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Ba247 lhr-gru 29/11
Booked on this flight tonight. Just seen that it is already showing as a delay of nearly 2 hours. Cannot see any weather issues for GRU in the next few days.
I have an onward (international) connection with LAN 80 mins after the amended arrival time which should be OK if I can get my luggage booked through (which shouldn't be problem). Separate tickets unfortunately but both booked through BA.
Just curious to understand why there is a delay posted so early (guessing it is late incoming from somewhere else)?
I had something similar happen to me earlier this year on a LHR-DEL flight I took. A delay was posted at T-24, and the delay kept growing and growing as the time of departure got closer. At some point (at around T-15 IIRC) BA must have concluded that the delay would be too long, and they found a replacement aircraft, returning the schedule to normal.
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As GaryK84 said, dont assume the delay will actuallly happen until you are at the gate. Even then people have been told of a delay at the gate and found they missed the flight when they returned at the stated ETA because it left earlier.
2 seperate tickets, even if both booked on BA dont give you any protection. There might be some goodwill, but that will be all it is. Even a checked through bag wont help. if you miss the flight you get the bag back at your transit point. Unless of course goodwill comes your way.
Programs: Mucci des canapes, Skywards Silver, BAEC Gold, IC Plat Amb, HH Gold
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Thanks. I have not altered my plans to get to LHR at all - a couple of extra hours in the CCR is no hardship. Just a little surprised at a delay being posted so early for a LHR departure but I guess there is not much more flexibility in aircraft usage ex LHR than at out-stations if they are managing their fleet efficiently.
I am aware that if I can't make the connection at GRU it will be me, my luggage, a credit card and a travel insurance policy - hopefully not though as I'm due to meet my daughter in SCL tomorrow and head off on a trip around Patagonia, Argentina and Uruguay....
Might be a good idea to have an idea of a plan B in case you miss the connection (later flights timings & costs, alternate destinations etc) while you have internet access in the CCR.
I did the 247 (LAN)- SCL connection a couple of weeks ago
I had one ticket bought from BA and one direct from LAN. I didn't check luggage in the end, but before my trip I opened a thread on here asking for advice on whether I could or not. The consensus from the replies was that I could easily have done so.
Soon after exiting the plane at GRU, there is a lady with a list of connecting passengers - if you are on the list, she lets you directly into the International Departures Terminal. I wasn't on the list, but I showed her my BP for the LAN flight and she let me through anyway.
It took me less than 15 minutes to walk from the end of terminal 1, where the 247 arrived, back via the interconnecting (airside) corridor to terminal 2 and down to the end of terminal 2 where the LAN gate was. There was no security between there and the gate.
I was not alone. When we were boarding for the LAN flight I recognised a fair few BA 247 passengers.
I think this is a popular connection - so whatever happens - it is likely you will not be alone.
Programs: Mucci des canapes, Skywards Silver, BAEC Gold, IC Plat Amb, HH Gold
Posts: 668
Already working on it It doesn't matter if I'm late into SCL but have an early flight with daughter the following morning. There are several later options with LAN / TAM but all look quite expensive if goodwill doesn't prevail. Travel insurance will go quite a long way to softening the blow if necessary..
However on the current published data I have 75 mins to make the connection (T1 to T2) and You First have assured me that through checking my bag will not be an issue so I'm not too worried (yet )
Programs: Mucci des canapes, Skywards Silver, BAEC Gold, IC Plat Amb, HH Gold
Posts: 668
Just gone back to a 75 minute delay so will be interesting to find out exactly when we do get away. Estimated arrival time is only 50 minutes late though.
The aircraft operating the 247 is presently the 178 inbound from JFK, ETA 1956z. I imagine they will do their level best to turn the aircraft round as quickly as possible so keep an eye on the departures board for updates!
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Programs: Mucci des canapes, Skywards Silver, BAEC Gold, IC Plat Amb, HH Gold
Posts: 668
I've got both my BA and LAN Bps, the motorways look quiet, the flight situation seems to be positive. Now beginning to look forward to a bite to eat and some bubbles in the CCR