BA Aircraft Change
Booked 2 seats on BA, LHR-LAX late last year.
My wife suffere from MS but was determined to make the journey for the wedding of the daughter of a friend ! She needs to move around during the flight as I do ! (Old Codgers pushing 70) We specifically booked the 2 seats, window and aisle upstairs on the A380. We booked and paid early to avoid any hiccups ! A frw weeks ago the advised us of change of seating. Window and centre on a 787-9. This of course was utterly hopeless ! We asked several times for a solution. None was forthcoming ! The option arose of flying an Aer Lingus 360 with the required seating config. BA however refused a refund, only a voucher ! As this was a one off trip, a voucher was of zero value ! What we bought and paid for, is no longer available. Can anyone advise me of my rights and how to proceeed. I have spent countless hours on the phone listening to their elevator music and promotions , even when I get to speak to someone, I am met with a brick wall. No refund means no rebooking with Aer Lingus ! Always thought I was protected by the various bodies against this kind of thing !! El Grifo |
Not sure you'd be entitled to a refund as the flight, whilst an aircraft type change, has not been cancelled, Happened to me a few months ago when I'd booked the flight months in advance then government advice was implemented against travel to my destination unless essential. BA hadn't cancelled the flight so they offered a voucher and not refund equivalent to the flight cost. Whilst Aer Lingus are also part of the IAG group it may be that their flight booking system is completely separate from BA's hence not being able to use the BA voucher.for Aer Lingus.
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Can you actually enter the USA from the UK at the moment?
The FO and US Embassy web pages would suggest not. |
I think we all have to accept that, in the current national emergency, getting your preferred seats on a flight which is still being provided is pretty well down the list of priorities.
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Aer Lingus 360
I loved the Aer Lingus 360, one of Belfast's finest!
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Originally Posted by kildress
(Post 10854328)
I loved the Aer Lingus 360, one of Belfast's finest!
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Originally Posted by El Grifo
(Post 10854001)
Booked 2 seats on BA, LHR-LAX late last year.
My wife suffere from MS but was determined to make the journey for the wedding of the daughter of a friend ! She needs to move around during the flight as I do ! (Old Codgers pushing 70) We specifically booked the 2 seats, window and aisle upstairs on the A380. We booked and paid early to avoid any hiccups ! A frw weeks ago the advised us of change of seating. Window and centre on a 787-9. This of course was utterly hopeless ! We asked several times for a solution. None was forthcoming ! The option arose of flying an Aer Lingus 360 with the required seating config. BA however refused a refund, only a voucher ! As this was a one off trip, a voucher was of zero value ! What we bought and paid for, is no longer available. Can anyone advise me of my rights and how to proceeed. I have spent countless hours on the phone listening to their elevator music and promotions , even when I get to speak to someone, I am met with a brick wall. No refund means no rebooking with Aer Lingus ! Always thought I was protected by the various bodies against this kind of thing !! El Grifo |
The two major issues are, that due to her Multiple Sclerosis, my wife is now unable to fly. It is a medical issue !
The last 2 Long Hauls have only been possible in the aforementioned seating config. The other issue is that we would be turned back at US immigration. We are currently not allowed entry. I assume It would be the responsibility to return us to the UK immediately ! I have offered BA proof of my wife's condition, but it is falling on deaf ears ! El Grifo |
Originally Posted by DaveReidUK
(Post 10854106)
Can you actually enter the USA from the UK at the moment?
The FO and US Embassy web pages would suggest not. |
So I although I sympathize with the situation you are up against with BA, just really a few points that BA might have and hence why you are having issues...
Hope that helps |
Thanks Gulf Julliet Papa !
A couple of things ! The destination was available at time of booking, so I did not book a flight to a destination that was unavailable ! It became unavailable many months later. If I were to turn up for the flight, how would BA handle things in respect of being unable to board us due to entry restrictions in the US ? Any clue ? Whilst I accept your points, I guess that I was expecting a bit of compassion and goodwill from BA. Sadly, it appears to be in short suppy against the background of 100% refunds from all if the other elements of the planned trip, Iberia, Hyatt and Hilton ! Thanks El G |
Originally Posted by El Grifo
(Post 10854543)
Thanks Gulf Julliet Papa !
A couple of things ! The destination was available at time of booking, so I did not book a flight to a destination that was unavailable ! It became unavailable many months later. If I were to turn up for the flight, how would BA handle things in respect of being unable to board us due to entry restrictions in the US ? Any clue ? Whilst I accept your points, I guess that I was expecting a bit of compassion and goodwill from BA. Sadly, it appears to be in short suppy against the background of 100% refunds from all if the other elements of the planned trip, Iberia, Hyatt and Hilton ! Thanks El G |
Cheers for that Compton 3 !
Spanish Debit Card unfortunately ! I asked BA what would happen If I turned up for the flight when both sides knew that they would be unable to take us to the US. Despite couching the question in several different ways, all I could get was " well the flight is still going" Would it illegal for BA to board us knowing that we would be denied entry to the US ? El G. |
Your case is complicated, and so it's difficult for us from different countries in different legal areas to help you. You combined different flights on your own? You booked in Spain? Via BA website or a travel agent or any other booking site? What law applies then? EU law might help you.
And if your wife has special needs, you should take care of ways to ensure those needs before booking. I'm sure european airlines usually support many ways of transporting passengers with restrictions. |
Originally Posted by El Grifo
(Post 10854572)
Would it illegal for BA to board us knowing that we would be denied entry to the US ?
If their reservations people are pretending otherwise, they are either stupid or disingenuous. Should you show up at LHR with your ticket, you will be denied boarding - but it shouldn't be necessary to go to those lengths in order to secure a refund. You are unlikely to be alone in this situation - there must be thousands of passengers currently holding UK-US tickets who are unable to fly. |
Fair Comment DaveReid !
Thousands indeed ! Probably why they are making it so difficult. Encouraging me to continue on my longish journey from the Canaries to LHR under false pretences is downright fraudulent in my view !! Regarding the latter part if your comment Ray_Y, either you did not read my original post, or failed to comprehend ! The steps I took to cover the "special needs" of my wife consisted of finding an airline that flew the route and had seating configuration suitable for her needs and booked 8 months in advance !! I have done this for the last two long haul flights !! El G. |
Originally Posted by El Grifo
(Post 10854572)
Cheers for that Compton 3 !
Spanish Debit Card unfortunately ! I asked BA what would happen If I turned up for the flight when both sides knew that they would be unable to take us to the US. Despite couching the question in several different ways, all I could get was " well the flight is still going" Would it illegal for BA to board us knowing that we would be denied entry to the US ? El G. But even some loco's, normally totally non-refundable etc., during these times are allowing cancellations and refunds, surely somewhere on the BA website should be posted revised procedures for this ever changing set of circumstances that we currently find ourselves in, as an example I know with Expedia Group that if one booked non-refundable accommodation before 20 March then they can cancel in return for a voucher valid at the same accommodation for 12 months, if you haven't done so already go searching on the BA website for any flexibility to their normal terms and conditions. One would have thought 'goodwill' but these airlines need every penny they can get their hands on during these times, I'm still waiting for 4 refunds dating back to flights that became cancelled during March and April. Good luck though. |
Originally Posted by El Grifo
(Post 10854631)
Fair Comment DaveReid !
The steps I took to cover the "special needs" of my wife consisted of finding an airline that flew the route and had seating configuration suitable for her needs ... I looked up. I couldn't find any advice for people who booked long time ago, flight uncancelled, but immigration impossible at destination due to COVID-19. For me it looks like it's the passenger's risk (not passengers fault). Airlines voluntary policy to offer voucher or free rebook. They don't have to offer even that? Maybe it's seen similar like you turn sick before flight. It's not your fault, but it's your risk. One travel agent told me once "We don't earn a lot on straightforward travel. We earn money with plan changes" |
Originally Posted by El Grifo
(Post 10854543)
Thanks Gulf Julliet Papa !
A couple of things ! The destination was available at time of booking, so I did not book a flight to a destination that was unavailable ! It became unavailable many months later. If I were to turn up for the flight, how would BA handle things in respect of being unable to board us due to entry restrictions in the US ? Any clue ? Whilst I accept your points, I guess that I was expecting a bit of compassion and goodwill from BA. Sadly, it appears to be in short suppy against the background of 100% refunds from all if the other elements of the planned trip, Iberia, Hyatt and Hilton ! Thanks |
Originally Posted by El Grifo
(Post 10854572)
Cheers for that Compton 3 !
Spanish Debit Card unfortunately ! I asked BA what would happen If I turned up for the flight when both sides knew that they would be unable to take us to the US. Despite couching the question in several different ways, all I could get was " well the flight is still going" Would it illegal for BA to board us knowing that we would be denied entry to the US ? El G. |
Just a quick question why you will have issues with entering in the US?
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Answer to that is, my daughter, resident in LA, the place we were supposed to be heading, checked with the Travel Dept of her "fruity" employers AND with the relevant Immigration Authorities at LAX and was met with a resounding " No Chance" !
Covid you see :-) El G. |
when is your flight?
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I think we all have to realise is that any booking made in advance to go anywhere by any means of transport is subject to immediate change. It's very tough sometimes but these are not normal times by any measure. We just have to live through it.
We have a number of trips (personal & business) in planning and some have come off - but we only make bookings at the very last minute to minimise the risks of cancellation. For example getting from N Italy to the KK - train? Aeroplane?? Car??? Its a matter of fine judgement and you have to be prepared just not to go and even lose out on some cash I'm afraid. |
28th Aug Blu Riband.
The flight hss not been runing for weeks in end and only recommenced this month ! El Grifo |
Originally Posted by Gulf Julliet Papa
(Post 10854534)
To put it simply, it is not the airlines fault you are unable to travel, on a flight that will still go.
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I have an annual travel insurance for which I pay extra for being over 65, also I take medication for arrhythmia and 2 stents, I could pay another £200 and have this condition covered; my flight booked last Nov for this May was cancelled, I got a voucher, I intend to travel when the restrictions in the vacation country are lifted, and my insurance tell me Covid-19 reasons are still covered for that flight, as long as the F.O. list the destination country as exempt when I book again.
El Grifo, were you going to travel without insurance to the USA, as known as most expensive for medical treatment, as well as not use the protection offered by credit cards? And you wish to be believed that you planned this journey! Having said that I also had no joy from B.A. for expenses when there flight was Tech and according to them all hotels were full ( Eid) and I had to resort to private overnight accommodation for which I could not produce a bill. |
Sir, if you have a travel insurance, check the T's n C's.
Above you mention that your wife can't fly anymore due to medical reasons (but was "airworthy" at the time of booking), and in many cases that is sufficient for insurance claim (requires a medical). I've been to a similar situation (a decade ago). other than that according to your description of situation I really can't see any other option. |
Originally Posted by El Grifo
(Post 10854410)
The two major issues are, that due to her Multiple Sclerosis, my wife is now unable to fly. It is a medical issue !
The last 2 Long Hauls have only been possible in the aforementioned seating config. The other issue is that we would be turned back at US immigration. We are currently not allowed entry. I assume It would be the responsibility to return us to the UK immediately ! I have offered BA proof of my wife's condition, but it is falling on deaf ears ! El Grifo It is likely of course that your wife's pre existing condition and your age would make it expensive to procure a decent travel insurance policy, particularly when visiting the USA. In such circumstances the only option may be to effectively "roll the dice" and travel without insurance. Personally I would take that risk within Europe as the flights are inexpensive and medical treatment (for now at least) is generally available at an affordable cost. The USA is a different matter. |
Originally Posted by Rwy in Sight
(Post 10854676)
Just a quick question why you will have issues with entering in the US?
You can read it all at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ where it come up in a big red box Ttfn |
Originally Posted by El Grifo
(Post 10854741)
28th Aug Blu Riband.
The flight hss not been runing for weeks in end and only recommenced this month ! El Grifo or not, depending on your circumstance https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ne...d-your-rights/ Ttfn |
Just to put some minds at rest I of course have a pretty expensive yearly travel insurance cover !
They are not interested as they say the flight is still running ! Taking the same line as BA ! Hiding their heads in the sand, hoping I will go away ! Still cannot understand why BA are telling me that the flight is running whilst being in the full knowledge that I am prohibited from using it !! Same flight, same timings just different aircraft type ! Rock and a hard place folks !! El Grifo |
Originally Posted by El Grifo
(Post 10854825)
Still cannot understand why BA are telling me that the flight is running whilst being in the full knowledge that I am prohibited from using it !!
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Question is, why do they not say that instead of pretending everything is perfectly fine !
I have explained my travel route and the effort required to reach LHR ! All they come back with it "the flight is still flying" No advice to abandon my plans. No hint that I would be denied boarding. Can you imagine the rucus If I went along with their ruse and was denied boarding. I have kept copies if all coms along with dates and names of those I have talked to by phone ! Not a single whisper about being being denied boarding. That Stinks !! El Grifo |
Originally Posted by El Grifo
(Post 10854825)
Still cannot understand why BA are telling me that the flight is running whilst being in the full knowledge that I am prohibited from using it !!
As far as I know this is special to US bound flights, affecting only these. US authorities delegate precheck of passengers to airlines (and ship operators, I bet). Airline shall collect data and presend it to USA. Airline shall check again before boarding if each single passenger fulfils some basic prerequisites (as visa, or ESTA and so on). If any of that fails and travellers show up to immigration, airline can face high penalties and even as last step denial to operate into USA (or being part of visa waiver program, dunno). So any such airline, if they have to choose between you and continue business into USA, it's clear what's more important. While this is clear, it's still like the risk is with you. No airline I know of will refund you on a non-flex ticket just because USA force them to refuse you to board. Is this fair? Propably not. Is it common? Yes. Are you the only one affected? Certainly not. Happened to me once we had unexpected technical issue with ESTA. Many years ago. No refund, just rebook with higher fee once we were ready again. The world is unfair and illogic sometimes. |
Last help, then I'm gone. I looked at that link from user Ivor Toolbox, seems to cover British Law mainly for people booking there
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/ne...d-your-rights/ this section covers your case I've a future trip booked – what are my rights?And this would confirm what I worried about: Even a voucher is optional, they are not obligated to. |
What FLIGHT NUMBER were you booked on?
What flight number ARE you booked on? Have the numbers changed in either direction? |
Surely if your wife is no longer medically allowed to fly (that was stated in post #8) then that's the argument for the insurance company. Nothing to do with Covid and even if Covid didn't exist and the world was as this time last year, then she still couldn't fly.
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Originally Posted by Hartington
(Post 10854883)
What FLIGHT NUMBER were you booked on?
What flight number ARE you booked on? Have the numbers changed in either direction? It's been typically operated by a B789 in recent years, but was a B744 last winter and was presumably planned to be an A380 for W20, pre-COVID. So, albeit that it's now going to remain a B789, BA could argue that the flight is still operating. |
USA Entry
From recent experience, you will be asked for your green card at check in. Without that or being the spouse of a citizen in the US, you won’t be permitted on the outbound flight.
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