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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 1:53 pm
  #1  
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Problems calling BAEC using Skype and GoogleVoice

I'm having problems reaching BAEC using Skype and GoogleVoice and I'm wondering if anyone else is having similar problems and/or found any solutions or at least work-arounds.
When i use Skype to call the toll-free, north american number, the status of the call remains at "ringing" despite the fact that the call was answered and I hear the normal message. This means that I cannot use the keypad to select the menu option ("2" for this, "3" for that, etc.) The exact same thing happens while using a skype client on a Mac, and Android device, and an iOS device (all with the latest OS and Skype client versions.)
I also tried using GoogleVoice/GoogleChat to make a phone call and the BAEC number rings and rings and never picks up.
I really don't know what the problem is. Does Skype/Google work for you? Any other work arounds? thanks in advance.
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 3:20 pm
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I discovered the same problem when I called them a few days ago. Some googling showed me that this is common with skype - it has severe problems with the number tones (for menu options).
In the end I got through by hammering the option number I wanted but I think that was luck more than anything else. The call got dropped soon after! Skype is definitely not reliable for calling BA.
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 3:27 pm
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I've had exactly this issue with the US number - it just doesn't pick up any menu option, I just let it dial through to 'all other enquiries' which then takes forever...
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 4:02 pm
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Originally Posted by BA6501
I've had exactly this issue with the US number - it just doesn't pick up any menu option, I just let it dial through to 'all other enquiries' which then takes forever...
i tried that as well and only got through to the general customer service center in India. The woman I spoke with had no idea what I was talking about. She finally told me that I had to speak with BAEC and she transferred me but I hung up after half-an-hour.

i also tried googling the problem with skype and couldn't come up with anything that seemed to be the same.

thanks BA6501 and simonrp84 for confirming the problem with skype. at least that tells me that it's not my setup or even BA's for that matter.

On a side note, I decided to try my cell phone to see if the wait was still 30+ minutes. I was startled when my call was picked up immediately. I was also very surprised to have gotten through to the UK call center (having dialed the NA one). The person I spoke with was fantastic and helped me with my enquiry.

On yet another side note, why does BA make it so difficult to claim miles from Alaska Airlines? for other partners, you can fill the form out online. But for AS, you must send it in by post!!! Information for the US call center has a fax number but the Canadian one doesn't. Not really too important for me as I don't even have a fax! Why can't we simply upload a pdf file once logged into our BAEC account? fax is so 19th century (nevermind 20th! )
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 6:53 pm
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Try using Localphone or Rebtel. You have to set up an account but thereafter it is cheap and easy. Localphone even has an app that you can use via WiFi.
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 7:37 pm
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I had a message from Skype/Mate last week saying that if I used a computer with a handset keypad requests would no longer be recognised and to use the software keypad instead....am I making sense here because I don't know the proper lingo?

Something to do with a change in the software they're using. No idea if that is at all relevant to the OP's issue but I thought I'd mention it.
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 8:06 pm
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Originally Posted by HIDDY
I had a message from Skype/Mate last week saying that if I used a computer with a handset keypad requests would no longer be recognised and to use the software keypad instead....am I making sense here because I don't know the proper lingo?

Something to do with a change in the software they're using. No idea if that is at all relevant to the OP's issue but I thought I'd mention it.
thanks for that, HIDDY. I was using the keypad on the screen, clicking it with the mouse/cursor on the desktop, and finger on mobile devices. nothing worked.

Originally Posted by tooblue
Try using Localphone or Rebtel. You have to set up an account but thereafter it is cheap and easy. Localphone even has an app that you can use via WiFi.
one of the advantages of GoogleVoice is that calls in n. america are free. Skype lets you call toll-free numbers free as well.
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Old Dec 22, 2013 | 10:31 pm
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Use a phone perhaps?
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 12:13 am
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Just used skype on an iPhone to call BAEC. No problems.
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Old Dec 23, 2013 | 1:04 am
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Originally Posted by Poxball
Use a phone perhaps?
The last time I called BA on my mobile it cost over 10 for a 30 minute call.

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Old Apr 2, 2014 | 4:48 pm
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I have experienced the same problems for three months now. Very annoying.
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Old Apr 2, 2014 | 6:25 pm
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I had a problem using viber from morocco to call the uk 0191 number. had to call the "free" 0800 ngn, cost me 2 for 10 mins or so on viber out, no biggie, but still, the 0191 would have been less expensive.
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Old Apr 2, 2014 | 6:41 pm
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If you press and hold the button you require for a few seconds; rather than just very briefly it seems to work. For me at least. I've also had more success using it without a headset. I then switch to the headset when actually speaking to someone.
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Old Apr 2, 2014 | 9:29 pm
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Originally Posted by BenSenise
thanks for that, HIDDY. I was using the keypad on the screen, clicking it with the mouse/cursor on the desktop, and finger on mobile devices. nothing worked.



one of the advantages of GoogleVoice is that calls in n. america are free. Skype lets you call toll-free numbers free as well.
I thought that they are only free if calling from N America?
(though I do not use it myself.)
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Old Apr 3, 2014 | 3:04 am
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Originally Posted by Alan Smith
If you press and hold the button you require for a few seconds; rather than just very briefly it seems to work. For me at least. I've also had more success using it without a headset. I then switch to the headset when actually speaking to someone.
Yes, using Skype with out a headset also works better for me as well. It could be that the dial tones are not detected when the headset is used.
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