Flight delay and cancellation compensation, BA ONLY

Success! Just received communication from BA that I am entitled to compensation under EU rules for two tickets for delayed flights back in April with BMI. (European route codeshare with Swiss).

Hi, I wonder if anyone can help? I sent a letter (recorded delivery) to BA's customer relations which they received 9th November 2012 as I was delayed over 5 hours on a BMI flight Oct 10. Never heard a thing. Contacted BA via their website 31/12 and 16/01. Never heard a thing. Last week emailed CAA and almost instantly received a response from BA (coincidence??).

Anyway, I'm hoping someone can tell me if what they are saying is correct. Basically when they were putting the catering on board the aircraft, the catering truck hit the plane and created a hole in the side which is why we couldn't fly. I would assume that this is their responsibility? Their response is:

Your claim for compensation has been refused because flight xxx on xx October 2010 was delayed due to aircraft damage which was not caused by bmi. Under EU legislation, neither British Airways or bmi are liable for a compensation payment in this situation.


Unfortunately airline operations are subject to circumstances outside the airline's control. British Airways takes all reasonable measures to avoid delaying a flight in such circumstances. Consideration is given to whether there are any operational options available before a decision to delay is made. We are sorry that the delay was necessary in this case.

Is this correct or are they just trying to fob me off?

Any advice gratefully received!

24 October - but then chased a couple of times, and a nice helpful lady accelerated my claim in the new year, otherwise i think i would still be waiting! How long does it take for the payment to come through?

liviboy wrote: »

First letter posted either 1st or 2nd November

Second letter (and first email/contact form) sent just over 14 working days later.

Follow up letter (LBA) sent recorded delivery and signed for on the 7th January.

Still heard nothing.

I wouldn't mind waiting if they had read my email or letter and asked for additional time to investigate, etc. it's the fact I've had nothing when people who flew AFTER my letter was sent have already been settled!

Patience is a virtue but I think this is testing me a bit!

Well, had a reply from my first letter citing "air traffic restrictions" despite the fact, at the time, we were told it was due to air raft cleaning team running late.

This was announced and not given out in writing as it was only a 20 minute or do delay initially...my claim referred to the fact I was delayed reaching my final destination and that BA refused to put me on an earlier flight up to Edinburgh, instead delaying me in heathrow for 5 hours....

I now await a reply from my 2nd letter before deciding how to proceed...

Any ideas about this first letter though...opinions greatly received.

poppet17 wrote: »

I would like to ask a question on this, Myself, my husband and my mother all went on a flight to Boston USA after (checking it was 5 years ago) with British Airways. We boarded the plane via bus and we had to sit in the plane on the tarmac for over 3 hours before our plane took off because they were having problems clearing a couple of the passengers at the USA airport of arrival. We were not offered any compensation, drinks or food while waiting. Do we qualify for compensation?

How late was your arrival time compared with your scheduled arrival time?
Compensation would be due if this was over 3 hours and IF the delay was within BAs control. I am guessing that immigration is not their issue but I also expect that it may have made sense for them to offload the bags for the held passengers and go without them avoiding such a long delay.
You will probably have to write to BA asking for a clear reason for the delay.
If you spent money on food/drink whilst waiting then you should be able to claim reimbursement. If you did not as I am assuming you were sat on the plane then you may get an apology