We're currently at T5 en route to CNS (Cairns) via HKG. Delayed departure scheduled for 2000 (from 1840).

HKG is expecting a direct hit from a typhoon and CX is cancelling a lot of flights. I'd been following the thread on the CX forum and concluded there must be a material risk that the BA flights would be cancelled.

Tried proactively to get a rebooking option via DXB or KUL. No chance until actually cancelled. Additional problem was that we had checked cabin-sized bags for ease of manoeuvring on long layovers at LHR and HKG. Rebooking flexibility much less with checked bags.

Customer services at GF said impossible. Customer services at GC South said may be possible. He spoke to the baggage chute area who said the bags had not yet been loaded and could be moved to "red status" and delivered to the customs hall in 25 mins.

Great, air side flag removed; off down to the transit to C gates and back; quickly through passports; no bags.

Spoke to the baggage desk who said bags were still where they had been and would not be moving any time soon. So, we had them reloaded and headed back to security. "Seek assistance". Went to BA desk at First check-in and back to security three times. Eventually a "rover" had to get involved and after about 30 mins we could get through. FLY issue - couldn't clear earlier conformance, but fixed by swapping our seats around.

Back to GC South to check our bags would definitely be on the flight and not endlessly travelling around carousel 8. Different people who, quite rudely, insisted that what we had attempted was impossible, unless we were offloaded and waited until flight departure. Anyway, bags definitely on board.

Surprised that flight was then called for boarding. Checked bags again with agent halfway down jetway who confirmed bag on board.

Now pushing back. We shall we see whether we a) take off; b) make it to HK; and c) make an on-time connection, rather than being stranded overnight with no luggage!

Lesson learned re checking bags. Never try to partially implement the Flyertalk approach. All or nothing!