Problems calling BAEC using Skype and GoogleVoice
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: YYJ
Posts: 2,230
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.
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.
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 536
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.
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.
#4
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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! )
#5
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Sunshine State
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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.
#6
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,412
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.
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.
#7
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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.
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.
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.
#12
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Geordieland
Programs: BA Gold, A3 White, HH Gold, Accor Plat.
Posts: 290
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.
#13
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Cambridge, UK
Programs: BA Exec, Amex Plat, CX Gold, etc.
Posts: 87
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.
#14
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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.
one of the advantages of GoogleVoice is that calls in n. america are free. Skype lets you call toll-free numbers free as well.
(though I do not use it myself.)
#15
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Oslo, Norway
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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.