Thanks, that link was great. Another thing that BA didn't know:
Code:
2N CHANGES
3N --------
4N .
5N PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
6N .
7N TRAVEL ORIGINATING AREA 1:
8N BEFORE TICKET ISSUANCE:
9N .
10N . * PERMITTED WITHOUT PENALTY
11N AFTER TICKETING ISSUANCE:
23N . * CHANGES OTHER THAN DATE/TIME ARE PERMITTED AT A
24N . CHARGE OF USD 75.00. THE TICKET MUST BE REISSUED.
30N TRAVEL ORIGINATING AREA 2/3:
31N BEFORE DEPARTURE:
32N .
33N . * UNLIMITED CHANGES PERMITTED WITHOUT CHARGE.
BA told my TA that changes to the routing even before departure (like changing a segment) would be subjuct to a pentalty of 125USD. It says nothing about the ticket being issued, as it does when originating from AREA 1 (rules). As I interpret the above changes in the itinerary should be for free when originating from AREA2/3 if done before departure?
The $75 change fee is history, now $125, one of the "minor" changes I mentioned earlier. Note some airlines (BA, QF) will add extra charges for the inconvenience, or because it's Tuesday, etc. Don't expect consistency.
Looks as I will talk to BA tomorrow, best would be if they refunded the whole amount and I could book via AA (cheaper) if I can find availability to MAD-SCL.
Also, as you guys seem to know more than the CS at BA, can I have my ticket partly as e-ticket and partly on paper? One leg, SCL-AKL doesn't allow e-ticket, so I got it all on paper, BA claimed they couldn't split it up. If I remember correctly though, a friend of mine was able to split the ticket, same TA, different person, I'll ask her about it tomorrow.
I think all-paper is needed if any of the participants don't do e-tix. Not sure.
Time to get some sleep and thanks alot for your help guys!