BA 0844 call centre

gingermoggie_2

Have a booking with BA, one of the flights has been changed by them and I need to confirm I am happy with the new flight (which I am). Website wont let me do it, have to call, which is an 0844 number. Having checked my Virgin call charges for this number (PG06 I think) it is 12.5ppm + VAT. I called for a different matter a few weeks ago, and was able to use an 0191 number from saynoto0870, that call took 35mins to be connected. The 0191 numbers now go to a message saying they are for 'international callers' only, the only option I can see is the 0844 number. If I have to wait 35 mins again, its a significant cost to make a call for a change instigated by BA.
Am I just being tight, or do people agree that a premium business number should not need to be used when the customer is forced to call for a problem caused by the company?
Does anybody know anything else that can be done, beyond the alternative numbers listed on saynoto0870 or biting the bullet and ringing the 0844 number?

Incapuppy

It's naughty isn't it? I think I'd try the 0191 number again, if they can't help they might be able to transfer you to someone who can?

gingermoggie_2

They've been clever with that number, and recognize if the call is from the UK (even if dialled 0044191), then it goes straight to an automated answer telling you to dial 0844. Assume it has to be from overseas to get through.

It looks like all the options are running out, and they're backing their supposed 'precious' customers into a corner.

Thanks for the reply.

Incapuppy

http://www.saynoto0870.com/companysearch.php

I'd try another of these, there's a freephone one there too, hopefully you'll get lucky and someone can transfer you

phatbear

Im currently having issues trying to contact BA about paying for an upgrade on a flight to LA and i either get, you are in a queue and 30mins later the message changes and they hang up, or I just get the message straight away and it hangs up.

So decided to email customer services and their reply came back a week later and the solution was to phone them on the same number ive been having problems with.

Odd that people slag off the cheap airlines but in the past year we've had:

BA not answering their phones
Virgin losing a bag on a flight back from NY in sept which they still havent paid out
Malaysian Airlines selling us extra legroom seats which included one of the seats having less than a normal seats leg room due to the emergency slide lump in the door.

Oddly flown with ryanair 4 times and easyjet once last year and never had a single problem

stoneman

I get through using the 0191 with Skype. Try that or another VOIP. Or sign up to 18185 that will get you through as well, just tested it.

gingermoggie_2

Stoneman, you are a genius.

Forgot about my inactive skype credit. Reactivated it, phoned the 0191 number, got through to the 'queue', but not bothered as was only paying 1.4ppm. Total cost of the 30 min call, 40odd pence. Much better than the £4 odd it would have cost through the landline.

Thanks all for your time.:)

Archergirl

Still not good though, I pay for a call package through Sky but I don't think 0844 etc numbers are included. B****y cheek if you ask me, everyone and his dog seems to be using these numbers now.

becominganobsessivesaver

You could always try withholding your number before dialling the 0191 number

landsberger64

Unfortunately the withholding the number trick doesn't work for most of these - it just stops your number being displayed - the exchange 'knows' you are phoning from the UK.

Try 1899.com, 18185.co.uk, or 18866.co.uk - all of these route you via bizarre links around the world, and generally not via the UK phone system so often work with this type of problem.

[Deleted User]

I cant understand how any firm thinks you will be happy paying a premium to give them an order or sort something out about an order by making you use a 08 number, funny world we have turned into