24hrs BA boarding pass printing..?

jpsartre

callum9999 wrote: »

It's not as if they have a wide variety of plane types to choose from

Most legacy carriers use a fairly wide variety of plane types. In any case, they just need two with different lay-outs to cause trouble. It's not even just a question of using a different type of plane, sometimes the same types have different layouts with respect to economy, business, and first class. I can't give you a number as to how often a change happens but on my last long haul flight with BA we had an aircraft change after I picked my seat. If I'd kept my seat number I would have been in World Club, unfortunately BA changed it for me

malkie76

BA has four long haul planes, with a total of 7 seating configs.
However checking in and printing boarding pass has nothing to do with changing planes, BA can achieve that electronically with ease. Besides, you can checkin and print boarding passes up to 48hrs ahead if you have connecting flights - probably longer if you are going RTW or something.

The reason is simple. BA grossly oversells every single flight based on the numbers of no shows on any particular route. Checking in at T24 and printing your boarding pass basically tells BA you ARE coming and you will need a seat. Anytime longer (say 14 days like FR) and there's every chance your plans will change and you'll no show.

LCCs don't oversell flights and actually don't care if you no show. And a point of clarity - on a flexible ticket you can cancel right up until the minute you board the plane - possibly even if you get on, but leave before take off.

Itsgottabedone

malkie76 wrote: »

BA grossly oversells every single flight based on the numbers of no shows on any particular route.

British Airways, in common with all legacy carriers, will overbook flights (they never oversell in First class) but as you imply, the numbers are calculated according to statistics relating to the route and number of passengers who typically no-show. I'm no fan of the world's favourite airline but disagree with your description of the extent of the overselling.