NEWSFLASH: Positive Changes To Redemption Flight Change Policy!

Dakota · Jul 5, 09, 2:04 pm

Hi All -

I was told some fantastic news by an excellent You First agent yesterday, a massive improvement I have certainly heard nothing about before. I spend little time here these days, but have not seen anything about it here, nor can I find any reference to it by searching - although the search function is so poor that's not saying much. So, apologies if this is a dupe, but I think this deserves a proper announcement...

*Changes can now be made to redemption bookings after the outbound flight!*

Apparently, this is a brand new rule. As long as 24hrs' notice is given, all flights in a booking can be changed, even after the outbound, e.g. changing a return flight while away. The deadline has changed to the individual sector concerned -24 hrs, rather than the outbound -24h. This applies to both BA, partner and Amex 2-4-1 voucher flights, and all-BA, non-BA and mixed BA/ partner bookings.

Rules pertaining to itinerary changes, cancellations, refunds and fees remain unchanged. Route changes and cancellations still have to be confirmed at least 24 hrs before the outbound flight. I don't know how this affects MFU bookings; others doubtless will or will find out shortly.

Fantastic news, eh?!

Abstract1 · Jul 5, 09, 2:33 pm

Thanks for that but to be honest all you had to do in any case was book to separate 1 way tickets (at the same cost) to have flexibility.

but could be useful though, thanks.

Dakota · Jul 5, 09, 2:37 pm

Well, not really: this applies to Amex 2-4-1s too. Also, there are often additional fees applicable to two singles, particularly if one needs to cancel, or telephone booking is required.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abstract1

Thanks for that but to be honest all you had to do in any case was book to separate 1 way tickets (at the same cost) to have flexibility.

but could be useful though, thanks.

frankvb · Jul 5, 09, 2:42 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dakota

Well, not really: this applies to Amex 2-4-1s too. Also, there are often additional fees applicable to two singles, particularly if one needs to cancel, or telephone booking is required.

And for some destinations 2 one-ways are much more expensive due to additional taxes on tickets originating there.

Abstract1 · Jul 5, 09, 2:58 pm

OK OK

...My bad....

Cyba · Jul 5, 09, 3:03 pm

This is good news and a sensible policy for BA. Good thinking

KenJohn · Jul 5, 09, 3:34 pm

I wonder if one of our BA lurkers here can confirm that this is indeed the case (ie not a mis-interpretation by one particular agent). If so, it is good for 2-4-1 bookings.

Dakota · Jul 5, 09, 4:10 pm

I did not post this yesterday for that very reason and waited to verify it today.

The original source was a truly superb YF agent yesterday - who was asked to call me back to discuss tthe tricky aspects of another booking by YF colleague because he is their resident "expert". Today, I emailed You First to confirm what I was told and YF did so in writing, by return. It seems unlikely to be a mistake in those circumstances, but it would indeed be great to have official confirmation.

This is much better than the old singles booking trick, even without 241s and higher charges: many singles are multi-sector which would previously have become totally inflexible 24 hrs before the first flight.

All in all, thanks BA!

OPebble · Jul 5, 09, 4:20 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenJohn

I wonder if one of our BA lurkers here can confirm that this is indeed the case (ie not a mis-interpretation by one particular agent). If so, it is good for 2-4-1 bookings.

It is on ba.com http://www.britishairways.com/travel...r/public/en_gb

Question

Can I upgrade part of my journey using BA Miles?

vSFU · Jul 5, 09, 4:50 pm

Great, I've an unused "50% off" redemption booking and was about to refund it as I wouldn't have known the return date when I fly the outbound. No I can still use it :-)

BA Executive Club · Jul 5, 09, 4:51 pm

Hi all

Everything posted here is accurate except for changing redemptions after your journey has commenced.

Best regards

Nicci

Land-of-Miles · Jul 5, 09, 4:55 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by BA Executive Club

Hi all

Everything posted here is accurate except for changing redemptions after your journey has commenced.

Best regards

Nicci

Nicci

Sorry if I am being a bit thick here but this whole post seemed to relate to changes to redemption bookings after the outbound flight. If this element is incorrect then what is the benefit?

vSFU · Jul 5, 09, 4:56 pm

Nicci

Please put forward as something which customers would love to see changed.

Thanks

Dakota · Jul 5, 09, 5:29 pm

"Dear XXXX,

The rules around changing redemption or BA miles bookings have recently been changed. You can now make changes to any flight with 24 hours notice. So as you have said, you could change your return flight as long as we do have the 24 hours notice. Changes are still not permitted within 24 hours of the flight.
There is still the 30.00GBP fee for making any changes over the telephone. Any changes made online would not be charged as is the case now.
The policy regarding cancellations remains the same.

Please do let me know if you need any further information.

Regards
XXXXX"

Land-of-Miles · Jul 5, 09, 6:34 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dakota

"Dear XXXX,

The rules around changing redemption or BA miles bookings have recently been changed. You can now make changes to any flight with 24 hours notice. So as you have said, you could change your return flight as long as we do have the 24 hours notice. Changes are still not permitted within 24 hours of the flight.
There is still the 30.00GBP fee for making any changes over the telephone. Any changes made online would not be charged as is the case now.
The policy regarding cancellations remains the same.

Please do let me know if you need any further information.

Regards
XXXXX"

Hasn't it always been possible to change a redemption up to 24 hours in advance or is this just a gold benefit?