Purchased from BA, operated by American

timcrouch

Hello,
I purchased flights for my family of 4 from British Airways, on their website, between London and Orlando (return). I payed on an Amex card.
Our return was meant to be Orlando-Chicago-London but was operated by American Airlines. A mechanical fault on the plane meant this didn’t happen and AA booked us onto a replacement flight (operated by BA) - but this was in TWO DAYS’ time. 

I believe I may be entitled to compensation. Who do I approach? 

Very grateful for any advice - thank you.

bagand96

EC261 (and as adopted into UK law) applies to the operating air carrier which in this case is American Airlines.  Flight departing from outside of EU/UK on a non-EU/UK carrier means you cannot enforce those laws.

You should of course approach AA and see if they will offer anything.  I'm not sure what US legislation says on flight delays, but I'm pretty sure it's not as robust as the EU laws.

lr1277

I think I have read on the Headforpoints site, one traveller having some success by going to the US Department of Transport website. 

There is a web form on that site where you can put in your complaint.
i don’t know what situations are covered nor what relief you might get, but is certainly worth investigating.

DullGreyGuy

timcrouch said:

Our return was meant to be Orlando-Chicago-London but was operated by American Airlines. A mechanical fault on the plane meant this didn’t happen and AA booked us onto a replacement flight (operated by BA) - but this was in TWO DAYS’ time. 

I believe I may be entitled to compensation. Who do I approach? 

Very grateful for any advice - thank you.

Which plane? The MCO - ORD leg or the ORD - LON?
Was it a code share with BA or a straight AA flight?
What help did the airline give re food/accommodation etc? 


https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/flight-delays-cancellations
Assuming it was the internal leg that was cancelled and/or it wasnt a codeshare then you are covered by US legislation which as linked above you will see is much less protecting to customers than the equivalent UK/EU law. 

Worth double checking the terms of your booking it may promise certain assistances on a long delay 

timcrouch

Thank you everyone for your helpful replies - it’s much appreciated.

@DullGreyGuy The issue was with the MCO - ORD leg. I understand it was a code share, and indeed I bought it through British Airways.