24 Hour Cooling Off Period
Nov 20, 2018, 6:14 am
#16
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: UK - BHD
Programs: BMI Diamond Club refugee: BA-Br; HH-D
Posts: 912
Does the 24hr cooing off period apply to TA bookings?
This might seem like an odd question, but I have reason to book a flight (for cash) on a date that I don't want to travel on and it must be booked through a travel agent.
Does the 24hr cooling off period apply to TA bookings too, so that I can book then switch to a preferred date?
Many thanks
Does the 24hr cooling off period apply to TA bookings too, so that I can book then switch to a preferred date?
Many thanks
Nov 20, 2018, 6:34 am
#17
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
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No it doesn't. Or rather each travel agent is able to set their own terms here, and perhaps some do, or indeed should if the reservation is not ticketed immediately. In reality most will charge some fee for a cancellation, or simply provide no refund at all. But in essence the 24 hour rule is for direct flight purchase only, and doesn't cover BA Holidays bookings either if done online, depending on jurisdiction.
Nov 20, 2018, 6:37 am
#18
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: UK - BHD
Programs: BMI Diamond Club refugee: BA-Br; HH-D
Posts: 912
No it doesn't. Or rather each travel agent is able to set their own terms here, and perhaps some do, or indeed should if the reservation is not ticketed immediately. In reality most will charge some fee for a cancellation, or simply provide no refund at all. But in essence the 24 hour rule is for direct flight purchase only, and doesn't cover BA Holidays bookings either if done online, depending on jurisdiction.
Dec 6, 2018, 2:05 am
#20
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL/CR; Hilton Diamond; Mucci des Puccis
Posts: 5,636
I don't think it does, no, but you can find out by doing a dummy cancellation on the website and seeing what the fees would be. From what I understand, the 72 hours is viewed as a cooling off period.
Dec 6, 2018, 2:19 am
#21
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,092
Dec 6, 2018, 2:35 am
#22
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: South East, UK
Programs: BA Gold / GfL, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,432
This is what BA.com says about their "Book with confidence" promise (my bolding):
If you notice a mistake with your booking after you have paid for your ticket(s), you can cancel your flight booking and claim a full refund without penalty, up to 24 hours from when you make the original booking.
Refunds under these circumstances can only be requested by calling our contact centres.
The following types of booking are not covered by this guarantee:
- Bookings made for travel within 24 hours of booking.
- Bookings where immediate payment is not required.
- Package bookings or flights booked with hotels, car hire, transfers or experiences.
- South African domestic only services, operated by Comair.
Dec 6, 2018, 2:55 am
#24
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BA
Posts: 101
Dec 6, 2018, 3:41 am
#26
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,092
I know you forfeit the deposit after 72 hours, but it seems - I've never tried it - that if you complete the booking with 72 hours and then immediately cancel you can get it back. A loophole?
ETA: I suppose it makes sense really, after all they refund the deposit when you complete the booking, then they refund the booking when you cancel within 24 hours.
Dec 11, 2018, 9:31 am
#27
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,546
Dec 11, 2018, 10:15 am
#28
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
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The full online refunds - RFS and revenue - started about 6 months ago, so long as you're not flying in the next few days or have already altered the booking / made the booking via a Contact Centre.
Dec 11, 2018, 11:07 am
#29
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,546
So am I right in thinking, after 24 hours the £35 refund will have disappeared and I will only be able to get the 8k Avios back?
Dec 11, 2018, 11:14 am
#30
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Posts: 63,857