BA 0844 call centre

landsberger64

It's appalling they are making money from your misery, but I don't know of a major firm who don't do it.

Worse still is when you call companies like East Coast or First Capital Connect, when you are connected with a call centre in India who are nothing to do with ECT/FCC, have no idea what is going on, and who simply read what is on the website - they don't have access to anything else. If you write in and complain, it is emailed to them, and you get a standard letter back, whatever you write to them.

That unfortunately is the state of 'customer relations' these days.

Tippytoes

This is what I do. Dial the "sales" number. They are invariably freefone or 0845. When the agent says that you have come through to sales, apologise and ask them to transfer you.

Not only is your call answered quickly - greedy b*ggers think they're going to make a sale, but the call is usually free of charge. I do this time and time again. Rarely fails.

Roger1

I tried the 0191- number via 18185 and got the computer rejection.

One option is to call BA's US number 1-800-AIRWAYS. Using 18185, this costs me 0.5p per minute plus 4p set-up. They may or may not be able to help, but if not, you haven't spent much to find out.

Next time, I'll try Skype on my 3 mobile.

Kate_F_2

BA's call centre/premium number policy is simply a disgrace. I've just had two miserable days trying to contact them after missing my flight because of a family emergency. As other posters have pointed out it's almost impossible to circumvent their premium number because their system will recognise a call from the UK even with the use of the 141 prefix.

Worse still is that their call centre is so understaffed that, no matter when you call, you're likely to be left hanging on for at least half an hour. This is totally unacceptable given the possibility that people may have to contact them urgently and have no option but to use a mobile.

jeanna_2

I managed to phone the 0191 by changing the settings on my mobile to hide my number and then I was able to get through.

jhe

as incapuppy said try http://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php lots of alternative numbers. usually you will find one that will transfer you

Ian01

BIS recently published draft legislation banning 084, 087 and 09 numbers for customer service use. It will be law by December 2013 and will apply from June 2014:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/226625/bis-13-1111-the-consumer-contracts-information-cancellation-and-additional-payments-regulations-2013.pdf

Section 39 (2) is very clear. It allows only 01, 02, 03, 080 and mobile numbers.

There is a problem. Having recognised that 084 and 087 numbers are being used to rip off the public, it appears that finance and transport systems and several other sectors are proposed to be exempt from this new law. See secton 6 (1).

If you disagree with that, you can comment by using the proforma here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-the-implementation-of-the-consumer-rights-directive-2011-83-eu

Submissions must be received by 11 October 2013.

Doshwaster

If you are a BA Silver or Gold card holder then BA do give you an 0800 number that is answered quickly but the first thing they do is ask for your BAEC number.

tupo1606

The 0191 number works in the UK if you withold the number by putting 141 in front of the number