Downgrades - a guide?
Dec 2, 2017, 3:04 am
#16
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 257
I just posted this on another thread but it may help posting it again. Our actual flight was on a 789 with just 8 F seats and all but 1 taken on wheels up.
My advice would be 1) don't worry about it because you can't control it. 2) have options and know what other flights are going out that day. 3) be flexible and most important don't stress about it.
...A few weeks before our trip to Boston in November. We were alerted by the MyFlights app that our booking had changed, no email from BA. We were downgraded from F to J due to aircraft change and no F cabin on the change. Having telephoned YouFirst the lovely agent promptly asked if we could do an earlier/later flight on the same day. She said there was no reward availability but would email the redemptions team and hey presto within 24 hours we were back on track with an F flight just an hour later than originally planned.
The only issues it gave us was that midway to LHR on the M4 I tried to complete OLCI and we struck an error telling us to check-in at the airport. Worried of yet another downgrade we rang and it was an IT glitch related to the first cancelled flight. Eventually sorted at the airport the next morning.
The only issues it gave us was that midway to LHR on the M4 I tried to complete OLCI and we struck an error telling us to check-in at the airport. Worried of yet another downgrade we rang and it was an IT glitch related to the first cancelled flight. Eventually sorted at the airport the next morning.
Dec 2, 2017, 3:58 am
#17
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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My memory might be failing me, but I thought I could remember an excellent guide to what to do if that happens written by your good self C-W-S, which I have been looking for so I can print it out and take it with me to the airport. If I didn't imagine it, could you point me in the right direction to find it please?
Dec 2, 2017, 4:46 am
#18
Join Date: Jul 2010
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There are 2 posts I can recall along these lines, one 2-4-1 centric, and I'll dig them out. But I'm somewhat appalled of the thought of people printing out (anything!) I ramble on about. Notwithstanding that, you are more likely to be late to the airport than downgraded, by quite a margin too.
Dec 2, 2017, 5:21 am
#19
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,021
Mrs Bluemoon worries about everything possible it is to worry about; even she hasn't once worried about the possibility of us being downgraded. Flying far less than me, she actually looks forward to these flights and considers them part of the holiday. On the 10 flights (5 returns) we have taken using the 2-4-1 we have flown the class booked 9 times and been upgraded once. I really wouldn't get into the mindset of thinking that (a) a downgrade is likely and (b) if it did happen you wouldn't be treated with some consideration by BA.
Dec 2, 2017, 5:30 am
#20
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Focus on that which can be controlled.
Simply be prepared for the things you can't control. In addition to a cabin oversale necessitating a downgrade, your flight could be cancelled or significantly delayed for any number of reasons. But, worrying that the Captain will contract food poisoning won't make his eating habits better.
The sole thing to do here as with all travel is to have done the research on other options in the event that anything goes wrong no matter the fault. SAN may only have one nonstop per day, but it is served by BA/AA via every US gateway, most particularly LAX which is a 15-minute (airtime) hop and a short drive to SAN.
Simply be prepared for the things you can't control. In addition to a cabin oversale necessitating a downgrade, your flight could be cancelled or significantly delayed for any number of reasons. But, worrying that the Captain will contract food poisoning won't make his eating habits better.
The sole thing to do here as with all travel is to have done the research on other options in the event that anything goes wrong no matter the fault. SAN may only have one nonstop per day, but it is served by BA/AA via every US gateway, most particularly LAX which is a 15-minute (airtime) hop and a short drive to SAN.
Dec 2, 2017, 5:43 am
#21
Join Date: Jul 2010
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Found it - this is the post by C-W-S I was thinking of - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27984677-post225.html
Dec 2, 2017, 5:50 am
#22
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Found it - this is the post by C-W-S I was thinking of - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27984677-post225.html
Dec 2, 2017, 2:29 pm
#23
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Don't worry. There are significantly more upgrades than downgrades on 2-4-1s (albeit not from F!), it's just that some people on here and HFP have chosen to make a mountain out of it (admittedly itself driven by less than ideal handling by BA CS). You've got a near-perfect chance it'll be ok, but if you're concerned, pick your favourite alternative routing (which can include AA under joint business rules) and ask for that if the worst happens - BA's default option is downgrade by one cabin on original route as that's what the everyday man in the street would most likely prefer, but no one would quibble about rerouting you on any suitable BA/AA itinerary if you told them you'd rather stay in F as it's such a treat.
Enjoy your trip
Enjoy your trip
Dec 3, 2017, 4:49 am
#24
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: London
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despite Raffles' reports of 2-4-1 downgrades (and I know he's trying to be helpful even if the headlines can be a bit sensationalist), downgrades are rare (as often told) and it's not a 50/50 gamble of downgrade or not on a 2-4-1.
though I havent checked loads, as others have said, if there are 3 F seats available, it's say there's next to no risk of a downgrade.
so, as CIHY says, stop worrying about potential negatives. I just read a book that said we spent 90% of our time worrying about things that have a 10% likelihood of happening. (i'd say here, it's less than 10% likelihood) - and that is just silly. you are just as likely to miss the flight because of a traffic accident on the M25 or because of bad weather.
look forward to your first F and enjoy.
Dec 3, 2017, 6:37 am
#26
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Dec 4, 2017, 8:43 am
#28
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 104
We're due to fly on a 2-4-1 in two weeks, and with a single seat left in F on that flight (not taking in to account 1A/1K) I'm concerned about being downgraded. I've read through previous threads on the likelihood of a downgrade on 2-4-1, which seems slight, but as this is our first F flight I wanted to be prepared.
Is there a guide on how to handle downgrades with BA, at the point of being told about the downgrade? Should I ask them how they have chosen the individuals (me+1) to downgrade? Should I request a re-route in F?
Is there a guide on how to handle downgrades with BA, at the point of being told about the downgrade? Should I ask them how they have chosen the individuals (me+1) to downgrade? Should I request a re-route in F?
Does F1 mean its full since they over sell first by 1 (i think I read on here)?
Dec 4, 2017, 8:48 am
#29
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BA is said to be prepared to overbook F by 1. If that is right, then F1 means that BA currently holds 14 reservations for the F cabin (assuming a 14-seat cabin). But that would not mean either that the cabin is either full or or that it is oversold.
Dec 5, 2017, 3:58 pm
#30
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... And just because BA is now willing and able to overbook F by 1, that doesn't mean they have, will or are in this case, merely that they can if they so choose. I have no proof either way, but rather suspect the majority of flights are still not set up this way - they really don't want to downgrade/reroute F if at all possible, and will only overbook F at all if they realistically expect someone won't turn up.