Compensation/Recovery for Cancelled BA Flights

patwa_2

Hi.

A couple hours ago I called the BA offices in the Netherlands to enquire about my flights and was told that they would be cancelled. However, they were not sure as to procedures regarding compensation, as it's the airline's fault (well, ok the unions to be exact) that it's been cancelled and not mine.

My ticket has a charge for cancellations on my part, but what is the situation if it's cancelled by the airline due to themselves or their staff/unions? I'm thinking of booking with another airline, so an offer of an alternative flight wouldn't cut it, I'd miss my engagement anyway.

The tickets were booked by credit card, but I think the CC company are starting to hate me - maybe filing 11 chargeback claims in 6 months would do that.

pin

BA are going to announce their contingency policy today re the strikes. Wait until then, they should set out the procedures re refunds, rebookings, etc.

patwa_2

OH, ok. I thought it was a general policy but I guess they must decide it based on the length of the strike, in this case 2 days.

I need to have a booking in place that will definitely depart so have reserved with another airline, so now it just remains to see what BA will do about my present one.

pin

patwa wrote:

OH, ok. I thought it was a general policy but I guess they must decide it based on the length of the strike, in this case 2 days.

I need to have a booking in place that will definitely depart so have reserved with another airline, so now it just remains to see what BA will do about my present one.

BA have confirmed they will refund bookings made for flights on 30 and 31 Jan.

patwa_2

thanks, I'll contact them about it now that they are open here. Good to know I'll be getting my money back.

Thanks again.

Twopints

I have received the following (part of a statement from BA) in an e-mail from our Transport manager at work:

"Customers due to travel on Tuesday 30 or Wednesday 31 January are covered by the options below:

1. Rebook on another British Airways operated flight subject to availability as outlined below:
- From their original point of departure to their original destination
- From their original point of departure to an alternative destination
- An alternative point of departure to the original destination
- An alternative point of departure to an alternative destination

This is provided a seat is available at any time in the same cabin as originally booked.

Conditions

· Travel must be completed within ticket validity or within three months from the original flight, whichever is longer.

· The return flight, if applicable, can be rebooked at the same time, and no extra fare is payable

2. Refund of the original British Airways flight (this is only applicable to flights due to depart on either Tuesday 30 or Wednesday 31 January 2007), plus any parts of the journey not made which are on the same ticket as the original flight*

The refund will be provided to the original form of payment.

Customers are advised that these refund requests are above and beyond British Airways normal Conditions of Carriage.

patwa_2

Thanks for clearing that up. Good to know my £400 odd is not wasted. Luckily enough, the new tickets only cost £220 with an upgrade so I've actually saved money - I guess this is one time a strike proved to work in my favour.

bombardier

We had a Business Class flight booked leaving London on 2nd Feb and returning on the 5th Feb (one of the strike days). We didn't want to risk being stuck there with no flight so called BA today and they gave me a full refund for both inbound and outbound.

jetboy

If flights are cancelled within 14 days I am led to believe the carrier concerned is required to compensate fully under the terms of the EU legislation on the subject which may lead to more liability than just giving you another ticket or refund.