Thanks everyone for the comments and help. Certainly I would now advocate a plan B and C although I had thought I had that covered by flying over the night before for a 11-30am return.

I am silver but by the time I was off the cancelled flight last night the executive club call centre was closed. I therefore tweeted BA and just asked what my options were.

Inside half an hour and an exchange of DMs I was talking to an agent who because of the special circumstances amended my booking so that I could go straight to LHR and check in today.

I recognised how unusal and lucky that that was but thought I had better not count my chickens at that stage.

I am now airside at T5 all checked in and ready to go.

If you are around I am the person with the silly grin on his face who is trying to find a lottery ticket to buy.

So so thanks again.

The result is one happy customer who will stay loyal and not try Qatar next time!