MSE News: BA flights chaos after IT meltdown

jpsartre

I've been given EU compensation for my delayed BA flight during that weekend, as have many others (check Flyertalk).

Rosaboobie

Ha ha - what a surprise - BA have rejected my compensation claim - this is their reply:-

"
Thanks for contacting us about your EU compensation claim.
Your claim has been refused because BA0048 on 19 May was delayed because our Captain was unwell, which prevented the aircraft operating as scheduled. Under EU legislation, I’m afraid we’re not liable for a compensation payment in this situation.
We take all reasonable measures to avoid delaying a flight and we always consider if there are any operational options available before we make a decision. We’re very sorry the delay was necessary in this case.

Vauban

Rosaboobie wrote: »

Ha ha - what a surprise - BA have rejected my compensation claim - this is their reply:-

"
Thanks for contacting us about your EU compensation claim.
Your claim has been refused because BA0048 on 19 May was delayed because our Captain was unwell, which prevented the aircraft operating as scheduled. Under EU legislation, I’m afraid we’re not liable for a compensation payment in this situation.
We take all reasonable measures to avoid delaying a flight and we always consider if there are any operational options available before we make a decision. We’re very sorry the delay was necessary in this case.

If he fell unwell during or just immediately before the flight, perhaps. But otherwise, it's just an operational problem that it's the airline's responsibility to fix - and not "extraordinary" at all.

When did the pilot fall ill and what actions did they take to try to provide an alternative - write to them to ask this, but give them 14 days to respond before you reserve the right to start a legal claim.

Rosaboobie

They told us about the pilot being unwell many hours before the original flight and stated his relief had to rest overnight because of flying hours rules. I also spoke at length to a passenger who lives in Anchorage. She was due to fly to Seattle on our Anchorage flight but was told beforehand that the BA Heathrow flight was delayed until next day so she stayed at home and flew in next day to Seattle. So this lady was in fact given almost a day's warning of the delay!

This is what the official BA letter states that was handed to me on the day the flight was cancelled:-

"I am sorry about the delay to your flight today. The pilot who was due to operate this service is unwell. I am pleased to tell you that your replacement pilot comes from London this evening and will require rest, before he can legally operate the service" - and hence our flight was delayed by 18 hours until the following day.

I know what Vauban's Guide says about this, but it seems that BA are rejecting compensation claims en masse!

JPears

no surprise given the fiasco several weeks ago. You have to remember airlines are a business. Whilst some the air crew and ground staff are good with care and compasssion, those that run have little, even for their own staff. They will try to fob off every person they can with lame excuses, misinformation and occasional untruths. For every 100 delayed, probably only 10 -20 will sekk compensation? Half of those will accept the above if told no claim. Its a numbers game the airlines are well used to playing. Denied boarding a good example.

Tyzap

Crew sickness...

http://www.bottonline.co.uk/flight-delay-compensation/claim-guides/flight-delays-caused-by-crew-sickness?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=bottandco#25.4.17