Originally Posted by
Tootall33
Hi all, my flight on the 13th has been cancelled, and on the MMB page states no flights for the next month. Are they required to rebook me on to ELAL, assuming there are seats available (which currently there are in El Al.s website)? They are saying as it’s an avios booking they do not have to rebook me. Help! Thanks.
The you spoke to agent is completely wrong. The obligation to re-route you at the earliest opportunity applies to all public-rate bookings. Points bookings such as Avios redemptions qualify as such; Article 3(3) of UK261 could not be clearer:
This Regulation shall not apply to passengers travelling free of charge or at a reduced fare not available directly or indirectly to the public. However it shall apply to passengers having tickets issued under a frequent flyer programme or other commercial programme by an air carrier or tour operator.
Given the circumstances, the re-routing obligation plainly requires rebooking onto El Al as they are the only airline offering direct flights to/from LHR at the moment.
If BA refuse to do so, ask the agent to note this in the booking if possible, and do
not accept a refund - simply leave the BA booking as it is. Make a cash booking with El Al and claim back the cost from BA once you land.