Volcanic ash restrictions to European airspace and airports [Master thread]
#46
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: UK
Programs: BA Blue, IC Spire Ambassador
Posts: 5,227
BRIT AIR IS A DISGRACE THEY SHOULD JUST FLY ROUND IT
There's nothing they can do. I think safety has to come first in these situations. As long as they keep on the ball with providing information as soon as they have that information -and making sure that all channels -ba.com, contact centres, airport desks, cabin crew, handling agents...have that information so that they can keep passengers up to date, and are reasonable with rebooking/hospitality, then I don't think they can be blamed in any way -in fact, if they handle it well, it might look rather good for them.
I do not envy the ground staff or contact centre staff on a day like today. I also don't envy those CC who have left the UK and are currently stuck on a turnaround somewhere!
There's nothing they can do. I think safety has to come first in these situations. As long as they keep on the ball with providing information as soon as they have that information -and making sure that all channels -ba.com, contact centres, airport desks, cabin crew, handling agents...have that information so that they can keep passengers up to date, and are reasonable with rebooking/hospitality, then I don't think they can be blamed in any way -in fact, if they handle it well, it might look rather good for them.
I do not envy the ground staff or contact centre staff on a day like today. I also don't envy those CC who have left the UK and are currently stuck on a turnaround somewhere!
#47
Join Date: Feb 2009
Programs: HHonors Diamond, SPG Platinum, PC Platinum :) - BA & Virgin - Lowly :(
Posts: 38
#48
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Berkshire
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold, GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Accor Plat, Pucci Fan Club
Posts: 1,779
We can't hang our washing out in case it gets covered in ash so we are having to use the tumble dryer which consumes electricity ŁŁŁŁŁŁ
Who should I contact for compensation?
Who should I contact for compensation?
#50
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 10,709
To be honest, I don't care what compensation I do or don't get, I just want to get home.
We're booked into FIRST on Friday night LAX-LHR, and Mrs. AMRKOS is 4 months pregnant and I don't fancy being re-routed anywhere near the back of the plane for a 10 hour flight, for her sake.
We're booked into FIRST on Friday night LAX-LHR, and Mrs. AMRKOS is 4 months pregnant and I don't fancy being re-routed anywhere near the back of the plane for a 10 hour flight, for her sake.
i dont know if this has been on before i havent read the whole thread.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Airways_Flight_9
#52
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 10,709
#53
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Battleaxe Alliance
Posts: 22,127
P.S. If anyone is getting miffed with BA, the following is the reason why it's not BA's fault "IN ACCORDANCE WITH ICAO VOLCANIC ASH CONTINGENCY PLAN, NO IFR CLEARANCE WILL BE ISSUED FOR PENETRATION OF THE FORECAST CONTAMINATED AREA THAT LIES WITHIN UK AIRSPACE."
(It's not me shouting, it's a direct copy from the NOTAM for London FIR. Although I did wonder if they'd issue a VFR clearance in that case?! )
#54
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AB Platinum (AB4EVA), IHG Diamond, Dominos Gold
Posts: 956
So what is speculation? How long will it take?
I am on Hold waiting to speak to BA for the third time now. They disconnected me twice before (nobody ever answered)
BA keeps saying that "you can rebook online"... well I can't.
I was scheduled to leave tonight and need to be in DE tomorrow for work...
I am on Hold waiting to speak to BA for the third time now. They disconnected me twice before (nobody ever answered)
BA keeps saying that "you can rebook online"... well I can't.
I was scheduled to leave tonight and need to be in DE tomorrow for work...
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 10,709
i dont know if anyone knows how long this cloud is going to take to pass. i think the volcano is still erupting. also the weather in the uk has now started to come from the north, hence the problem. also this will last over the weekend. which means a colder few days for us. but also the cloud problems.
#57
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: BAEC Gold, M&M Sen, Delta Skymiles Gold
Posts: 866
The situation is not expected to improve anytime soon. Scandinavian airspace is close until at least 2200 tonight, and the cloud is moving in a south/eastern direction. Parts of european airspace will most likely be closed for several days, which will lead to big delays and chaos all over Europe.
#58
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold (OW Emerald) & Jet Airways - Thank goodness i never got started.......most awful FF program
Posts: 2,385
Oh darn, I wish my other half was in London on a layover, would have been nice if she was stranded here with me for a few days!
Can i sue the Icelandic government for not respecting my family life from Article 8 of Human rights law?
Can i sue the Icelandic government for not respecting my family life from Article 8 of Human rights law?
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Home: East Mids UK - Work (Base): Accra, Ghana.
Programs: BAEC: Silver - Marriott: Titanium
Posts: 12,086
The situation is not expected to improve anytime soon. Scandinavian airspace is close until at least 2200 tonight, and the cloud is moving in a south/eastern direction. Parts of european airspace will most likely be closed for several days, which will lead to big delays and chaos all over Europe.
Oh well, can only make the best of a bad situation!
#60
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Battleaxe Alliance
Posts: 22,127
The NOTAM about it for London FIR currently only extends to 6:59 pm local time but I suspect it'll go further.
The nav guy working for another airline says the airspace closure around London starts at 12:00 (not sure if he was talking in Z or local) and doesn't know until when.