Our lines are currently busy ... goodbye
Jun 28, 2018, 4:47 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: London, UK
Programs: bmi DC, BAEC
Posts: 1,103
Our lines are currently busy ... goodbye
I don't normally need to call BAEC ... but i'm trying to find out what taxes they charge on an EI reward flight (to compare with Avios.com) ... so just tried calling in the hopes of getting in before the lunchtime rush.
Only to be told "Thank you, we apologise as at present we are experiencing an extremely high number of calls and our lines are currently busy. For the latest information, or to change your travel plans please visit ba.com", and with that the call ended.
Is this normal ? When is a good time to call ?!
Only to be told "Thank you, we apologise as at present we are experiencing an extremely high number of calls and our lines are currently busy. For the latest information, or to change your travel plans please visit ba.com", and with that the call ended.
Is this normal ? When is a good time to call ?!
Jun 28, 2018, 4:53 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Glasgow, UK
Programs: Seigneur des Tarifs Utils First Class Mucci with Honours :) - BA GGL / CCR
Posts: 1,551
A very approprate handle 
This sounds like the system is overloaded and is disconnecting due to capacity rather than being hung up on so to speak, I normally call mid afternoon to early evening best for me.
This sounds like the system is overloaded and is disconnecting due to capacity rather than being hung up on so to speak, I normally call mid afternoon to early evening best for me.
Jun 28, 2018, 4:57 am
#4
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,128
Mid afternoon is better but I think BA are taking a lot more phone calls as the website is very flaky, which is an ongoing issue as reported here, Twitter etc. It's really not good.
Never mind a new carpet scent for TFW, get the website running properly please which would I think decrease waiting times as people could do bookings etc online.
Never mind a new carpet scent for TFW, get the website running properly please which would I think decrease waiting times as people could do bookings etc online.
Jun 28, 2018, 5:10 am
#6
Join Date: May 2012
Programs: BA Gold, HHonors Diamond, IHG Platinum, Senior Railcard & Bus Pass
Posts: 983
I wonder if a website blip is causing a mad panic amongst people who can’t find their bookings.
When I logged in to my account just now it told me - “We can't find any bookings for this account.” Luckily the app is showing all my booings correctly.
When I logged in to my account just now it told me - “We can't find any bookings for this account.” Luckily the app is showing all my booings correctly.
Jun 28, 2018, 5:14 am
#7
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,128
OT but I sent you a Boo the other day when you trumped me in the Where Am I thread.
Jun 28, 2018, 5:20 am
#8
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: somewhere north of stateside...
Posts: 4,143
The OP is based in the UK and likely called the UK number.
This occurs frequently on BA's North American numbers - likely about half the time I call, including on the number displayed online once I log into my account online (as a Gold member).
Fully agree that BA have to develop a far more sophisticated website that can handle a broader range of demands, including all UUA requests, all partner award bookings, cancellation rebookings etc.
This occurs frequently on BA's North American numbers - likely about half the time I call, including on the number displayed online once I log into my account online (as a Gold member).
Fully agree that BA have to develop a far more sophisticated website that can handle a broader range of demands, including all UUA requests, all partner award bookings, cancellation rebookings etc.
Jun 28, 2018, 5:27 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 10,709
I find the new website seems slower that the last one. Every 3 or 4 times I try to access it stops working and tells me to call someone. I thought tech was supposed to make life easier and sometimes they even tell us we will all be replaced by computers.
Jun 28, 2018, 5:58 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,395
With the website playing up and attempted phone calls being terminated before we actually get to speak with anyone, I do think a radical step-change in interactve technology is called for.
The way forward is surely for BA to insist that all requests / queries be made in the form of a hand-written letter, sent by Royal Mail (ideally with First class postage), with full responses guaranteed no later than 30 days from date of receipt at BA HQ.
“Customers are asked to please write clearly and legibly, using a quill pen and good quality ink”
The way forward is surely for BA to insist that all requests / queries be made in the form of a hand-written letter, sent by Royal Mail (ideally with First class postage), with full responses guaranteed no later than 30 days from date of receipt at BA HQ.
“Customers are asked to please write clearly and legibly, using a quill pen and good quality ink”
Jun 28, 2018, 6:01 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,546
I am currently trying to get through on the Gold line and waiting over 20 minutes already, it's normally very fast I have to say so sounds like a lot of people are calling at the moment.
Jun 28, 2018, 7:08 am
#15
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAGGL, A3G, Accor Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, LHW Sterling
Posts: 1,308
