MAD-HEL-HND-CTS (AY then JAL)
ITM-HND-LHR-MAD (JAL then IB)

This was booked a few months back for March 2024 so I knew flights will change as the schedules are different due to the Russian airspace being closed.

I just got an email informing me that the HEL-HND will arrive much later (like 4hrs later). This is not really convenient as I then have to drive 2hrs to Furano. JAL hasn’t given more information atm.

I also expect changes on the HND-LHR return as it is currently leaving at 9am while the booked flight I have says 11am. I expect at some point they will change that making the ITM-HND connection too tight.

I am not interested in a refund but instead to get to my destination on the original dates.

I was thinking on:
– waiting a little longer for the return to also change schedule
– find a better OneWorld alternative for my flights
– ask JAL to rebook me into that

Some of the options are for instance:
MAD-LHR-HND-CTS (IB and BA)
And
ITM-HND-HEL-LHR-MAD (AY then IB)

What are the obligations of JAL given this change of schedule?

Would they rebook me in most AY/IB/BA/JAL combos?

Can I request a change from the MAD departing airport to LHR for instance? (with the excuse that saves them extra flights but in my case saving me the relocation flights)?

And to the J frequent flyers: should I push to try fly with JAL if AY or BA J is offered? I really wanted to try them in business as part of the Japan experience!

Thanks!

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

Can I request a change from the MAD departing airport to LHR for instance? (with the excuse that saves them extra flights but in my case saving me the relocation flights)?

Yes they will allow that on payment of the repriced fare.

The “saves them extra flights” isn’t an argument that works this far out. It only happens very close into departure and there are irrops.

[JDB]

@yonasi – for the return where you anticipate changes, I’m sure you realise that you have no EC261 rights but for the outbound flights, the schedule changing by four hours equates to a cancellation giving rise to EC261 rerouting rights. However these are probably more difficult to enforce than UK261 rights; you are, as a practical matter, going to need AY/JL goodwill to resolve. You probably know that enforcing EC261 rights in Spain is a disaster area and that AESA and the Ministry have zero interest. You might have better luck in Finland, but realistically you need to talk to JAL to ask for their help in rebooking, although I believe they will deal with this as a schedule change rather than a cancellation so may not be super cooperative/flexible. I wouldn’t be too heavy handed as that may worsen matters.

[yonasl]

Thank you guys. Indeed, the return won’t have EU261 protection that is why waiting for the schedule change for both out and inbound could make sense.

The main thing is to get to Japan in time (which I should be able to do. No flights cancelled just some delays).

The sad thing is the best option is not IB to LHR and then BA and I was really looking forward to the JAL experience (unless somebody tells me it is just like any other airline and not to focus too much on that).

[yonasl]

Spoke to JAL today and they are happy to rebook into other options. Strangely I can move to IB/BA or Finnair flights but any JAL combination I propose they want to charge more.

Little annoying as I wanted to make flying JAL per of a Japan trip.