Using a GUF - Propeller Travel
Jun 19, 2019, 2:59 am
#31
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: London
Programs: Many. Too many. I came here to cut them down. I failed.
Posts: 2,999
Technically 'Fares are only guaranteed once issued' is a catchall guarantee that has existed forever, but i've never seen an airline enforce this if they've erred (please take this in the context that i'm talking about Tour Operators rather than Error Fares or the like).
I'm holding flights in my own name on a couple of longhaul airlines that are not ticketed (it's a perk, hold the cheapest flights for yourself to numerous locations for your holidays), the fares are guaranteed, and no longer exist. I've got deadlines - normally 30 days before departure when I have to make the decision to use them.
Tl:dr - there are a huge range of fares, public and private, many of which won't come into your realms that would surprise you with their terms and conditions. For myself I don't have the first clue about GUF's or why Propeller would want to get involved, seems messy, long winded, problematic and unprofitable - and you're dealing with customers who assume they better understanding of your job than you do. I've been dealing with airline contracts for 15 years (but just one part of them!) but am constantly learning new things!
Yes, I couldn't agree more.
Jun 20, 2019, 8:25 am
#32
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: London. Or a plane.
Programs: "Only" 50,000 TPs until BA GGLfL
Posts: 2,773
So to follow up - I called again after BA refiled the fare and received an extraordinarily contrite response from Daniel and team. Seemingly I'm the edge case that slipped between the cracks...
Jun 21, 2019, 2:32 am
#33
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Malta
Programs: BAEC Bronze
Posts: 671
I seem to be the only one in the world who was dissatisfied with Propeller. Suffice to say, it was a really disappointing experience with amateurish mistakes. I ended up doing the booking myself. Perhaps I was just unlucky and got someone inexperienced, Such a shame, it’s now back to doing all my bookings myself.
Jun 21, 2019, 3:36 am
#35
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Surrey, UK
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 484
I seem to be the only one in the world who was dissatisfied with Propeller. Suffice to say, it was a really disappointing experience with amateurish mistakes. I ended up doing the booking myself. Perhaps I was just unlucky and got someone inexperienced, Such a shame, it’s now back to doing all my bookings myself.
I haven't been back to them and doubt I ever will. Admittedly that is based on one experience but why would I give them any more business? I understand lots of people are having positive experiences but it isn't universal.
Jun 21, 2019, 4:16 am
#36
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BRS
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,986
There are two of us! Like @alexwuk there was (eventually) alot of contrition but that didn't make up for the aggravation for me.
I haven't been back to them and doubt I ever will. Admittedly that is based on one experience but why would I give them any more business? I understand lots of people are having positive experiences but it isn't universal.
I haven't been back to them and doubt I ever will. Admittedly that is based on one experience but why would I give them any more business? I understand lots of people are having positive experiences but it isn't universal.
I seem to be the only one in the world who was dissatisfied with Propeller. Suffice to say, it was a really disappointing experience with amateurish mistakes. I ended up doing the booking myself. Perhaps I was just unlucky and got someone inexperienced, Such a shame, it’s now back to doing all my bookings myself.
Incidentally, short of using the GUF via BA, which other agents will handle GUFs?
Jun 21, 2019, 4:23 am
#37
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: London. Or a plane.
Programs: "Only" 50,000 TPs until BA GGLfL
Posts: 2,773
Jun 23, 2019, 1:29 am
#38
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Malta
Programs: BAEC Bronze
Posts: 671
You're not... I had issues with communication before. Eventually they were solved but not before having to message the owner directly... and to be honest I don't have the most overwhelming urge to go down that path again, especially as they charge a fee.
Incidentally, short of using the GUF via BA, which other agents will handle GUFs?
So - now we are 3!
Jun 23, 2019, 2:38 am
#40
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: UK
Programs: BA GfL & GGL, FB Platinum, MB Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,395
I’m thinking about using Propeller for the first time to get a GUF1 processed as award availability seems scarce.
What sort of fee do Propeller charge? Is it a percentage, a flat rate etc?
What sort of fee do Propeller charge? Is it a percentage, a flat rate etc?
Jun 23, 2019, 2:41 am
#41
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,888
Jun 23, 2019, 5:33 am
#42
Join Date: May 2009
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, IHG Platinum, HH Diamond, Hertz PC,
Posts: 1,985
Jun 23, 2019, 10:18 am
#43
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: London, or thereabouts
Programs: Tesco Clubcard, Heathrow Rewards, M&S Sparks, Caffè Nero, HSBC rewards... BAEC defector
Posts: 132
Depending on your card situation, I'd add that it may be worthwhile to explore Amex travel as well. They convert the EUR fares to GBP at some rate (you can Google/search Flyertalk for more information on this) that worked out better than what would otherwise process as a 3% foreign transaction fee. If you've gone for the Platinum card, you'd get the insurance and bookings on Amex travel also get you the 2X points.