FYI: BA and guitars (again)
Feb 26, 2018, 4:26 am
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: UA, BA, AA
Posts: 26
Sorry to be tedious, but for those interested, a 72 hours post-booking update, I called to chase this up.
CS rep: "You want to book a car?"
CS: " Yes, your guitar will get a seat, no problem, this is already arranged". me: "really? I am waiting for BA to confirm."
CS: " You already paid for the seat." me: "no i haven't."
hold = 20 minutes
CS: "the relevant department will call you back within 24 hours. there is no need to phone us back. you can't speak to them directly."
NB: in the 72 hours since I booked and requested a seat for the guitar, the 'basic economy' fare has risen from £130 to £195.
Oh joy.
CS rep: "You want to book a car?"
CS: " Yes, your guitar will get a seat, no problem, this is already arranged". me: "really? I am waiting for BA to confirm."
CS: " You already paid for the seat." me: "no i haven't."
hold = 20 minutes
CS: "the relevant department will call you back within 24 hours. there is no need to phone us back. you can't speak to them directly."
NB: in the 72 hours since I booked and requested a seat for the guitar, the 'basic economy' fare has risen from £130 to £195.
Oh joy.
Last edited by Birksworks; Feb 26, 2018 at 5:03 am
Feb 26, 2018, 1:18 pm
#32
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: JAX
Programs: Ex-BA/AA/CP/LY staff, BA Executive Club Blue, IHG Diamond, Marriott Silver, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 3,588
I realise it's too late now for the OP, but maybe this'll help the next person…
Where possible, always, always book the EXST for comfort or cabin baggage at the same time as the human.
If you make a booking just for humans, and then decide later to add an EXST, it's okay, it just takes longer. If you can book human+EXST together in the same PNR it's a lot easier for everyone, including BA…
Sorry you got duff info on your first call OP.
Where possible, always, always book the EXST for comfort or cabin baggage at the same time as the human.
If you make a booking just for humans, and then decide later to add an EXST, it's okay, it just takes longer. If you can book human+EXST together in the same PNR it's a lot easier for everyone, including BA…
Sorry you got duff info on your first call OP.
Feb 26, 2018, 2:11 pm
#34
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,660
I realise it's too late now for the OP, but maybe this'll help the next person…
Where possible, always, always book the EXST for comfort or cabin baggage at the same time as the human.
If you make a booking just for humans, and then decide later to add an EXST, it's okay, it just takes longer. If you can book human+EXST together in the same PNR it's a lot easier for everyone, including BA…
Sorry you got duff info on your first call OP.
Where possible, always, always book the EXST for comfort or cabin baggage at the same time as the human.
If you make a booking just for humans, and then decide later to add an EXST, it's okay, it just takes longer. If you can book human+EXST together in the same PNR it's a lot easier for everyone, including BA…
Sorry you got duff info on your first call OP.
Feb 26, 2018, 2:44 pm
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: UA, BA, AA
Posts: 26
Update with a result.
Person three (of five) from Friday 24 Feb rang to say that the revenue department had determined that the current fare was £227, but that since (a) I had paid a fare of £160 and they had given me the runaround, they would charge only £80 for the guitar. He said he would email to confirm the seat for the guitar and that he said I could take said guitar on in a foam padded soft case.
This all looks hopeful. I paid the extra, but no sign of a confirm for the guitar yet, only of a charge for something unspecified.
IF this works out, and that remains to be seen, it raises the question of how to do this next time-- especially since it took four days.
I have been told four versions of how to book a person and guitar:
in chronological order
Version 1. Call, book and pay for both seats at the same time.
Version 2. 1 is wrong. Book person online and call to add guitar over the phone and pay for it then
Version 3. 1 and 2 are wrong, Book person online and call to add guitar. BA CS or the 'revenue dept' will phone back to provide a price for the guitar based on whatever the fare is when they ring back (whenever that might be)
Version 4. 1, 2, and 3, are wrong. Call to book person and guitar at same time. This generates a request for the special (un-named) team who go away and price things then ring back to provide a price for person and guitar based on the fare as of the time they get around to ringing back.
Anonba suggested two possibilities:
(1) book person online, call to add guitar -- but it was not clear to me what fare the guitar would get;
or
(2) book for both online-- this locks in the fare for both person and instrument. The questions here are (a) I had asked to do that and been told it was not possible and (b) it seems that, according the versions above, the fare for the guitar cant be locked in , but depends on the going rate when BA phone me back.
It would be great and _much appreciated_ if anonba could set me straight.
Person three (of five) from Friday 24 Feb rang to say that the revenue department had determined that the current fare was £227, but that since (a) I had paid a fare of £160 and they had given me the runaround, they would charge only £80 for the guitar. He said he would email to confirm the seat for the guitar and that he said I could take said guitar on in a foam padded soft case.
This all looks hopeful. I paid the extra, but no sign of a confirm for the guitar yet, only of a charge for something unspecified.
IF this works out, and that remains to be seen, it raises the question of how to do this next time-- especially since it took four days.
I have been told four versions of how to book a person and guitar:
in chronological order
Version 1. Call, book and pay for both seats at the same time.
Version 2. 1 is wrong. Book person online and call to add guitar over the phone and pay for it then
Version 3. 1 and 2 are wrong, Book person online and call to add guitar. BA CS or the 'revenue dept' will phone back to provide a price for the guitar based on whatever the fare is when they ring back (whenever that might be)
Version 4. 1, 2, and 3, are wrong. Call to book person and guitar at same time. This generates a request for the special (un-named) team who go away and price things then ring back to provide a price for person and guitar based on the fare as of the time they get around to ringing back.
Anonba suggested two possibilities:
(1) book person online, call to add guitar -- but it was not clear to me what fare the guitar would get;
or
(2) book for both online-- this locks in the fare for both person and instrument. The questions here are (a) I had asked to do that and been told it was not possible and (b) it seems that, according the versions above, the fare for the guitar cant be locked in , but depends on the going rate when BA phone me back.
It would be great and _much appreciated_ if anonba could set me straight.
Feb 26, 2018, 2:55 pm
#37
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,660
Update with a result.
Person three (of five) from Friday 24 Feb rang to say that the revenue department had determined that the current fare was £227, but that since (a) I had paid a fare of £160 and they had given me the runaround, they would charge only £80 for the guitar. He said he would email to confirm the seat for the guitar and that he said I could take said guitar on in a foam padded soft case.
This all looks hopeful. I paid the extra, but no sign of a confirm for the guitar yet, only of a charge for something unspecified.
IF this works out, and that remains to be seen, it raises the question of how to do this next time-- especially since it took four days.
I have been told four versions of how to book a person and guitar:
in chronological order
Version 1. Call, book and pay for both seats at the same time.
Version 2. 1 is wrong. Book person online and call to add guitar over the phone and pay for it then
Version 3. 1 and 2 are wrong, Book person online and call to add guitar. BA CS or the 'revenue dept' will phone back to provide a price for the guitar based on whatever the fare is when they ring back (whenever that might be)
Version 4. 1, 2, and 3, are wrong. Call to book person and guitar at same time. This generates a request for the special (un-named) team who go away and price things then ring back to provide a price for person and guitar based on the fare as of the time they get around to ringing back.
Anonba suggested two possibilities:
(1) book person online, call to add guitar -- but it was not clear to me what fare the guitar would get;
or
(2) book for both online-- this locks in the fare for both person and instrument. The questions here are (a) I had asked to do that and been told it was not possible and (b) it seems that, according the versions above, the fare for the guitar cant be locked in , but depends on the going rate when BA phone me back.
It would be great and _much appreciated_ if anonba could set me straight.
Person three (of five) from Friday 24 Feb rang to say that the revenue department had determined that the current fare was £227, but that since (a) I had paid a fare of £160 and they had given me the runaround, they would charge only £80 for the guitar. He said he would email to confirm the seat for the guitar and that he said I could take said guitar on in a foam padded soft case.
This all looks hopeful. I paid the extra, but no sign of a confirm for the guitar yet, only of a charge for something unspecified.
IF this works out, and that remains to be seen, it raises the question of how to do this next time-- especially since it took four days.
I have been told four versions of how to book a person and guitar:
in chronological order
Version 1. Call, book and pay for both seats at the same time.
Version 2. 1 is wrong. Book person online and call to add guitar over the phone and pay for it then
Version 3. 1 and 2 are wrong, Book person online and call to add guitar. BA CS or the 'revenue dept' will phone back to provide a price for the guitar based on whatever the fare is when they ring back (whenever that might be)
Version 4. 1, 2, and 3, are wrong. Call to book person and guitar at same time. This generates a request for the special (un-named) team who go away and price things then ring back to provide a price for person and guitar based on the fare as of the time they get around to ringing back.
Anonba suggested two possibilities:
(1) book person online, call to add guitar -- but it was not clear to me what fare the guitar would get;
or
(2) book for both online-- this locks in the fare for both person and instrument. The questions here are (a) I had asked to do that and been told it was not possible and (b) it seems that, according the versions above, the fare for the guitar cant be locked in , but depends on the going rate when BA phone me back.
It would be great and _much appreciated_ if anonba could set me straight.
***** I DID NOT SUGGEST option 2 of booking both online!! Do not do this it is not correct.
AT NO POINT DID I SUGGEST YOU BOOK BOTH ONLINE.
Last edited by Anonba; Feb 26, 2018 at 4:14 pm
Feb 26, 2018, 2:56 pm
#38
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,660
Update with a result.
Person three (of five) from Friday 24 Feb rang to say that the revenue department had determined that the current fare was £227, but that since (a) I had paid a fare of £160 and they had given me the runaround, they would charge only £80 for the guitar. He said he would email to confirm the seat for the guitar and that he said I could take said guitar on in a foam padded soft case.
This all looks hopeful. I paid the extra, but no sign of a confirm for the guitar yet, only of a charge for something unspecified.
IF this works out, and that remains to be seen, it raises the question of how to do this next time-- especially since it took four days.
I have been told four versions of how to book a person and guitar:
in chronological order
Version 1. Call, book and pay for both seats at the same time.
Version 2. 1 is wrong. Book person online and call to add guitar over the phone and pay for it then
Version 3. 1 and 2 are wrong, Book person online and call to add guitar. BA CS or the 'revenue dept' will phone back to provide a price for the guitar based on whatever the fare is when they ring back (whenever that might be)
Version 4. 1, 2, and 3, are wrong. Call to book person and guitar at same time. This generates a request for the special (un-named) team who go away and price things then ring back to provide a price for person and guitar based on the fare as of the time they get around to ringing back.
Anonba suggested two possibilities:
(1) book person online, call to add guitar -- but it was not clear to me what fare the guitar would get;
or
(2) book for both online-- this locks in the fare for both person and instrument. The questions here are (a) I had asked to do that and been told it was not possible and (b) it seems that, according the versions above, the fare for the guitar cant be locked in , but depends on the going rate when BA phone me back.
It would be great and _much appreciated_ if anonba could set me straight.
Person three (of five) from Friday 24 Feb rang to say that the revenue department had determined that the current fare was £227, but that since (a) I had paid a fare of £160 and they had given me the runaround, they would charge only £80 for the guitar. He said he would email to confirm the seat for the guitar and that he said I could take said guitar on in a foam padded soft case.
This all looks hopeful. I paid the extra, but no sign of a confirm for the guitar yet, only of a charge for something unspecified.
IF this works out, and that remains to be seen, it raises the question of how to do this next time-- especially since it took four days.
I have been told four versions of how to book a person and guitar:
in chronological order
Version 1. Call, book and pay for both seats at the same time.
Version 2. 1 is wrong. Book person online and call to add guitar over the phone and pay for it then
Version 3. 1 and 2 are wrong, Book person online and call to add guitar. BA CS or the 'revenue dept' will phone back to provide a price for the guitar based on whatever the fare is when they ring back (whenever that might be)
Version 4. 1, 2, and 3, are wrong. Call to book person and guitar at same time. This generates a request for the special (un-named) team who go away and price things then ring back to provide a price for person and guitar based on the fare as of the time they get around to ringing back.
Anonba suggested two possibilities:
(1) book person online, call to add guitar -- but it was not clear to me what fare the guitar would get;
or
(2) book for both online-- this locks in the fare for both person and instrument. The questions here are (a) I had asked to do that and been told it was not possible and (b) it seems that, according the versions above, the fare for the guitar cant be locked in , but depends on the going rate when BA phone me back.
It would be great and _much appreciated_ if anonba could set me straight.
Feb 26, 2018, 3:20 pm
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: UA, BA, AA
Posts: 26
Thanks!
I definitely did not think you could book both online.
As for number 1, I may not understand your comments on the fare. Can one pay for the person on the phone, but only make a request to add the instrument? Is the fare for the instrument then linked to the fare for the person or does it depend on when BA ring back? (A few of the AB CS reps I spoke to said it was the latter-- ie the fare for the instrument can depend on when they phone back.)
Thanks again!
I definitely did not think you could book both online.
As for number 1, I may not understand your comments on the fare. Can one pay for the person on the phone, but only make a request to add the instrument? Is the fare for the instrument then linked to the fare for the person or does it depend on when BA ring back? (A few of the AB CS reps I spoke to said it was the latter-- ie the fare for the instrument can depend on when they phone back.)
Thanks again!
Feb 26, 2018, 4:12 pm
#40
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,660
Thanks!
I definitely did not think you could book both online.
As for number 1, I may not understand your comments on the fare. Can one pay for the person on the phone, but only make a request to add the instrument? Is the fare for the instrument then linked to the fare for the person or does it depend on when BA ring back? (A few of the AB CS reps I spoke to said it was the latter-- ie the fare for the instrument can depend on when they phone back.)
Thanks again!
I definitely did not think you could book both online.
As for number 1, I may not understand your comments on the fare. Can one pay for the person on the phone, but only make a request to add the instrument? Is the fare for the instrument then linked to the fare for the person or does it depend on when BA ring back? (A few of the AB CS reps I spoke to said it was the latter-- ie the fare for the instrument can depend on when they phone back.)
Thanks again!
The thing that takes time is actually getting the price from fares yes technically this could vary but should be based on the booking class the agent holds the two seats at. . As i mentioned earlier there is a minimum pricing which i think is £40 each way shorthaul and £300 each way longhaul.
Feb 26, 2018, 9:40 pm
#41
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 1,578
I’m guessing the price for the extra seat should be the same as the passenger seat, but without any taxes or charges (except perhaps YQ), so should be estimatable using ITA Matrix.
But, anonba, what if I am travelling in the J or F cabin? Does my guitar have to travel in a lie-flat bed? Am I paying for my guitar’s consumption of a three course meal with wine pairings? What if I pay to travel in WTP with my guitar and later choose to upgrade with Avios to J? Do I have to pay double Avios, and do I need two award seats available at the time?
But, anonba, what if I am travelling in the J or F cabin? Does my guitar have to travel in a lie-flat bed? Am I paying for my guitar’s consumption of a three course meal with wine pairings? What if I pay to travel in WTP with my guitar and later choose to upgrade with Avios to J? Do I have to pay double Avios, and do I need two award seats available at the time?
Feb 26, 2018, 11:18 pm
#42
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,660
I’m guessing the price for the extra seat should be the same as the passenger seat, but without any taxes or charges (except perhaps YQ), so should be estimatable using ITA Matrix.
But, anonba, what if I am travelling in the J or F cabin? Does my guitar have to travel in a lie-flat bed? Am I paying for my guitar’s consumption of a three course meal with wine pairings? What if I pay to travel in WTP with my guitar and later choose to upgrade with Avios to J? Do I have to pay double Avios, and do I need two award seats available at the time?
But, anonba, what if I am travelling in the J or F cabin? Does my guitar have to travel in a lie-flat bed? Am I paying for my guitar’s consumption of a three course meal with wine pairings? What if I pay to travel in WTP with my guitar and later choose to upgrade with Avios to J? Do I have to pay double Avios, and do I need two award seats available at the time?
Feb 27, 2018, 1:02 am
#43
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 1,578
The other questions were serious too, actually :-/ As I mentioned, I travelled in F from KUL-LHR and LHR-PHX around Christmas and New Year, and at LHR and AMS I was told I might need to pay for a seat for my guitar. How can that possibly be true?
Feb 27, 2018, 4:30 am
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: UA, BA, AA
Posts: 26
Indeed, it is a serious question. BA were pricing the guitar off of the Economy Plus fare, which includes a checked bag, rather than Basic Economy. Unless they were going to let me check an extra bag in the name of my guitar, they should have been using Basic Economy. (Since they were charging me half of the Econ+ fare, I maintained a prudent silence.)
Feb 27, 2018, 8:09 am
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: UA, BA, AA
Posts: 26
Tedious update:
My booking shows an assigned seat in the only row of two seats in the plane-- the last row, opposite the toilet.
Ring BA:
"Can I change the seat?" BA: "No."
"What if I pay for a seat now over the phone" BA: "No."
"Can I do that on the website?" BA: "It will mess things up because you can only choose a seat for yourself, but the guitar must sit next to you. Since you can't choose a seat for the guitar online, choosing your own seat only will really mess things up."
"BA person X told me yesterday that I could call 48 hours before to reserve a seat. Can I do that?" BA: "No, you can only choose seats at the airport And do not try to check-in online because it won't work. You can only check-in at the airport. "
Maybe relying on hiding the guitar until the gate and being nice to the gate agent is a much better strategy than trying to follow BA policy, which seems designed to be as time-consuming and frustrating as possible.
My booking shows an assigned seat in the only row of two seats in the plane-- the last row, opposite the toilet.
Ring BA:
"Can I change the seat?" BA: "No."
"What if I pay for a seat now over the phone" BA: "No."
"Can I do that on the website?" BA: "It will mess things up because you can only choose a seat for yourself, but the guitar must sit next to you. Since you can't choose a seat for the guitar online, choosing your own seat only will really mess things up."
"BA person X told me yesterday that I could call 48 hours before to reserve a seat. Can I do that?" BA: "No, you can only choose seats at the airport And do not try to check-in online because it won't work. You can only check-in at the airport. "
Maybe relying on hiding the guitar until the gate and being nice to the gate agent is a much better strategy than trying to follow BA policy, which seems designed to be as time-consuming and frustrating as possible.