Is it safe to book a British Airways flight returning after 31st August 2021?

mopezone

I'm planning a trip to the USA in late summer/autumn 2021, but I'm not sure whether I will be entitled to a refund on BA flight tickets if I book to return after 31st August 2021..........because their website states:-
"Until check-in closes you can claim voucher valid until Apr 22 if you booked from 3 Mar 20 for flights before 31 Aug 21"
Why have they set this arbitrary date? I presume if something goes wrong, more lockdown etc, I would lose any flight scheduled to happen after 31st August? Anybody know if that cut-off date is likely to be extended any time soon?

silvercar

It has been extended a few times already, can’t say whether it would be extended again.

mattyprice4004

Depends how lucky you're feeling - they have kept moving the date forward, but there will be a point where it's deemed 'safe' to travel and they no longer do this.

bermudianmark

I think you can say the risks are steadily reducing, but at this stage not "safe", just because the UK is ahead with our vaccine program doesn't mean the rest of the World is, and of course further unexpected events could happen.

[Deleted User]

I haven’t looked at the site but surely they will have the terms and conditions visible for anyone booking now for later in the year?  I don’t know if anyone would book without assurance they could get a refund or move their dates forward without charge if there is no green light from USA.   Could be wrong. Maybe our BA expert @Butts might help?   

Thrugelmir

mopezone said:

Why have they set this arbitrary date? I presume if something goes wrong, more lockdown etc, I would lose any flight scheduled to happen after 31st August? Anybody know if that cut-off date is likely to be extended any time soon?

The US hasn't lifted it's travel ban yet. Nor said what entry requirements will be when it's lifted. US immigration is strict even in normal times. BA know no more than you do. Book a refundable/transferrable ticket if it's a concern. 

bagand96

As other's have said, these dates have been rolling, and moved a few times.  They have to set an end date though, at some point the flexibility will end.

If you're worried, another way to add a layer of protection is to make it a package by adding a hire car, or hotel.  Your booking would then be with BA Holidays, and you'd be protected under the Package Travel Regulations.  BA's have been very good in honoring their obligations under the PTRs.  You only need to add one nights accommodation (your first?) or even one day's car hire to qualify. 

MalMonroe

Nobody really knows what is going to happen. So it really is a gamble and nobody can really advise on this with any authority, not even the 'experts'.

washingclip5

I dropped my crystal ball the other day. But I think once I got it back together I should be able to give you an answer. 

I think a good step would be either to email them or call them perhaps they can help or extend it?

mopezone

Thrugelmir said:

mopezone said:

Why have they set this arbitrary date? I presume if something goes wrong, more lockdown etc, I would lose any flight scheduled to happen after 31st August? Anybody know if that cut-off date is likely to be extended any time soon?

The US hasn't lifted it's travel ban yet. Nor said what entry requirements will be when it's lifted. US immigration is strict even in normal times. BA know no more than you do. Book a refundable/transferrable ticket if it's a concern. 

Well that's the problem really - I do want to book a flight that is refundable or transferrable, but I'm puzzled why, if I book a flight returning after 31st August, it doesn't look as if that will be the case with BA? 
I kind of thought it would depend on when you book rather than the date of your return flight! 

lincroft1710

I personally wouldn't be booking anything at the moment. No-one knows if a new more virulent strain of CV19 is on the horizon, or what any country's entry or exit rules may be.