Just reporting back on what I believe to be the conclusion of my reimbursement claim from BA for an involuntary downgrade F to J on ATL-LHR last December.

Change of aircraft meant that we were downgraded from F to CW. This was one type of 777 for another and while never having admitted it, I know from the crew that Y was oversold by over 30 seats and the replacement frame, although not having an F cabin could lift those passengers.

BA was immediately apologetic and shortly after landing we received an apology, which at least sounded sincere and an eVoucher for £700 per person, “as an expression of apology”. The email also stated that the fare would be recalculated and we would further be reimbursed by BA Holidays.

This is where the issue started as we received neither reimbursement nor communication from BAH. As operating carrier I had to approach BA three times to escalate this matter, finally last week with me asking them to either pay up our 75% reimbursement due or indicate they were not going to change their stance so I can proceed to CEDR or MCOL.

BA repeatedly tried to cede responsibility to BAH despite clear regulations that is the carriers’ responsibility to reimburse in these cases.


The issue was compounded by virtue of a GUF2 having been used to upgrade the J fare to F. The fare element of FAO-LHR-ATL-LHR-MAD was around €3,000 for two. I generously estimated the inbound fare at €1,500 for two plus half a GUF2 so valued my claim at €1,125 plus either a GUF1 or 37.5% of the value of a GUF2 which in my case would be €750 (The fare difference J to F was €500 per person each way).

Today, finally, BAH responded that by policy they cannot reimburse payments made using vouchers but that as a gesture of goodwill they have awarded me a further GUF2 with today’s date.

Now, strictly speaking BA have not fulfilled their obligations which in my opinion should be a reimbursement of €1,875, but if I use the GUF2 wisely I can easily get this value from it.

Given I already received £1,400 as ex-gratia eVouchers, I am inclined to consider the matter closed. BA are trying to make it sound like they’re doing me a favour, but “many roads lead to Rome” and I hate fighting.