Originally Posted by
THEPUMA
Thanks everyone - very helpful.
As you all say, it looks like our flight is chock full. The slightly earlier flight seems to have a bit of availability in premium economy and club world. Do BA ever ask passengers to fly on the earlier flight if the later one is overbooked? If so, is there any point calling the airport earlier in the day and volunteering ourselves for this?
Usually not because an overbooked flight does not mean there will necessarily be more people showing up than seats. If the airline is sure that there is, you could ask at the airport but it is almost impossible they'd accommodate all of you. Absolutely no point in calling: the phone answer will be a resounding 'no'.