chayz

I've got 2 SWU's waitlisted for a me and a friend placed 5 months ago for a flight out to LHR this week. Knowing the craziness that's ensued with the weather and the need for AA to rebook as many people as possible...has anyone had success getting their upgrades cleared on any LHR flights this week?

CubsFanJohn

It looks like AA 98 got out of Chicago with significant delay. Don't get me going on BAA they are proprably the worst airport operator (This is my opinion and yes I have been to several airports in Europe) in the world.

Bonaturtle

Looks like all but one flight out of LHR to ORD/DFW is going to get out today, so that's a good sign. I figure they'll be caught up by the 24th.

androobe

Yes, BAA was gov't owned until 1986 under Thatcher. In 2006 it was bought by Ferrovial, a Spanish company.

As for the weather - this is the third winter in a row that the UK has had significant snowfall to this extent, although this is the hardest LHR has been hit (I was affected by closures at MAN the last two winters, but both times it reopened in hours not days).

It's looking more like the norm for the future now, so they better open their wallets soon.

Andriyko

My thoughts exactly! All these excuses that LHR gets snow once every ten years are not valid anymore. Snow and below zero temperatures caused chaos last year, and two times already this December. They should be prepared and invest in the infrastructure.

b33blebrox

Yes. I got upgraded yesterday on AA105 for today and they charged my credit card the extra $95. Then they cancelled the flight but of course, still have my $95.

Now waiting for my flight on Thursday.

BAK

It is much easier to blame everything on the global warming.

Abscam

Had a SWU flight on Friday (LHR). Then had one for Saturday(LHR). Lost it for Sunday(LHR), changed it to BRU (23rd) and got it again. Now with trains mucked up to Brussells and BRU itself a little messed up, back out of LHR on the 22nd with no SWU.

I'll need to look at my cc bill rather closely after this trip to figure out what credits I need to request. In no hurry to head back to Europe at this point...but had to get in one last business trip to the EU didn't I.

VillageFlyer

It is now Monday. All flights for the day to Hamburg and Prague canceled (4 each), and 4 of 5 to Berlin, and 6 of 7 to Frankfurt. All flights to Prague (where I had to be for the weekend) have been canceled starting with the Friday 7pm flight through Monday evening (the cancellations started *before* the snow). It has not snowed in London since Saturday, and in fact there is sunshine right now. I am booked on the 7am to Berlin tomorrow, which I am certain will be canceled. Next available seat on Dec 24.

I am thinking of flying through Budapest -- Malev flies out of Gatwick, which is operating, though with delays.

This is clearly a Heathrow issue. I will avoid Heathrow in winter until there has been a snow fall which the airport demonstrates it can handle. (Happily enough Air Berlin will be adding further European options soon.)

VF
generally patient

ILuvParis

I love it when people stumble upon the correct answer.

Bonaturtle

To open up coach seats would AA put a higher priority than an algorithm to get people upgraded to open up space, especially the people who are using miles and more cash to do so? Or is more priority put on people who have tickets paid in full Y first?

yabadoo

I am due to fly out from BRU to JFK, connecting on AA131 at LHR on 23rd. Am now getting worried about the situation, I hope by the time Thursday comes things would have cleared up a little and flights re-start out of LHR, (though probably with delays given the backlog.)

Other problem I just became aware of is here at BRU, they're running our of de-icing fluid and will have to shut the airport down, till they can replenish supplies which may not be till Wednesday as it needs to be trucked in from France.

If LHR is still in chaos on Wednesday then may think of changing my flight to go direct from BRU to JFK if that will still be possible.

gemac

If you can do it now, I would do it now.

JDiver

According to an e-blast from Joe Brancatelli, LHR will clear one of three flights until 6 AM GMT Wednesday, 22 Dec. It's snowing, they are obviously snowed, folks whose flights actually go have priority and those who are reaccommodated are likely to go through more of the same. IMO, nobody should count on any degree of safety to their flights through this week.

BBC: 20 December 2010 Last updated at 09:30 ET
"Major winter storms cancelled dozens of flights across Europe during one of the busiest times of the year as travellers tried to get to their destinations ahead of the Christmas holidays.

Heavy snow and freezing temperatures forced airlines in France, Belgium and Germany to cancel all or most of their flights.

Flights at the two main airports in Paris have been reduced by 30%. In Frankfurt, many passengers were left stranded after flights were cancellled and departures from Brussels airport were on hold until Wednesday."

Link to BBC LHR-related articles online.

From the BBC and other appearances, if you want to fly right now, go to HEL.

demkr

LOL. Utter BAA fail