Did IB at JFK say why they were denying you boarding for JFK-MAD? Did you get contact info for any of the other passengers that were similarly affected? Seems that IB JFK didn't exercise their duty of care much, if at all. All of the later problems were a result of their failure to get the problem sorted, I wouldn't sue IB at this stage - a stiff email to their Customer Service asking for an explanation and full refund of addtiional expenses (plus a gesture of apology?) and giving them seven days to response would be a good first step. Then if no satisfactory response send a Letter Before Action (or whatever the equivalent is in the USA). But also try and get other pax deets,,,,
Why is the first thought always legal action?
- Agent's English Proficiency: The agent at the airport spoke very little English. I did my best to communicate, and I recorded the interactions on my phone for reference. It was impossible to get a clear reason for the denial, and no supervisor came out to assist us. The agent just kept repeating, "You gotta call customer service; there’s nothing we can do for you." They wouldn't give me anything in writing- for all I know they could claim I was a no-show to a flight that took off!
- Other Passenger Details: I did manage to get the contact details of another passenger in the same situation. I followed up with him today. He mentioned that he was booked on AA stock (for his Iberia flights, not to be confused with my BA stock for my AA leg). After 24 hours, he was flown to Cyprus and has now booked a separate flight to Tel Aviv with another airline. He plans to try and get reimbursed for this additional leg.
- Why Suing Came Up First: Just to clarify, when I first wrote my original post, I ran it through ChatGPT to make sure it was clear and well-presented. It actually arranged the elements in the order you saw—including the question about suing. I guess even AI thinks about legal action first! 😅