BA response time to complaint?
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@M.I.D. Sorry, any sympathy I felt has evaporated.
You are acting like a spoilt, petulant, selfish and irresponsible child.
Many people couldn't afford to send their child to a Spanish summer-camp for several weeks.
A mature and responsible parent would have made sure they had adequate insurance in place to cover any eventuality that a robust, 11-year old boy,without parental supervision ,in a strange country, is likely to get up to.
What the heck were you thinking of? clearing off to blighty and leaving your precious offspring with a load of strangers?
Like Violet Elizabeth Bott, you worked yourself up into a state of hysteria and then have the temerity to to bad-mouth the staff, having to keep a cabin -full of pax happy when there's a mentally unstable pax. who is irrational and sick, loading the responsibility for her welfare, on top of their regular duties.
You attempt to excuse your initial posts on here by claiming to be over-tired and that is an excuse for your irrational behaviour.
Regarding the phone......OK you had limited credit.....TEXT ! E-Mail!
(there are "internet cafes, wifi hotspots etc. all over the world)
You're bright enough to book your son a holiday abroad, yet unaware that the British Government has EMBASSIES abroad, especially to serve it's citizens. You also didn't stop to consider that the airfare would have paid for a change of clothes and a hotel or guest-house room ,so you could stay with your poor,sick, abandoned child.
Enough with the histrionics. You're big enough to have produced a child 11 years ago, your mental maturity , it seems, has not kept pace.
I'm tempted to ask, "Where is the child's father, in all this ?"
.....but I think you've already answered that.
It's likely I'll be judged as being harsh and this post gets moderated, or the same response as captivep but your behaviour towards even an underperforming legacy-carrier, is totally unreasonable.
Look in the mirror, drama Queen, and ask yourself some tough questions.
You are acting like a spoilt, petulant, selfish and irresponsible child.
Many people couldn't afford to send their child to a Spanish summer-camp for several weeks.
A mature and responsible parent would have made sure they had adequate insurance in place to cover any eventuality that a robust, 11-year old boy,without parental supervision ,in a strange country, is likely to get up to.
What the heck were you thinking of? clearing off to blighty and leaving your precious offspring with a load of strangers?
Like Violet Elizabeth Bott, you worked yourself up into a state of hysteria and then have the temerity to to bad-mouth the staff, having to keep a cabin -full of pax happy when there's a mentally unstable pax. who is irrational and sick, loading the responsibility for her welfare, on top of their regular duties.
You attempt to excuse your initial posts on here by claiming to be over-tired and that is an excuse for your irrational behaviour.
Regarding the phone......OK you had limited credit.....TEXT ! E-Mail!
(there are "internet cafes, wifi hotspots etc. all over the world)
You're bright enough to book your son a holiday abroad, yet unaware that the British Government has EMBASSIES abroad, especially to serve it's citizens. You also didn't stop to consider that the airfare would have paid for a change of clothes and a hotel or guest-house room ,so you could stay with your poor,sick, abandoned child.
Enough with the histrionics. You're big enough to have produced a child 11 years ago, your mental maturity , it seems, has not kept pace.
I'm tempted to ask, "Where is the child's father, in all this ?"
.....but I think you've already answered that.
It's likely I'll be judged as being harsh and this post gets moderated, or the same response as captivep but your behaviour towards even an underperforming legacy-carrier, is totally unreasonable.
Look in the mirror, drama Queen, and ask yourself some tough questions.
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Mother in distress (or drama queen in need of guidance) captivep was correct, you booked "use it or lose it" tickets. If you then don't use any part of them your only redress is via your insurance company. You are picking a fight with the wrong company, its your insurers who aren't telling the truth, if you present a valid medical reason for not flying to them they are legally required to pay out, less any compulsory taxes that BA will refund to you. I've had to go through this procedure twice in recent years, firstly you obtain a cancellation invoice from BA which clearly shows the non refundable proportion of the ticket (nearly all of it) you then present this and the doctors letter to your insurers. They deduct the policy excess and send you the balance. Unfortunately however it all takes about 6 weeks.
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MotherInDistress
Possibly you have misunderstood the nature of PPRuNe and internet forums in general? May I help.
You don't get to post here and then insist that only those answers that agree with and support your position are acceptable: Indeed, the real joy of these forums is discovering that there can be another point of view to your own, and then the realisation that such a point of view is equally valid, and maybe more so.
I'm not going to delete or moderate any of the preceding posts. Based upon the information that you yourself have posted here, I would suggest that you are actually, deep down inside, well aware that your actions and behaviour have been far from exemplary, and that this self-realisation has driven the somewhat hysterical response seen above. People with far more tolerance and nicer dispositions than I have attempted to assist you and offer advice above. Take it.
Please only positive & helpful comments. Do refrain from posting any negative comments, partifcular from BA staff
Your latest answer is not prositive or helpful to anyone.
You don't get to post here and then insist that only those answers that agree with and support your position are acceptable: Indeed, the real joy of these forums is discovering that there can be another point of view to your own, and then the realisation that such a point of view is equally valid, and maybe more so.
I'm not going to delete or moderate any of the preceding posts. Based upon the information that you yourself have posted here, I would suggest that you are actually, deep down inside, well aware that your actions and behaviour have been far from exemplary, and that this self-realisation has driven the somewhat hysterical response seen above. People with far more tolerance and nicer dispositions than I have attempted to assist you and offer advice above. Take it.
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Yes, gratis from city airport
I purchased the return ticket from the BA desk at Iberia.
I have not yet checked the T&C but will do so this weekend. I usually book with BA for the values that the airline & staff had. This experience has been a real eye opener.
It's concerning that I am obtaining conflicting info. from BA & Iberia: On Sunday asa I knew I would be missing the flight & couldn't reach BA I phoned Iberia who said they could not access my booking details. BA have now confirmed in writing that Iberia does have access to booking details!?!?
I am also doing further research on additional details that don't quite agree.
Once again thank you to those of you who provide assistance & support. I panicked & the simple advice of "keep calm" was greatly appreciated.
I have not yet checked the T&C but will do so this weekend. I usually book with BA for the values that the airline & staff had. This experience has been a real eye opener.
It's concerning that I am obtaining conflicting info. from BA & Iberia: On Sunday asa I knew I would be missing the flight & couldn't reach BA I phoned Iberia who said they could not access my booking details. BA have now confirmed in writing that Iberia does have access to booking details!?!?
I am also doing further research on additional details that don't quite agree.
Once again thank you to those of you who provide assistance & support. I panicked & the simple advice of "keep calm" was greatly appreciated.
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Dear Moderator
Many thanks for your advise.
Yes, I confess this is my first time in a forum.
No, do not know the rules but you have highlighted a few.
Yes, I strongly believe BA is not the airline I thought it was. They have lost their values. Their mission statement doesn't agree to the many comments currently available on the web or the feedback that I have received from other victims.
No, I have never been so distressed.
Yes, obtaining both sides of the argument has actually proven very useful.
Yes, I confess this is my first time in a forum.
No, do not know the rules but you have highlighted a few.
Yes, I strongly believe BA is not the airline I thought it was. They have lost their values. Their mission statement doesn't agree to the many comments currently available on the web or the feedback that I have received from other victims.
No, I have never been so distressed.
Yes, obtaining both sides of the argument has actually proven very useful.
Just a final gentle suggestion from me:
Perhaps you should now reconsider your opinion of BA. Despite having no legal obligation to do so, and in the opinion of many of us no moral obligation either, they have given you a free flight to Madrid.
This is not the action of a heartless company - quite the opposite. And, frankly, it stands in stark contrast to the openly expressed policies and attitudes of certain other airlines...
Just an edit as I've just seen your response to Steve...
Sadly, I now don't think you'll accept, or even understand, the comments I've just made. Enjoy your victimhood...
Perhaps you should now reconsider your opinion of BA. Despite having no legal obligation to do so, and in the opinion of many of us no moral obligation either, they have given you a free flight to Madrid.
This is not the action of a heartless company - quite the opposite. And, frankly, it stands in stark contrast to the openly expressed policies and attitudes of certain other airlines...
Just an edit as I've just seen your response to Steve...
Sadly, I now don't think you'll accept, or even understand, the comments I've just made. Enjoy your victimhood...
Last edited by Captivep; 25th Jul 2013 at 20:49.
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Can no one see the detail in here?
Why do people prefer BA over Easy Jet. Why would you pay more to book with BA? I invite you to comment (if moderator allows - I don't know the rules). My experience has proven that my expectations were unfounded. I'm interested in yours.
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I'm glad you've re-read my post
Why have they offered me the free ticket? To avoid bad publicity. Had I managed to speak to a BA rep. or had Iberia managed to "access" the booking details, or had they answered my email on time, I would't be writing in this forum right now.
Saying this, the BA lady that helped me behaved more like a Virgin airlines employee than BA. She was very supportive.
Saying this, the BA lady that helped me behaved more like a Virgin airlines employee than BA. She was very supportive.
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@ M.I.D. You really are out of your depth, aren't you? Rush in blindly, don't bother to read the forum rules, do a search, check the basics..... yet you Kick off and defame all and sundry.
Look at my profile....I'm 66, -even wicked, heartless BA would have pensioned me off long ago
....except I was self-employed from age 30, having had a garage business, fish and chip shop, building maintenance..... so, no, absolutely no connection with BA. (Paxed with BEA and BUA around 1968, but that doesn't count)
Unfortunately, you are incapable of exercising any self-discipline, as evidenced by your claim
SHEESH...so you'll throw another hissy fit if the t's and c's don't match your expectations?
It would appear that BA offer two different sorts of ticket....pay the full whack, they'll bend over backwards to change / re-route / re-schedule. -they have the margin to be able to do this and absorb the cost of the empty seat you didn't use and they couldn't resell.
Then there's the cheapo option , as you've already been told....you buy it at a basic cost and it's yours this isn't Marks and Spencers! It's the street market. just because you decide "at the weekend" that you don't want it after all, TOUGH CHEESE it's yours, you bought it, it wasof merchantable quality....in short, you're abusing their good nature in expecting them to absorb costs that you incurred by your capricious nature.
If you were my daughter, I'd have put you over my knee a long while ago
re-read the advice that I and others have offered, eat humble pie and make a few apologies. and give profuse thanks to BA for the kindness they've shown you,after your badmouthing.
And yes, I've 3 offspring, 2are IT professionals and one is a PhD in Particle Physics, currently working under contract to the MOD.
No airline connection in the family, OK?
You're damned lucky I wasn't your "customer service advisor" - I'd have refused to carry you and blacklisted you as well, if your behavioural account is to be believed...judging by this thread, it is!
@ Tightslot...you've removed my posts before, thanks for leaving the previous one...yes, I probably am playing the ball and the player on this occasion, but I couldn't let it go unchallenged!
Look at my profile....I'm 66, -even wicked, heartless BA would have pensioned me off long ago
....except I was self-employed from age 30, having had a garage business, fish and chip shop, building maintenance..... so, no, absolutely no connection with BA. (Paxed with BEA and BUA around 1968, but that doesn't count)Unfortunately, you are incapable of exercising any self-discipline, as evidenced by your claim
I purchased the return ticket from the BA desk at Iberia.
I have not yet checked the T&C but will do so this weekend.
I have not yet checked the T&C but will do so this weekend.
It would appear that BA offer two different sorts of ticket....pay the full whack, they'll bend over backwards to change / re-route / re-schedule. -they have the margin to be able to do this and absorb the cost of the empty seat you didn't use and they couldn't resell.
Then there's the cheapo option , as you've already been told....you buy it at a basic cost and it's yours this isn't Marks and Spencers! It's the street market. just because you decide "at the weekend" that you don't want it after all, TOUGH CHEESE it's yours, you bought it, it wasof merchantable quality....in short, you're abusing their good nature in expecting them to absorb costs that you incurred by your capricious nature.
If you were my daughter, I'd have put you over my knee a long while ago
re-read the advice that I and others have offered, eat humble pie and make a few apologies. and give profuse thanks to BA for the kindness they've shown you,after your badmouthing.And yes, I've 3 offspring, 2are IT professionals and one is a PhD in Particle Physics, currently working under contract to the MOD.
No airline connection in the family, OK?
You're damned lucky I wasn't your "customer service advisor" - I'd have refused to carry you and blacklisted you as well, if your behavioural account is to be believed...judging by this thread, it is!
@ Tightslot...you've removed my posts before, thanks for leaving the previous one...yes, I probably am playing the ball and the player on this occasion, but I couldn't let it go unchallenged!
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Dear Steve
You are making too many assumptions in your post and many are very, very wrong. Additionally what do you have against single working parents? Please concentrate on the subject & not the person. You've called me spoiled, & many other things. The spanking comment is worrying. I pass the Karma to you.
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I have received a complaint from the OP to the effect that it is the player and not the ball that is being played. This is probably accurate.
I am reluctant to close the thread, although the OP is beginning to behave progressively more like a Troll with each new post. I'd suggest that we let this thread die a natural death: Given the OP's stated position, there seems little likelihood of a change of heart.
Maybe MumsNet will offer rather more in the way of Tea & Sympathy?
I am reluctant to close the thread, although the OP is beginning to behave progressively more like a Troll with each new post. I'd suggest that we let this thread die a natural death: Given the OP's stated position, there seems little likelihood of a change of heart.
Maybe MumsNet will offer rather more in the way of Tea & Sympathy?
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Many thanks for the mountain of information provided!
I doubt if I'm going to obtain anything else sensible & since I'm most certainly not into spanking I'll utilize my time more efficiently in the other forum of BA victims to pass the knowledge gained.
Read the original ticket T & C
MiD
You really must read the t & c of the original ticket.
I'm a pensionner, and have to read these things. I'm booked on a BA flight in a few days time, and read the t & c. I can change the date, but at a cost. I read what they told me.
I booked my hotel through BA. I could not get it cheaper anywhere else. If I die, my partner will NOT get a refund.
I have also booked BA on the cheapie one that we all suspect you used. Even if my partner had died, BA would be under NO obligation to refund and/or re-route me.
I cannot afford not to read the t & c.
I am, however, fully insured.
As to your behaviour on the plane, you really do not get it, do you? I am no psychiatrist, but your behaviour sounds just like the behaviour of a scared, worried, person, and you might have been sweating with your concern.................That is how terrorists behave, apparently. The crew would have been within their rights to refuse to let you on.
You really must read the t & c of the original ticket.
I'm a pensionner, and have to read these things. I'm booked on a BA flight in a few days time, and read the t & c. I can change the date, but at a cost. I read what they told me.
I booked my hotel through BA. I could not get it cheaper anywhere else. If I die, my partner will NOT get a refund.
I have also booked BA on the cheapie one that we all suspect you used. Even if my partner had died, BA would be under NO obligation to refund and/or re-route me.
I cannot afford not to read the t & c.
I am, however, fully insured.
As to your behaviour on the plane, you really do not get it, do you? I am no psychiatrist, but your behaviour sounds just like the behaviour of a scared, worried, person, and you might have been sweating with your concern.................That is how terrorists behave, apparently. The crew would have been within their rights to refuse to let you on.
MiD
I have so far avoided getting personal and/or abusive, and will endeavour to continue in that manner. I will skip over the fact that we all suspect that you had a non-changeable ticket and that therefore, even had you successfully contacted BA, your situation would probably have been unaltered.
Obviously your son falling ill was beyond any-ones control, but I do feel that your situation spiraled rapidly downhill due to poor planning and decision making on your behalf. You said:-
Delays can happen for a multitude of reasons, and a bit of contingency planning will allow you to deal with the situation in a more relaxed and rational manner. Let me list a few points for your consideration, if I may.
1) You flew to Spain on the 19th and were due to return on the 22nd. You say that another overnight stay after you missed your flight was not an option, as you had no clothes. Personally if I were planning on staying 3 nights in another country I would pack sufficient clothing for 5 days.
2) You had nowhere to stay. I'm sure that the Airport Information desk could have supplied details of nearby hotels. After finding out that a flight was going to cost in excess of 700 euros I would have bolted to an hotel, where I would have had internet access and sorted out a cheaper flight the next day. This would also have meant, that for that night at least, you would have been closer to your son possibly alleviating some of your anxiety. You could also have contacted family/friends back home for support or assistance.
3) Why not buy a local Pay as You Go sim card for your phone? That would have solved the phone credit problems. Personally I have had a contract phone for several years but prior to that I always ensured that I had plenty of credit before leaving home and could top up from overseas with no problems.
You had several options open to you, had you only been able to see them. I really do not see how you can claim that BA "forced" you to spend 769 euros. You did not have to fly back that day with them did you?
If you walk up to any airline desk and say "I must fly from A to B today" then standby to get fleeced. Far better to accept a night in an hotel and book a flight on the internet.
Another point I would like you to consider is your claim that BA are not "family friendly". Now bear in mind that when all this was going on you were travelling on your MAD-LHR booking. This booking was for a single adult travelling, not an adult and child.
Again I appreciate that 20/20 hindsight is a wonderful thing. Perhaps, just perhaps, if you read this post you will begin to see that your situation, handled differently could have been a lot less traumatic for you.
I think to blame BA entirely, as you are doing, is extremely unfair and reflects very poorly on you. Particularly in light of the fact that they are flying you to Madrid gratis.
I would like to point out that I do not, and have never, worked for or been affiliated with BA in anyway.
I have so far avoided getting personal and/or abusive, and will endeavour to continue in that manner. I will skip over the fact that we all suspect that you had a non-changeable ticket and that therefore, even had you successfully contacted BA, your situation would probably have been unaltered.
Obviously your son falling ill was beyond any-ones control, but I do feel that your situation spiraled rapidly downhill due to poor planning and decision making on your behalf. You said:-
No I couldn’t have stayed in Spain; I had no place to stay, no clothes, no internet or enough credit on the telephone to request assistance.
1) You flew to Spain on the 19th and were due to return on the 22nd. You say that another overnight stay after you missed your flight was not an option, as you had no clothes. Personally if I were planning on staying 3 nights in another country I would pack sufficient clothing for 5 days.
2) You had nowhere to stay. I'm sure that the Airport Information desk could have supplied details of nearby hotels. After finding out that a flight was going to cost in excess of 700 euros I would have bolted to an hotel, where I would have had internet access and sorted out a cheaper flight the next day. This would also have meant, that for that night at least, you would have been closer to your son possibly alleviating some of your anxiety. You could also have contacted family/friends back home for support or assistance.
3) Why not buy a local Pay as You Go sim card for your phone? That would have solved the phone credit problems. Personally I have had a contract phone for several years but prior to that I always ensured that I had plenty of credit before leaving home and could top up from overseas with no problems.
I will very much appreciate any ideas / advice on obtaining a full refund from British Airways re their excessive and unfair charge of 769 euros forced to pay to return home .
If you walk up to any airline desk and say "I must fly from A to B today" then standby to get fleeced. Far better to accept a night in an hotel and book a flight on the internet.
Another point I would like you to consider is your claim that BA are not "family friendly". Now bear in mind that when all this was going on you were travelling on your MAD-LHR booking. This booking was for a single adult travelling, not an adult and child.
Again I appreciate that 20/20 hindsight is a wonderful thing. Perhaps, just perhaps, if you read this post you will begin to see that your situation, handled differently could have been a lot less traumatic for you.
I think to blame BA entirely, as you are doing, is extremely unfair and reflects very poorly on you. Particularly in light of the fact that they are flying you to Madrid gratis.
I would like to point out that I do not, and have never, worked for or been affiliated with BA in anyway.
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MiD
I think you have stretched the goodwill and understanding of a number of people including a very experienced fellow moderator, a gentleman who works for a major airline. He always tempers his comments and actions but I see that he is considering closing this thread. I think he should if only to show you that you cannot assume that PPRuNe is not available just for your benefit.
You have been given sound advice that you have not heeded. You have been given suggestions that you should have acted upon because together the people on this site KNOW what they are talking about. All you seem to want to do is to 'have it your way' even though your knowledge of the airline industry is meagre to say the least.
So, you bought a ticket that is simply one that is use it or lose it. The best description I know.
Madam, you have used enough time on PPRuNe and unless you can think of another reason why any of us should bother with you any longer I suggest you seek another aviation site to fight your own useless fight, although you seem to have been annoying enough to get unwarranted help. Be thankful.
If my colleague now chooses to shut you out so be it, that is your problem and not his.
Enough is enough as they say!
I think you have stretched the goodwill and understanding of a number of people including a very experienced fellow moderator, a gentleman who works for a major airline. He always tempers his comments and actions but I see that he is considering closing this thread. I think he should if only to show you that you cannot assume that PPRuNe is not available just for your benefit.
You have been given sound advice that you have not heeded. You have been given suggestions that you should have acted upon because together the people on this site KNOW what they are talking about. All you seem to want to do is to 'have it your way' even though your knowledge of the airline industry is meagre to say the least.
So, you bought a ticket that is simply one that is use it or lose it. The best description I know.
Madam, you have used enough time on PPRuNe and unless you can think of another reason why any of us should bother with you any longer I suggest you seek another aviation site to fight your own useless fight, although you seem to have been annoying enough to get unwarranted help. Be thankful.
If my colleague now chooses to shut you out so be it, that is your problem and not his.
Enough is enough as they say!
