May 31, 2019, 9:56 am
Last edit by: peter h
Dear
We're looking forward to welcoming you on board your flight with us from London Heathrow to Glasgow on 25 August.
We wanted to let you know that we'll be making a change to the aircraft operating your flight. Your flight will no longer be operated by a Boeing 747.
We understand that, after speculation on aviation websites, some of our customers booked on BA1482 hoping to be part of our birthday celebration. We’ll happily offer a full refund to anyone who no longer wishes to travel.
You'll be able to view the timing changes to your flight at ba.com/mmb in the next 24 hours.
If you would like to make a change to your booking, please contact us.
If you booked through a travel agent, please contact them to make any changes.
We're looking forward to welcoming you on board your flight with us from London Heathrow to Glasgow on 25 August.
We wanted to let you know that we'll be making a change to the aircraft operating your flight. Your flight will no longer be operated by a Boeing 747.
We understand that, after speculation on aviation websites, some of our customers booked on BA1482 hoping to be part of our birthday celebration. We’ll happily offer a full refund to anyone who no longer wishes to travel.
You'll be able to view the timing changes to your flight at ba.com/mmb in the next 24 hours.
If you would like to make a change to your booking, please contact us.
If you booked through a travel agent, please contact them to make any changes.
On Sunday 25 Aug - the day of BAs 100th birthday - BA are operating these domestic rotations with 747s, reportedly the three heritage-liveried aircraft :
NCL (seatmap shows a Mid-J 747) NOTE: 747 NOW APPARENTLY CANCELLED as of 07.06.2019
BA1326 LHR-NCL 0920-1035 (stop 2:05, MCT 0:30): aero404, george77300,jfallesen, Msm2000uk, peter h, Telecasterman,
BA1327 NCL-LHR 1240-1400: aero404, Bazza1603 x 3, Brighterside, Chris9642, corporate-wage-slave, Fontana, george77300,jfallesen, Msm2000uk, peter h, S_W_S, squawk, Telecasterman, WickedStepMother, VG31.
MAN (seatmap shows a Mid-J 747) NOTE: 747 NOW APPARENTLY CANCELLED as of 07.06.2019
BA1386 LHR-MAN 1010-1120 (stop 1:30, MCT 0:30): 81romeo
BA1391 MAN-LHR 1250-1400: 81romeo
GLA (seatmap shows a SuperHi-J 747) NOTE: 747 NOW APPARENTLY CANCELLED as of 07.06.2019
BA1482 LHR-GLA 1200-1330 (stop 1:30, MCT 0:30): bisonrav, IFE Wizard, McG, shl +1, Schwann, hodders
BA1487 GLA-LHR 1500-1625: bisonrav, IFE Wizard, shl +1, Schwann
NCL (seatmap shows a Mid-J 747) NOTE: 747 NOW APPARENTLY CANCELLED as of 07.06.2019
BA1326 LHR-NCL 0920-1035 (stop 2:05, MCT 0:30): aero404, george77300,
BA1327 NCL-LHR 1240-1400: aero404, Bazza1603 x 3, Brighterside, Chris9642, corporate-wage-slave, Fontana, george77300,
MAN (seatmap shows a Mid-J 747) NOTE: 747 NOW APPARENTLY CANCELLED as of 07.06.2019
BA1386 LHR-MAN 1010-1120 (stop 1:30, MCT 0:30): 81romeo
BA1391 MAN-LHR 1250-1400: 81romeo
GLA (seatmap shows a SuperHi-J 747) NOTE: 747 NOW APPARENTLY CANCELLED as of 07.06.2019
BA1482 LHR-GLA 1200-1330 (stop 1:30, MCT 0:30): bisonrav, IFE Wizard, McG, shl +1, Schwann, hodders
BA1487 GLA-LHR 1500-1625: bisonrav, IFE Wizard, shl +1, Schwann
*CANCELLED* BA100 : Heritage-liveried B747s on MAN/NCL/GLA rotations 25 Aug
Jun 8, 2019, 3:16 pm
#331
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: UK
Programs: Mucci, BA, AF
Posts: 10,128
That was BMED, though at that time was a BA franchise.
Jun 9, 2019, 2:33 pm
#333
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: LON
Programs: BA Gold; LH FTL; IHG Diamond; Marriott Gold; ALL Gold
Posts: 1,758
Jun 10, 2019, 4:39 am
#334
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
The actual disappointment being most volubly expressed here, though, is from people who weren't told about the plans by BA, but saw or were told of a filed configuration change and picked up wind of a bunch of rumours and leaks, and decided that this constituted some form of blood oath sworn by BA to them that they were part of the special gang who would be first in the queue for the birthday party. That was always no more than wishful thinking. It would have been lovely for them if the plan had been confirmed and had gone ahead, and it would probably have been a pretty special day. But it wasn't confirmed and it wasn't announced and it wasn't marketed - and still BA is happy to refund anyone who doesn't want to travel any more.When did BA tell you this?
Jun 10, 2019, 6:01 am
#335
Community Director
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Norwich, UK
Programs: A3*G, BA Gold, BD Gold (in memoriam), IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 8,476
Any individual BA frequent flyers who were themselves told about the plans by BA may, depending on what BA actually said, be justified in being disappointed.
The actual disappointment being most volubly expressed here, though, is from people who weren't told about the plans by BA, but saw or were told of a filed configuration change and picked up wind of a bunch of rumours and leaks, and decided that this constituted some form of blood oath sworn by BA to them that they were part of the special gang who would be first in the queue for the birthday party. That was always no more than wishful thinking. It would have been lovely for them if the plan had been confirmed and had gone ahead, and it would probably have been a pretty special day. But it wasn't confirmed and it wasn't announced and it wasn't marketed - and still BA is happy to refund anyone who doesn't want to travel any more.
The actual disappointment being most volubly expressed here, though, is from people who weren't told about the plans by BA, but saw or were told of a filed configuration change and picked up wind of a bunch of rumours and leaks, and decided that this constituted some form of blood oath sworn by BA to them that they were part of the special gang who would be first in the queue for the birthday party. That was always no more than wishful thinking. It would have been lovely for them if the plan had been confirmed and had gone ahead, and it would probably have been a pretty special day. But it wasn't confirmed and it wasn't announced and it wasn't marketed - and still BA is happy to refund anyone who doesn't want to travel any more.
That the plan was quickly reported here, and confirmed by members who would be regarded as trustworthy, would have given confidence to those who expected the 747 side of the deal to happen. I very much doubt anyone booked expecting to end up on an A320 series without fanfare based on BA's actions. In this, I completely side with DYKWIA's interpretation of how it's panned out.
What caused BA to alter course we can only speculate, but generally speaking - as someone who doesn't have a horse in the race - I think they've dealt with what could have turned into a PR disaster rather well in immediately offering full refunds.
So, yes, sure - you can view this as black and white in that you can say that BA has aircraft swaps all time or you can quote T&Cs to your heart's content. I, and I think most others here, are dealing with the reality of what was clearly intended to happen until the (likely) environmental brakes got put on.
Jun 10, 2019, 6:17 am
#336
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BRS
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,992
I booked it because I am a massive geek and wanted the novelty of flying the B747 domestically... any special livery or onboard celebration would have been an added bonus.
Besides the point, as I've now got my refund... but the patronising "Oh it was nothing to do with us" response from BA is laughable. At least they offered refunds.. that was good!
Besides the point, as I've now got my refund... but the patronising "Oh it was nothing to do with us" response from BA is laughable. At least they offered refunds.. that was good!
Jun 10, 2019, 6:22 am
#337
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Englandshire
Programs: SPG LT Plat, BA G, BD*LG, MG Blue+ ...
Posts: 16,026
Seems there are differing views on how much good faith and integrity has been shown by both BA and the folks booking seats, so let’s accept that and move on.
There’s no further value to be gained by repeating previously-voiced opinions.
There’s no further value to be gained by repeating previously-voiced opinions.
Jun 10, 2019, 6:23 am
#338
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
What I don't get is the hyperbole with which some - to whom no direct promises were made - are expressing disappointment with a plan that was cancelled before it had been publicly announced. BA's response in offering full refunds is more than the T&Cs technically require and, as you say, a response that dealt rather well with the situation.
Jun 10, 2019, 6:36 am
#339
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,936
I agree. I too have no doubt that BA had a plan to do this which it has abandoned for some reason.
What I don't get is the hyperbole with which some - to whom no direct promises were made - are expressing disappointment with a plan that was cancelled before it had been publicly announced. BA's response in offering full refunds is more than the T&Cs technically require and, as you say, a response that dealt rather well with the situation.
What I don't get is the hyperbole with which some - to whom no direct promises were made - are expressing disappointment with a plan that was cancelled before it had been publicly announced. BA's response in offering full refunds is more than the T&Cs technically require and, as you say, a response that dealt rather well with the situation.
Jun 10, 2019, 7:22 am
#340
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Unio Europaea
Programs: BA GGL, AS, Hertz Cirque Présidentielle
Posts: 1,445
I know what you're saying between the lines, but I just think it played out bad and @KARFA is right regarding how this irritation would have been avoided.
Anyway, I personally don't see it as bad environmental PR to fly with a Jumbojet to Newcastle or Edinburgh on a 100th anniversary, which isn't the equal of a daily Jumbojet operation and NIMBY irritation. If BA would have balls, they'd now announce a special anniversay service to e.g. TRE instead.
Anyway, I personally don't see it as bad environmental PR to fly with a Jumbojet to Newcastle or Edinburgh on a 100th anniversary, which isn't the equal of a daily Jumbojet operation and NIMBY irritation. If BA would have balls, they'd now announce a special anniversay service to e.g. TRE instead.
Jun 10, 2019, 7:22 am
#341
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
But if it had all worked out, that was a "mistake" for which many of the complainers would have been very grateful. As in so many things in life, sometimes one must simply take the rough with the smooth.
Jun 10, 2019, 7:39 am
#342
Join Date: Nov 2016
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 457
I know what you're saying between the lines, but I just think it played out bad and @KARFA is right regarding how this irritation would have been avoided.
Anyway, I personally don't see it as bad environmental PR to fly with a Jumbojet to Newcastle or Edinburgh on a 100th anniversary, which isn't the equal of a daily Jumbojet operation and NIMBY irritation. If BA would have balls, they'd now announce a special anniversay service to e.g. TRE instead.
Anyway, I personally don't see it as bad environmental PR to fly with a Jumbojet to Newcastle or Edinburgh on a 100th anniversary, which isn't the equal of a daily Jumbojet operation and NIMBY irritation. If BA would have balls, they'd now announce a special anniversay service to e.g. TRE instead.
Jun 10, 2019, 8:06 am
#343
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, AA 1MM lifetime gold, Starwood gold, Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 719
Although I appreciate that BA created excitement and then quashed it for many people who booked the 747 flights, it is a saving grace that they have offered refunds. Other airlines might not have been so forthcoming.
Jun 10, 2019, 8:59 am
#344
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 143
I know what you're saying between the lines, but I just think it played out bad and @KARFA is right regarding how this irritation would have been avoided.
Anyway, I personally don't see it as bad environmental PR to fly with a Jumbojet to Newcastle or Edinburgh on a 100th anniversary, which isn't the equal of a daily Jumbojet operation and NIMBY irritation. If BA would have balls, they'd now announce a special anniversay service to e.g. TRE instead.
Anyway, I personally don't see it as bad environmental PR to fly with a Jumbojet to Newcastle or Edinburgh on a 100th anniversary, which isn't the equal of a daily Jumbojet operation and NIMBY irritation. If BA would have balls, they'd now announce a special anniversay service to e.g. TRE instead.
Jun 10, 2019, 11:33 am
#345
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: UK
Programs: Mucci, Diamond Status & on the Supreme Council des Conseillers, BA Ag, Bonvoy GFL/Plat, xVS Au
Posts: 832
All a far cry from the 80s/90s. I saw one of the Concorde documentaries which included an interview with former captain and fleet manager Jock Lowe. When asked how they got permission from BA's management to take up four Concordes simultaneously to capture that iconic photograph that I think we're all familiar with, he said simply: "We didn't ask permission – we just did it!"