Schedule Changes
Feb 23, 2005 | 8:14 am
#16
Join Date: May 2003
Location: BHX
Posts: 664
Originally Posted by ajamieson
Go for the later one. In my experience BD will move heaven and earth to accommodate late connecting pax from EDI or GLA. Twice I've arrived into MAN from EDI well after boarding has started for the ORD/IAD and twice I've been offered an airside car or an escort to the gate. They fell over themselves to ensure my bags were loaded, too. That you're all in C will also help matters considerably.
One thing worth checking: does BA have a GLA-MAN flight at a similar time, should the BD flight go tech or get cancelled? A useful fall-back.
One thing worth checking: does BA have a GLA-MAN flight at a similar time, should the BD flight go tech or get cancelled? A useful fall-back.
Feb 23, 2005 | 8:25 am
#17
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 8,264
MAN staff being proactive in my experience, although having the duty manager at EDI phone ahead does help
If they're willing to hold the gate open for me, travelling on my own in W class, a family in C shouldn't have any worries at all.If you think it's going to be tight, don't be afraid to remind the DC staff at GLA/EDI/wherever to call MAN and alert them.
Feb 24, 2005 | 12:12 pm
#18
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA Blue
Posts: 1,365
Thanks very much aj ^ In the light of your positive experiences I've decided to try for the later GLA - MAN flight. As I'm "known" in the GLA lounge I've also benefitted in the past in similar circs - flying GLA - LHR - PMI on a Saturday, our GLA - LHR flight was delayed and we missed our LHR - PMI flight. Being a Saturday, there was a later LHR - PMI flight which the GLA staff got us on, with 3 of us upgraded to C, using various upgrade vouchers (the only time I've ever seen an upgrade other than locally)
Anyway, to the slight (potential) fly in the ointment. This is a part miles/part cash award, so I telephone the G line. I was told I needed to ring the "Schedule Changes Dept." - they are available Mon - Fri, office hours, so I'll call them tomorrow. I've never had any dealings with them before (never heard of them before). Anyone who has dealt with them before, got any tips for me, before I call?
Anyway, to the slight (potential) fly in the ointment. This is a part miles/part cash award, so I telephone the G line. I was told I needed to ring the "Schedule Changes Dept." - they are available Mon - Fri, office hours, so I'll call them tomorrow. I've never had any dealings with them before (never heard of them before). Anyone who has dealt with them before, got any tips for me, before I call?
Feb 24, 2005 | 12:25 pm
#19
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
Programs: BA GGL, British Midland Lifetime* Loser
Posts: 8,264
Depends on who you get, but my advice would be to keep your request simple - stick to your guns and make it clear that BD has made your itinerary unworkable and that you will need to go on the correct connecting flight. If you sound knowledgeable they usually do it without hestitation.
If that doesn't work, get the ticket desk at GLA to make the change next time you're passing through (or leave the tickets with them to alter at their convenience).
Good luck.
and that you will need to go on the correct connecting flight. If you sound knowledgeable they usually do it without hestitation.If that doesn't work, get the ticket desk at GLA to make the change next time you're passing through (or leave the tickets with them to alter at their convenience).
Good luck.
Feb 24, 2005 | 12:38 pm
#20
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA Blue
Posts: 1,365
Thanks again aj 
I will polish up my sounding knowledgeable accent for tomorrow
Tix yet to arrive but if plan A doesn't work, I'll take soundings from GLA lounge staff re your suggested plan B. Will post result.
I will polish up my sounding knowledgeable accent for tomorrow Tix yet to arrive but if plan A doesn't work, I'll take soundings from GLA lounge staff re your suggested plan B. Will post result.
Mar 1, 2005 | 7:59 am
#21
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA Blue
Posts: 1,365
Update - telephoned Schedule Changes Dept on Friday. Hung on for 20 mins first call and 30 minutes second call...no answer 
So on Friday evening I sent an e-mail to bmi customer services complaining about the 7 hoops of 7 colours bmi wanted me to dance through - I also suggested that the G line should have taken problem on board to its conclusion. Upshot was an e-mail from customer services on Sunday apologising and saying they had referred matter to the helpdesk. Received a call yesterday from helpdesk and they confirmed that reservation now changed to later flight GLA - MAN
Since I was in the DC lounge at LHR when I got the good news decided to celebrate, so Boddies and Glenlivet took a tanning
Managed to get my name mentioned 3 times on the tannoy ("if Mr Lounge really wants to travel to Glasgow will he please shift his @rse?")....is this a record?
Thanks again aj ^
So on Friday evening I sent an e-mail to bmi customer services complaining about the 7 hoops of 7 colours bmi wanted me to dance through - I also suggested that the G line should have taken problem on board to its conclusion. Upshot was an e-mail from customer services on Sunday apologising and saying they had referred matter to the helpdesk. Received a call yesterday from helpdesk and they confirmed that reservation now changed to later flight GLA - MAN
Since I was in the DC lounge at LHR when I got the good news decided to celebrate, so Boddies and Glenlivet took a tanning
Managed to get my name mentioned 3 times on the tannoy ("if Mr Lounge really wants to travel to Glasgow will he please shift his @rse?")....is this a record? Thanks again aj ^