BA OnBusiness - Major Inconsistency in T&Cs
Dec 29, 2018, 11:22 am
#1
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
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BA OnBusiness - Major Inconsistency in T&Cs
I wondered whether anyone had any views on the matter I'm about to present, or thoughts on how to raise this.
According to the Terms & Conditions on how to Earn OnBusiness Points:
- All published fares booked on eligible airlines, ticketed on American Airlines (001), British Airways (125), and Iberia (075) ticket stock are eligible to earn On Business Points.Reward Flights, group bookings, agency or industry discounted tickets and any other fares that have already been discounted, are not eligible to earn On Business PointsIn my bolding above, you will spot I have highlighted Qatar Airways.
So, fast forward to today, and I have credited 9 flights to the OnBusness program. All 9 were ticketed on BA 125 stock. All flights were ticketed on BA flight numbers. Indeed the flights I have added to my account, have increased my Airline Spend visible on the OnBusiness Dashboard. However, no OnBusiness points have been accrued.
When I called up OnBusiness to discuss this matter, they told me that flights on JAL, QF, and QR, are not eligible. But, they are - see the above Terms & Conditions.
What can I do? The person on the phone told me to write a Complaint to BA, but the fact that I have not been credited with Points, means I will be unable to use the current points I have (which expire in 2018) - the plan was for the newly accrued points, to add to the existing, and thus allow me to book something more than a few shorthauls.
Any advice would be appreciated, but this looks like a blatant attempt by BA to ignore their Terms & Conditions.
M
According to the Terms & Conditions on how to Earn OnBusiness Points:
- You can earn On Business Points on qualifying flights with American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and all eligible partners. The eligible partners include BA CityFlyer, Air Nostrum, Comair, Sunair and Iberia Express. British Airways marketed routes operated by Japan Airline, Qantas and Qatar Airways are also eligible.
- Marketed' means the flight will have a British Airways flight number (in your itinerary or on your ticket).
- 'Operated' means the aircraft that you travel on is a British Airways aircraft (including franchises and BA CityFlyer).
- All published fares booked on eligible airlines, ticketed on American Airlines (001), British Airways (125), and Iberia (075) ticket stock are eligible to earn On Business Points.Reward Flights, group bookings, agency or industry discounted tickets and any other fares that have already been discounted, are not eligible to earn On Business PointsIn my bolding above, you will spot I have highlighted Qatar Airways.
So, fast forward to today, and I have credited 9 flights to the OnBusness program. All 9 were ticketed on BA 125 stock. All flights were ticketed on BA flight numbers. Indeed the flights I have added to my account, have increased my Airline Spend visible on the OnBusiness Dashboard. However, no OnBusiness points have been accrued.
When I called up OnBusiness to discuss this matter, they told me that flights on JAL, QF, and QR, are not eligible. But, they are - see the above Terms & Conditions.
What can I do? The person on the phone told me to write a Complaint to BA, but the fact that I have not been credited with Points, means I will be unable to use the current points I have (which expire in 2018) - the plan was for the newly accrued points, to add to the existing, and thus allow me to book something more than a few shorthauls.
Any advice would be appreciated, but this looks like a blatant attempt by BA to ignore their Terms & Conditions.
M
Dec 29, 2018, 11:56 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
Call again, remind them its in the terms and conditions, and failure to rectify will force you to go to the small claims court.
I suspect they will do nothing, so book the flights you want, let the points expire then go to court for a refund.Not much else you can do.
I suspect they will do nothing, so book the flights you want, let the points expire then go to court for a refund.Not much else you can do.
Dec 29, 2018, 12:02 pm
#3
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,949
I'll try them again on Monday.
M
Dec 29, 2018, 12:06 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Munich, Algarve, Sussex or S.F Bay Area
Programs: Mucci, BA Gold, A3*Gold, AA Plat, HH Gold, IHG Plat Amb, Marriott Plat
Posts: 4,164
I feel for you.
OnBusiness has become a crap scheme. The most recent change a couple of years ago saw to that. The points you do now get are a fraction of what you previously received and redemptions in premium classes have also doubled. By my reckoning you now need to spend 4 times as much for the same redemption. Economy redemptions did not increase by as much but no longer get fulfilled from the previous B bucket but from the V bucket meaning that any BA Gold card holder has access to the same inventory for (much better value) Avios redemptions. Indeed Business redemptions are now fulfilled from R buckets as opposed to the previous C bucket which to me is a further devaluation.
I have had endless flights that do not credit correctly and while the service agents are usually friendly, actually getting hold of somebody that understands the scheme is hard work. This time of year, that will be almost impossible, especially if you have to use Bremen, like me.
My most recent flights, which had to be rerouted due to the LGW incident have also not credited. BA issued new tickets to Iberia to reroute me via MAD and I checked the OB number was still in the PNR but of course no credit. And, no chance to claim for credit until 10 days after the flights, which just as you, restricts me spending other points due to expire in 2 days time.
I hardly ever have flights credit the same amount of points as €’s shown on the tickets but have given up wasting my time claiming the differences as the amount of time this consumes is in no way relative to the value of the points.
Once, when attempting to change the return flight on an OB booking, I was refused the change quoting the T’s and C’s which was absolute BS and I had to screenshot BA’s own website back to them to “persuade” them to perform the change.
My collection of points will soon be either used or expired and I see no point continuing to use the scheme. The chances of collecting enough points for a worthwhile redemption have vanished. The idea of the scheme to help smaller bussinesses cannot be fulfilled, since it is only the larger spending businesses which can now really benefit at all, although even in their case much less than previously.
OnBusiness has become a crap scheme. The most recent change a couple of years ago saw to that. The points you do now get are a fraction of what you previously received and redemptions in premium classes have also doubled. By my reckoning you now need to spend 4 times as much for the same redemption. Economy redemptions did not increase by as much but no longer get fulfilled from the previous B bucket but from the V bucket meaning that any BA Gold card holder has access to the same inventory for (much better value) Avios redemptions. Indeed Business redemptions are now fulfilled from R buckets as opposed to the previous C bucket which to me is a further devaluation.
I have had endless flights that do not credit correctly and while the service agents are usually friendly, actually getting hold of somebody that understands the scheme is hard work. This time of year, that will be almost impossible, especially if you have to use Bremen, like me.
My most recent flights, which had to be rerouted due to the LGW incident have also not credited. BA issued new tickets to Iberia to reroute me via MAD and I checked the OB number was still in the PNR but of course no credit. And, no chance to claim for credit until 10 days after the flights, which just as you, restricts me spending other points due to expire in 2 days time.
I hardly ever have flights credit the same amount of points as €’s shown on the tickets but have given up wasting my time claiming the differences as the amount of time this consumes is in no way relative to the value of the points.
Once, when attempting to change the return flight on an OB booking, I was refused the change quoting the T’s and C’s which was absolute BS and I had to screenshot BA’s own website back to them to “persuade” them to perform the change.
My collection of points will soon be either used or expired and I see no point continuing to use the scheme. The chances of collecting enough points for a worthwhile redemption have vanished. The idea of the scheme to help smaller bussinesses cannot be fulfilled, since it is only the larger spending businesses which can now really benefit at all, although even in their case much less than previously.
Dec 29, 2018, 12:10 pm
#5
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,949
I feel for you.
OnBusiness has become a crap scheme. The most recent change a couple of years ago saw to that. The points you do now get are a fraction of what you previously received and redemptions in premium classes have also doubled. By my reckoning you now need to spend 4 times as much for the same redemption. Economy redemptions did not increase by as much but no longer get fulfilled from the previous B bucket but from the V bucket meaning that any BA Gold card holder has access to the same inventory for (much better value) Avios redemptions. Indeed Business redemptions are now fulfilled from R buckets as opposed to the previous C bucket which to me is a further devaluation.
I have had endless flights that do not credit correctly and while the service agents are usually friendly, actually getting hold of somebody that understands the scheme is hard work. This time of year, that will be almost impossible, especially if you have to use Bremen, like me.
My most recent flights, which had to be rerouted due to the LGW incident have also not credited. BA issued new tickets to Iberia to reroute me via MAD and I checked the OB number was still in the PNR but of course no credit. And, no chance to claim for credit until 10 days after the flights, which just as you, restricts me spending other points due to expire in 2 days time.
I hardly ever have flights credit the same amount of points as €’s shown on the tickets but have given up wasting my time claiming the differences as the amount of time this consumes is in no way relative to the value of the points.
Once, when attempting to change the return flight on an OB booking, I was refused the change quoting the T’s and C’s which was absolute BS and I had to screenshot BA’s own website back to them to “persuade” them to perform the change.
My collection of points will soon be either used or expired and I see no point continuing to use the scheme. The chances of collecting enough points for a worthwhile redemption have vanished. The idea of the scheme to help smaller bussinesses cannot be fulfilled, since it is only the larger spending businesses which can now really benefit at all, although even in their case much less than previously.
OnBusiness has become a crap scheme. The most recent change a couple of years ago saw to that. The points you do now get are a fraction of what you previously received and redemptions in premium classes have also doubled. By my reckoning you now need to spend 4 times as much for the same redemption. Economy redemptions did not increase by as much but no longer get fulfilled from the previous B bucket but from the V bucket meaning that any BA Gold card holder has access to the same inventory for (much better value) Avios redemptions. Indeed Business redemptions are now fulfilled from R buckets as opposed to the previous C bucket which to me is a further devaluation.
I have had endless flights that do not credit correctly and while the service agents are usually friendly, actually getting hold of somebody that understands the scheme is hard work. This time of year, that will be almost impossible, especially if you have to use Bremen, like me.
My most recent flights, which had to be rerouted due to the LGW incident have also not credited. BA issued new tickets to Iberia to reroute me via MAD and I checked the OB number was still in the PNR but of course no credit. And, no chance to claim for credit until 10 days after the flights, which just as you, restricts me spending other points due to expire in 2 days time.
I hardly ever have flights credit the same amount of points as €’s shown on the tickets but have given up wasting my time claiming the differences as the amount of time this consumes is in no way relative to the value of the points.
Once, when attempting to change the return flight on an OB booking, I was refused the change quoting the T’s and C’s which was absolute BS and I had to screenshot BA’s own website back to them to “persuade” them to perform the change.
My collection of points will soon be either used or expired and I see no point continuing to use the scheme. The chances of collecting enough points for a worthwhile redemption have vanished. The idea of the scheme to help smaller bussinesses cannot be fulfilled, since it is only the larger spending businesses which can now really benefit at all, although even in their case much less than previously.
However, I've got the points, and I might as well try and burn them up...albeit the inconsistency seems to be a stumbling block!
M
Dec 30, 2018, 5:09 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 698
For the sake of your blood pressure, you should probably just forget about the lost points.
I guess you can keep emailing but you’re likely to receive replies saying “we’re following this up and will be in touch soon”. Leave it six months and the same reply will result.
Is is there any experience out there of court cases for missing points?
I guess you can keep emailing but you’re likely to receive replies saying “we’re following this up and will be in touch soon”. Leave it six months and the same reply will result.
Is is there any experience out there of court cases for missing points?
Dec 30, 2018, 5:14 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,660
I wondered whether anyone had any views on the matter I'm about to present, or thoughts on how to raise this.
According to the Terms & Conditions on how to Earn OnBusiness Points:
- All published fares booked on eligible airlines, ticketed on American Airlines (001), British Airways (125), and Iberia (075) ticket stock are eligible to earn On Business Points.Reward Flights, group bookings, agency or industry discounted tickets and any other fares that have already been discounted, are not eligible to earn On Business PointsIn my bolding above, you will spot I have highlighted Qatar Airways.
So, fast forward to today, and I have credited 9 flights to the OnBusness program. All 9 were ticketed on BA 125 stock. All flights were ticketed on BA flight numbers. Indeed the flights I have added to my account, have increased my Airline Spend visible on the OnBusiness Dashboard. However, no OnBusiness points have been accrued.
When I called up OnBusiness to discuss this matter, they told me that flights on JAL, QF, and QR, are not eligible. But, they are - see the above Terms & Conditions.
What can I do? The person on the phone told me to write a Complaint to BA, but the fact that I have not been credited with Points, means I will be unable to use the current points I have (which expire in 2018) - the plan was for the newly accrued points, to add to the existing, and thus allow me to book something more than a few shorthauls.
Any advice would be appreciated, but this looks like a blatant attempt by BA to ignore their Terms & Conditions.
M
According to the Terms & Conditions on how to Earn OnBusiness Points:
- You can earn On Business Points on qualifying flights with American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and all eligible partners. The eligible partners include BA CityFlyer, Air Nostrum, Comair, Sunair and Iberia Express. British Airways marketed routes operated by Japan Airline, Qantas and Qatar Airways are also eligible.
- Marketed' means the flight will have a British Airways flight number (in your itinerary or on your ticket).
- 'Operated' means the aircraft that you travel on is a British Airways aircraft (including franchises and BA CityFlyer).
- All published fares booked on eligible airlines, ticketed on American Airlines (001), British Airways (125), and Iberia (075) ticket stock are eligible to earn On Business Points.Reward Flights, group bookings, agency or industry discounted tickets and any other fares that have already been discounted, are not eligible to earn On Business PointsIn my bolding above, you will spot I have highlighted Qatar Airways.
So, fast forward to today, and I have credited 9 flights to the OnBusness program. All 9 were ticketed on BA 125 stock. All flights were ticketed on BA flight numbers. Indeed the flights I have added to my account, have increased my Airline Spend visible on the OnBusiness Dashboard. However, no OnBusiness points have been accrued.
When I called up OnBusiness to discuss this matter, they told me that flights on JAL, QF, and QR, are not eligible. But, they are - see the above Terms & Conditions.
What can I do? The person on the phone told me to write a Complaint to BA, but the fact that I have not been credited with Points, means I will be unable to use the current points I have (which expire in 2018) - the plan was for the newly accrued points, to add to the existing, and thus allow me to book something more than a few shorthauls.
Any advice would be appreciated, but this looks like a blatant attempt by BA to ignore their Terms & Conditions.
M
Dec 31, 2018, 12:32 am
#8
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,949
My email has been passed onto the OB team though, so that's a positive.
M
Jan 3, 2019, 8:28 am
#9
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
Programs: BAEC GfL & GGL, SQ Gold, Amex Centurion, Mucci des Chevaliers des Bons Mots et Qui Savent Moucher
Posts: 8,949
I'm pleased to report back that OB have now credited the points - it had to be done manually.
The lack of knowledge from some of the OB CS staff was shocking, but daily calls and emails seems to have made them aware of the issue!
M
The lack of knowledge from some of the OB CS staff was shocking, but daily calls and emails seems to have made them aware of the issue!
M
Jan 3, 2019, 9:50 am
#10
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,252
What can I do? The person on the phone told me to write a Complaint to BA, but the fact that I have not been credited with Points, means I will be unable to use the current points I have (which expire in 2018) - the plan was for the newly accrued points, to add to the existing, and thus allow me to book something more than a few shorthauls.
I was caught out a couple of years ago by the line that says 'any fares that have already been discounted' were not eligible. This meant they would not credit points for tickets I had paid with my BA Chase card which I think is ridiculous. Living in the US I was fortunate to be able to switch the company earnings to the AA program. I have not used On Business since.
Jan 3, 2019, 9:56 am
#11
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LHR/NCE/MIA
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Posts: 8,949
I agree with the poster above, Make your complaint and if successful, claim compensation for the lost points you were unable to use.
I was caught out a couple of years ago by the line that says 'any fares that have already been discounted' were not eligible. This meant they would not credit points for tickets I had paid with my BA Chase card which I think is ridiculous. Living in the US I was fortunate to be able to switch the company earnings to the AA program. I have not used On Business since.
I was caught out a couple of years ago by the line that says 'any fares that have already been discounted' were not eligible. This meant they would not credit points for tickets I had paid with my BA Chase card which I think is ridiculous. Living in the US I was fortunate to be able to switch the company earnings to the AA program. I have not used On Business since.
M
Jan 3, 2019, 9:57 am
#12
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,252
Seriously though, if points expired because of this cockup which meant you were unable to use them I would simply ask for the points to be re-instated.
Jan 3, 2019, 10:12 am
#13
Moderator: Qatar Airways
Original Poster
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I would value OB points like this. Take a figure based on the original OB program value and then multiply it by 0 to reflect the current program.
Seriously though, if points expired because of this cockup which meant you were unable to use them I would simply ask for the points to be re-instated.
Seriously though, if points expired because of this cockup which meant you were unable to use them I would simply ask for the points to be re-instated.
M
Jan 3, 2019, 11:39 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bermuda & UK & USA
Programs: BA Gold. IHG Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 176
Personally I value 1 OB point as the equivalent of 2 Avios.
My my use of them is mainly to open up additional availability on long haul WTP and Club when Avios redemptions are not available and short haul Coach in USA.
My my use of them is mainly to open up additional availability on long haul WTP and Club when Avios redemptions are not available and short haul Coach in USA.
Jan 3, 2019, 3:02 pm
#15
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,286
They only have a value when you intend to use them. I would purchase a cash ticket that has similar fare conditions to an OB funded ticket and for which OB points could have been used at the time. I would then claim for the cash as BA’s breach in failing to adhere to the terms has led you to have to use alternative means to purchase the ticket.