Shafted by British Air
Mar 10th 2004, 8:48 am
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Shafted by British Air
In September of last year, wanting to make sure of dates and times,
I booked and paid BA for two round trip tickets - Atlanta - Venice. The the
tickets came, of course, with the stipulation that I could not make any
changes. I proceeded to make rather complex plans.
Yesterday, five full months later, I got a terse notice from BA
telling me that my schedule had been changed - I now get into Venice
several hours later than planned, and on the return have to leave a day
early and spend a night in Gatwick.
There was no explanation, no details, no apology. The notice did not
even directly mention the overnight delay.
Calls to BA have gotten the return flight adjusted to account for my
plans in Venice, but still require a night's delay in Gatwick and get me
back to Atlanta a day late. And BA tells me that I am responsible for paying
for and arranging the overnight accommodations.
The BA agent with whom I finally spoke said it is "not BA's fault."
Why do they impose a penalty on me if I want to make a change, even when it
is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly dismiss my
complaint?
Note: Upon receiving the notice I immediately called BA. The man who
first answered took the information, told me that he had my phone number,
and would call back. 20 hours later he had not.
R. J. Fusillo
Atlanta
I booked and paid BA for two round trip tickets - Atlanta - Venice. The the
tickets came, of course, with the stipulation that I could not make any
changes. I proceeded to make rather complex plans.
Yesterday, five full months later, I got a terse notice from BA
telling me that my schedule had been changed - I now get into Venice
several hours later than planned, and on the return have to leave a day
early and spend a night in Gatwick.
There was no explanation, no details, no apology. The notice did not
even directly mention the overnight delay.
Calls to BA have gotten the return flight adjusted to account for my
plans in Venice, but still require a night's delay in Gatwick and get me
back to Atlanta a day late. And BA tells me that I am responsible for paying
for and arranging the overnight accommodations.
The BA agent with whom I finally spoke said it is "not BA's fault."
Why do they impose a penalty on me if I want to make a change, even when it
is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly dismiss my
complaint?
Note: Upon receiving the notice I immediately called BA. The man who
first answered took the information, told me that he had my phone number,
and would call back. 20 hours later he had not.
R. J. Fusillo
Atlanta
Mar 10th 2004, 9:19 am
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Shafted by British Air
"Bob Fusillo" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:V2M3c.362$YG.2302@attbi_s01...
> In September of last year, wanting to make sure of dates and
times,
> I booked and paid BA for two round trip tickets - Atlanta - Venice. The
the
> tickets came, of course, with the stipulation that I could not make any
> changes. I proceeded to make rather complex plans.
> Yesterday, five full months later, I got a terse notice from BA
> telling me that my schedule had been changed - I now get into Venice
> several hours later than planned, and on the return have to leave a day
> early and spend a night in Gatwick.
> There was no explanation, no details, no apology. The notice did
not
> even directly mention the overnight delay.
> Calls to BA have gotten the return flight adjusted to account for
my
> plans in Venice, but still require a night's delay in Gatwick and get me
> back to Atlanta a day late. And BA tells me that I am responsible for
paying
> for and arranging the overnight accommodations.
> The BA agent with whom I finally spoke said it is "not BA's
fault."
> Why do they impose a penalty on me if I want to make a change, even when
it
> is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly dismiss my
> complaint?
> Note: Upon receiving the notice I immediately called BA. The man
who
> first answered took the information, told me that he had my phone number,
> and would call back. 20 hours later he had not.
> R. J. Fusillo
> Atlanta
Anyone can become angry.
That is easy.
But to be angry with the right person,
to the right degree,
at the right time,
for the right purpose
and in the right way.
That is not easy. (Aristotles)
news:V2M3c.362$YG.2302@attbi_s01...
> In September of last year, wanting to make sure of dates and
times,
> I booked and paid BA for two round trip tickets - Atlanta - Venice. The
the
> tickets came, of course, with the stipulation that I could not make any
> changes. I proceeded to make rather complex plans.
> Yesterday, five full months later, I got a terse notice from BA
> telling me that my schedule had been changed - I now get into Venice
> several hours later than planned, and on the return have to leave a day
> early and spend a night in Gatwick.
> There was no explanation, no details, no apology. The notice did
not
> even directly mention the overnight delay.
> Calls to BA have gotten the return flight adjusted to account for
my
> plans in Venice, but still require a night's delay in Gatwick and get me
> back to Atlanta a day late. And BA tells me that I am responsible for
paying
> for and arranging the overnight accommodations.
> The BA agent with whom I finally spoke said it is "not BA's
fault."
> Why do they impose a penalty on me if I want to make a change, even when
it
> is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly dismiss my
> complaint?
> Note: Upon receiving the notice I immediately called BA. The man
who
> first answered took the information, told me that he had my phone number,
> and would call back. 20 hours later he had not.
> R. J. Fusillo
> Atlanta
Anyone can become angry.
That is easy.
But to be angry with the right person,
to the right degree,
at the right time,
for the right purpose
and in the right way.
That is not easy. (Aristotles)
Mar 10th 2004, 9:34 am
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Shafted by British Air
>>>>>> Why do they impose a penalty on me if I want to make a change, even
when it is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly
dismiss my complaint?
They would I am sure let you cancel without penalty for a full refund--and
hopefully there is another airline that could give you a better schedule
(and maybe even a better fare)! But as far as your current schedule, they
probably feel that if they don't have planes flying at the days and times
you need to travel, that there is anything more they are willing to do about
it.
I have occasionally regretted making a particular booking far in
advance--but it has happened multiple times for me that by just waiting long
enough, soetimes they make a major schedule change, and you can get all
your money back, and then cancel the trip completely with no pain, or book
something better on a different carrier. Even with a MINOR schedule change
(the flight leaves at 4pm instead of 5pm--and you say you can't take it
because you work till 315pm) they will give you your money back.
when it is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly
dismiss my complaint?
They would I am sure let you cancel without penalty for a full refund--and
hopefully there is another airline that could give you a better schedule
(and maybe even a better fare)! But as far as your current schedule, they
probably feel that if they don't have planes flying at the days and times
you need to travel, that there is anything more they are willing to do about
it.
I have occasionally regretted making a particular booking far in
advance--but it has happened multiple times for me that by just waiting long
enough, soetimes they make a major schedule change, and you can get all
your money back, and then cancel the trip completely with no pain, or book
something better on a different carrier. Even with a MINOR schedule change
(the flight leaves at 4pm instead of 5pm--and you say you can't take it
because you work till 315pm) they will give you your money back.
Mar 10th 2004, 5:54 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Shafted by British Air
"Douglas W. Hoyt" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> >>>>>> Why do they impose a penalty on me if I want to make a change, even
> when it is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly
> dismiss my complaint?
>
> I have occasionally regretted making a particular booking far in
> advance--but it has happened multiple times for me that by just waiting long
> enough, soetimes they make a major schedule change, and you can get all
> your money back, and then cancel the trip completely with no pain, or book
> something better on a different carrier. Even with a MINOR schedule change
> (the flight leaves at 4pm instead of 5pm--and you say you can't take it
> because you work till 315pm) they will give you your money back.
I'm now worried. I recently planned a 28 day Euro vacation which
includes several "low-fare" flights within Europe with such airlines
as Easyjet and AirBerlin. Now I read about "flight changes" and
"airline strikes" and I wonder if my planning will ultimately
backfire. I've made and paid for reservations with auto rentals and
hotels that hinge on these flights. Just yesterday, AirBerlin sent me
a letter telling me they changed my flight into Rome to Fiumicino vice
Ciampino. Fortunately my auto rental company made the change of
pickup location without charge.
I pray I won't get ulcers before my trip begins!!!
ET
> >>>>>> Why do they impose a penalty on me if I want to make a change, even
> when it is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly
> dismiss my complaint?
>
> I have occasionally regretted making a particular booking far in
> advance--but it has happened multiple times for me that by just waiting long
> enough, soetimes they make a major schedule change, and you can get all
> your money back, and then cancel the trip completely with no pain, or book
> something better on a different carrier. Even with a MINOR schedule change
> (the flight leaves at 4pm instead of 5pm--and you say you can't take it
> because you work till 315pm) they will give you your money back.
I'm now worried. I recently planned a 28 day Euro vacation which
includes several "low-fare" flights within Europe with such airlines
as Easyjet and AirBerlin. Now I read about "flight changes" and
"airline strikes" and I wonder if my planning will ultimately
backfire. I've made and paid for reservations with auto rentals and
hotels that hinge on these flights. Just yesterday, AirBerlin sent me
a letter telling me they changed my flight into Rome to Fiumicino vice
Ciampino. Fortunately my auto rental company made the change of
pickup location without charge.
I pray I won't get ulcers before my trip begins!!!
ET
Mar 10th 2004, 8:09 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Shafted by British Air
"Bob Fusillo" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:V2M3c.362$YG.2302@attbi_s01...
> In September of last year, wanting to make sure of dates and
times,
> I booked and paid BA for two round trip tickets - Atlanta - Venice. The
the
> tickets came, of course, with the stipulation that I could not make any
> changes. I proceeded to make rather complex plans.
> Yesterday, five full months later, I got a terse notice from BA
> telling me that my schedule had been changed - I now get into Venice
> several hours later than planned, and on the return have to leave a day
> early and spend a night in Gatwick.
> There was no explanation, no details, no apology. The notice did
not
> even directly mention the overnight delay.
I had a similar problem with AA last year, shit happens and schedules
change.
Keith
news:V2M3c.362$YG.2302@attbi_s01...
> In September of last year, wanting to make sure of dates and
times,
> I booked and paid BA for two round trip tickets - Atlanta - Venice. The
the
> tickets came, of course, with the stipulation that I could not make any
> changes. I proceeded to make rather complex plans.
> Yesterday, five full months later, I got a terse notice from BA
> telling me that my schedule had been changed - I now get into Venice
> several hours later than planned, and on the return have to leave a day
> early and spend a night in Gatwick.
> There was no explanation, no details, no apology. The notice did
not
> even directly mention the overnight delay.
I had a similar problem with AA last year, shit happens and schedules
change.
Keith
Mar 10th 2004, 8:29 pm
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Shafted by British Air
"Bob Fusillo" <[email protected]> writes:
> Yesterday, five full months later, I got a terse notice from BA
> telling me that my schedule had been changed - I now get into Venice several
> hours later than planned, and on the return have to leave a day early and
> spend a night in Gatwick.
> Note: Upon receiving the notice I immediately called BA. The man who
> first answered took the information, told me that he had my phone number,
> and would call back. 20 hours later he had not.
Keep harrassing them. QANTAS did this to me once, and the results would have
left me sitting in Bangkok airport for 13 hours, in the middle of a flight
from London to Melbourne. Bangkok airport is possibly the last place on earth
I want to spend 13 hours, especially after flying in from London.
I made them change me to a Sydney flight, and then went on to Melbourne
from there.
--
Paul Dwerryhouse | PGP Key ID:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands (X) <-> Melbourne, Australia ( ) | 0x6B91B584
> Yesterday, five full months later, I got a terse notice from BA
> telling me that my schedule had been changed - I now get into Venice several
> hours later than planned, and on the return have to leave a day early and
> spend a night in Gatwick.
> Note: Upon receiving the notice I immediately called BA. The man who
> first answered took the information, told me that he had my phone number,
> and would call back. 20 hours later he had not.
Keep harrassing them. QANTAS did this to me once, and the results would have
left me sitting in Bangkok airport for 13 hours, in the middle of a flight
from London to Melbourne. Bangkok airport is possibly the last place on earth
I want to spend 13 hours, especially after flying in from London.
I made them change me to a Sydney flight, and then went on to Melbourne
from there.
--
Paul Dwerryhouse | PGP Key ID:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands (X) <-> Melbourne, Australia ( ) | 0x6B91B584
Mar 10th 2004, 9:14 pm
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Shafted by British Airways
"Bob Fusillo" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:V2M3c.362$YG.2302@attbi_s01...
> The BA agent with whom I finally spoke said it is "not BA's
fault."
> Why do they impose a penalty on me if I want to make a change, even when
it
> is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly dismiss my
> complaint?
You have to think about what you want from the deal. It's fine shouting at
them but what do you want them to do? You can't expect them to change their
flight schedules back for you!
You need to find which flights would be convenient for you, even if it is
another carrier and try to get those.
news:V2M3c.362$YG.2302@attbi_s01...
> The BA agent with whom I finally spoke said it is "not BA's
fault."
> Why do they impose a penalty on me if I want to make a change, even when
it
> is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly dismiss my
> complaint?
You have to think about what you want from the deal. It's fine shouting at
them but what do you want them to do? You can't expect them to change their
flight schedules back for you!
You need to find which flights would be convenient for you, even if it is
another carrier and try to get those.
Mar 10th 2004, 9:40 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Shafted by British Air
Bob Fusillo schrieb:
>
> In September of last year, wanting to make sure of dates and times,
> I booked and paid BA for two round trip tickets - Atlanta - Venice.
Please do not multipost. Crosspost to rec.travel.air would have been
okay.
Regards, ULF
>
> In September of last year, wanting to make sure of dates and times,
> I booked and paid BA for two round trip tickets - Atlanta - Venice.
Please do not multipost. Crosspost to rec.travel.air would have been
okay.
Regards, ULF
Mar 11th 2004, 2:47 am
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Shafted by British Airways
I assumed it as implied that I want them to pay for my enforced overnite
stay. Didn't know I was shouting. ( SHOUTING?)
rjf
"Mark Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Bob Fusillo" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:V2M3c.362$YG.2302@attbi_s01...
> >
> > The BA agent with whom I finally spoke said it is "not BA's
> fault."
> > Why do they impose a penalty on me if I want to make a change, even when
> it
> > is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly dismiss
my
> > complaint?
> You have to think about what you want from the deal. It's fine shouting at
> them but what do you want them to do? You can't expect them to change
their
> flight schedules back for you!
> You need to find which flights would be convenient for you, even if it is
> another carrier and try to get those.
stay. Didn't know I was shouting. ( SHOUTING?)
rjf
"Mark Hewitt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Bob Fusillo" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:V2M3c.362$YG.2302@attbi_s01...
> >
> > The BA agent with whom I finally spoke said it is "not BA's
> fault."
> > Why do they impose a penalty on me if I want to make a change, even when
> it
> > is not my "fault," but BA can run roughshod over me, and coldly dismiss
my
> > complaint?
> You have to think about what you want from the deal. It's fine shouting at
> them but what do you want them to do? You can't expect them to change
their
> flight schedules back for you!
> You need to find which flights would be convenient for you, even if it is
> another carrier and try to get those.
Mar 11th 2004, 8:03 pm
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Shafted by British Air
I believe the original poster had another difficult experience with British
Airways last year. Were you hoping for better treatment this time?
In any event, I hope this works out. Don't settle for a lousy schedule if
you can help it.
Traveler
Airways last year. Were you hoping for better treatment this time?
In any event, I hope this works out. Don't settle for a lousy schedule if
you can help it.
Traveler
Mar 12th 2004, 11:35 pm
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Shafted by British Air
In message <[email protected] >, emeryt
<[email protected]> writes
>I'm now worried. I recently planned a 28 day Euro vacation which
>includes several "low-fare" flights within Europe with such airlines
>as Easyjet and AirBerlin. Now I read about "flight changes" and
>"airline strikes" and I wonder if my planning will ultimately
>backfire. I've made and paid for reservations with auto rentals and
>hotels that hinge on these flights. Just yesterday, AirBerlin sent me
>a letter telling me they changed my flight into Rome to Fiumicino vice
>Ciampino. Fortunately my auto rental company made the change of
>pickup location without charge.
Some car rental companies - Carjet for instance - don't actually charge
your credit card until you arrive to collect your vehicle and they don't
mind customers changing their plans as far as collection and drop off
times are concerned (or cancelling altogether).
--
congokid
Good restaurants in London? Number one on Google
http://congokid.com
<[email protected]> writes
>I'm now worried. I recently planned a 28 day Euro vacation which
>includes several "low-fare" flights within Europe with such airlines
>as Easyjet and AirBerlin. Now I read about "flight changes" and
>"airline strikes" and I wonder if my planning will ultimately
>backfire. I've made and paid for reservations with auto rentals and
>hotels that hinge on these flights. Just yesterday, AirBerlin sent me
>a letter telling me they changed my flight into Rome to Fiumicino vice
>Ciampino. Fortunately my auto rental company made the change of
>pickup location without charge.
Some car rental companies - Carjet for instance - don't actually charge
your credit card until you arrive to collect your vehicle and they don't
mind customers changing their plans as far as collection and drop off
times are concerned (or cancelling altogether).
--
congokid
Good restaurants in London? Number one on Google
http://congokid.com
Mar 12th 2004, 11:37 pm
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Shafted by British Air
In message <akW3c.11791$w3.80003@zonnet-reader-1>, Paul Dwerryhouse
<[email protected]> writes
>Keep harrassing them. QANTAS did this to me once, and the results would have
>left me sitting in Bangkok airport for 13 hours, in the middle of a flight
>from London to Melbourne. Bangkok airport is possibly the last place on earth
>I want to spend 13 hours, especially after flying in from London.
Sounds like heaven compared with sitting in the plane for nine hours at
a military airport 100km from Bangkok, where thick morning fog
apparently prevented us landing in the first place.
--
congokid
Good restaurants in London? Number one on Google
http://congokid.com
<[email protected]> writes
>Keep harrassing them. QANTAS did this to me once, and the results would have
>left me sitting in Bangkok airport for 13 hours, in the middle of a flight
>from London to Melbourne. Bangkok airport is possibly the last place on earth
>I want to spend 13 hours, especially after flying in from London.
Sounds like heaven compared with sitting in the plane for nine hours at
a military airport 100km from Bangkok, where thick morning fog
apparently prevented us landing in the first place.
--
congokid
Good restaurants in London? Number one on Google
http://congokid.com
