Where do we stand with BA?

Paulaviki

Hi, due to fly to Malaysia on 26th October with BA. We aren’t allowed into Malaysia and all flights up to then and the day after are cancelled but not ours. I’ve seen an article which says they’ve resumed some flights so it’s Sod’s law ours is one of those. We really don’t want a voucher but are we actually entitled to a refund under these circumstances? We aren’t refusing to travel as we cannot enter the country but if the flight is still operating I don’t know where that leaves us? 

[Deleted User]

It leaves you claiming on your travel insurance.

eskbanker

If the flight operates and you don't board it then you're not entitled to a refund from the airline, so if they're offering a voucher but you don't want it then you could check your travel insurance to see if you can claim from them, although many seem to view the vouchers as reimbursement and refuse to provide anything beyond that.

bagand96

If your flight actually is operating, then you won't be entitled to a refund, and it's unlikely you'll get one.  The voucher offer might be your only option with BA. (The only caveat to this is if it's a British Airways Holidays booking? They've been far more flexible allowing customers to cancel). 

The alternative is to claim on your travel insurance if it covers Covid. 

Paulaviki

Hmm ok, travel insurance does cover COVID as it has been in place since we booked last year. So I guess I’ll have to contact them first before I speak to BA. But I don’t think we’ll get anywhere as I expect them to say no as you can get a voucher. Looking more and more likely we are just going to have to take the voucher. I’m just not confident we’ll get to use it next year!

Caz3121

Paulaviki said:

 I’m just not confident we’ll get to use it next year!

Your new trip booked with your voucher must be fully completed by 30 April 2022 (departure and return)
I would hope if the situation remains the same through 2021 they may extend the voucher use date

silvercar

If you bought under the 'book with confidence' offer, then you can exchange for a voucher. If you bought earlier than that, you would need to claim on your travel insurance.

Caz3121

silvercar said:

If you bought under the 'book with confidence' offer, then you can exchange for a voucher. If you bought earlier than that, you would need to claim on your travel insurance.

earlier bookings for travel up to end October are eligible for vouchers (likely to be extended month by month)

What bookings are eligible for a voucher?

• Bookings made prior to 3 March 2020 for travel up to 31 October 2020

• Bookings made from 3 March 2020 onwards for journeys that are due to have been completed by 31 August 2021

However, if your flight has been cancelled you are eligible for a voucher, regardless of your booking or travel dates.

Paulaviki

I’ve spoken to my travel insurance and it looks like I should be covered but need to call the claims team Monday to confirm. Thank you!

Lindsk

Paulaviki said:

I’ve spoken to my travel insurance and it looks like I should be covered but need to call the claims team Monday to
confirm. Thank you!

It is really good that your insurance will help - did they say how close to the flight you could claim? Do you need to provide proof that BA will not cancel or anything like that?
I am in a similar (kind of) situation - we are due to fly to Costa Rica at the end of November, BA have published their November schedule and will be flying there from November. FCO say essential travel only, but BA are saying they will be flying there 2 x week. We booked in Feb this year, but bought insurance mid-Nov last year as it was a rolling insurance, so are worried that it will run out before we are due to fly. 
So stressful - this is the last time I am so organised booking flights.... 

Paulaviki

BA have now agreed to refund the taxes etc so I’m only claiming the shortfall on my insurance. I’m waiting for confirmation on how much I’ll get from BA before I put the claim in to the insurance so I’m not sure what info they’ll want but will update when I do know.