priceline is on my list...

From priceline.com:

"In most cases, Priceline Vacations Packages cannot be changed; cancelled, refunded or transferred once your package is purchased. This policy is what allows you to save so much on your vacation."

That's what it says in the customer service area of their site.

To me, "in most cases" implies that in some cases, packages can be changed.

American Airlines has two flights departing from LAX on the same day, for the same price, one at 6am, and the other at 11:10pm. I want to get off the 6am flight, and get on the 11:10pm flight.

Priceline says it's not possible.

American Airlines says it's not possible because the tickets are from Priceline, who says it's not possible.

Ironically, if I would have gotten the damned tickets from American Airlines in the first place, instead of from Priceline, I would have paid about $26 less for the same fucking tickets.

So, I officially do not endorse the use of Priceline, as they are inflexible pricks.

I gave them a plausible and understandable reason for the flight time change.

The people at Priceline don't care that theoretically my entire family will be in L.A. on that Sunday, following a theoretical cousin's wedding on Saturday, theoretically gathering together for the first time in over 8 years, and wanting to get together for a theoretically impromptu reunion that doesn't involve a ceremony or a reception afterward.

They're all like, "Too bad, loser. You bought the tickets, so live with it."

Me, I'd be all like, "Oh, my gosh! Everyone together for the first time in over 8 years for the celebration of a loved one's nuptials? Since the rules can be tweaked every once in a while, let's do it this time so that a happy gathering can happen just this one for this woman's family. How sad if they were all there except for her."

Sure, I really want to stay the extra few hours so that I am getting the most bang for my buck -- who takes a 3-day trip out of town to only really be gone two days, and leave before the crack of dawn on the third day? I mean, really? I'd have to be at the airport at like 3am on Sunday morning, for fuck's sake. That's CRAZY.

I really can't imagine that there are zillions of people clamoring to get back into Chicago at 5am on Monday morning. after all. Otherwise, not the same price for tickets and whatnot.

I sent them a nastygram, and am publicly condemning them for now.