What are the operating times of the GGL hot line?
 

Btw thought it was funny when I had to ring the Gold line to get the number for the GGL line. The gold line answered after two rings. The GGL put me on hold :-)

24 hours though after UK hours (7am-8pm IIRC) you get transferred to the US.

There's also a time when the US closes and you get redirected to India, before Manchester opens. I think it's only a three or four hour period though. Noticeable if you're west coast USA and you call in the evening.

Thanks, both. Any experience with these other offices? For instance, half the time Bremmen has to get back to me because they need to talk to the UK (or even worse its the UK that has to deal with my request). I wonder if it is the same for the GGL line (I mean they will answer the phone but do they really know what they are doing and have the authority to do it)?

Oh, another question. Is there a GGL number for the US (that is where I am right now)?

Ok, the US weren't much help. Couldn't see I was GGL, couldn't actually book anything for me because home office is Bremmen, couldn't put my name on the CCR (no card yet) but they were very nice.

Generally speaking, from plenty of experience of dealing with call centres in these countries (BT, Vodafone, Three, etc etc) is don't waste your time. Just wait the three hours until Manchester opens!

Does your BAEC homepage show you as GGL?

In my experience as an Israel-based member which meant that prior to becoming GGL only the Israeli EC office could help me with requests, now that I am GGL, when calling the designated GGL line (free phone from Israel or direct line when outside the country) they can always do whatever I need, certainly as much as the Israel office, and a few things the Israel office cannot do (like utilising the joker). I find this is true for Manchester and also for South Africa where I think the Israel number is redirected to. That said, when I call out of UK hours to the UK line and get redirected to the US GGL line, they cannot do much except they once dealt nicely with an IRROPS situation and held seats for me on two flights until I knew if I would make the first one.

In summary, yes the designated GGL office for your country (which will normally be outside your country if you are not UK/US based) can do whatever the local office can and more.

Generally I've found the folks in Jacksonville to be excellent. Much more can do, than some of the grumpy people in Manchester. However if you do get the right person in Manchester they are superb. India haven't had much experience of, but wasn't impressed.

Lesson learned :-)

It did 2 days ago before my year expired (I only went GGL 4 days before that). But now it just says Gold. I will give them a ring.

Thanks everyone for the other comments.

Ok, apparently my GGL was only triggered on 7 March and so will only be updated Monday. It is wierd because before my year reset it was definitely showing GGL. Oh well, no hurry.