Delay causing tight connection and VAT refund

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Dec 30, 2019, 2:48 am

jamesreid978

Original Poster

Join Date: Oct 2013

Location: Dubai

Programs: BAEC Gold

Posts: 396

Delay causing tight connection and VAT refund

Can’t find anything online about this so hoping the knowledge of this forum can help.

I’m currently waiting to take off on a delayed BA1305 ABZ-LHR which currently would give me 50 mins to takeoff on an on time international departure when it arrives in LHR. I am sure I will be able to make the flight and if it is very tight Heathrow will help facilitate me making the flight, but I was hoping to process a VAT refund to the tune of around £1,300. What are the chances if Heathrow put connection help on, that they would allow me to go via travelex to process the refund?

Dec 30, 2019, 2:57 am

dadig

Join Date: Dec 2014

Programs: NZ*Elite *G, QF*G, SPG*Platinum, Accor*Platinum, Hilton*Gold

Posts: 1,006

My experience it can take up to 90 minutes at times waiting in line for VAT refunds at LHR. I’d say you might be a bit optimistic... but you can always try your luck. Moreover, long haul destinations often board between 40-60 minutes before scheduled departure

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Last edited by dadig; Dec 30, 2019 at 3:04 am

Dec 30, 2019, 3:00 am

UKtravelbear

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Nov 2011

Location: Brighton. UK

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It's BA that will be helping you with a tight connection.

Their aim will be to get you on your way ASAP. You getting a VAT refund is not their concern.

If they have rebooked you onto a later international departure then your time is your own.

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Dec 30, 2019, 3:08 am

windowontheAside

Join Date: May 2012

Location: Ipswich

Posts: 7,543

I think you were pushing it with an on time arrival for that connection. VAT refunds can take quite a while. I don't see BA helping out with this one.

It seems the best option is to hope for further delay and so rebooking by BA.

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Dec 30, 2019, 3:29 am

HarryKUK

Join Date: Jan 2015

Location: Bangkok / London

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Posts: 1,106

Isn’t there an envelope you can use to mail the forms in to have it processed by the back office? Or did I imagine that?

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Dec 30, 2019, 4:04 am

Krisz

Join Date: Feb 2007

Location: London, UK

Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire

Posts: 1,242

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesreid978

I’m not sure which terminal is your international connection from. ABZ will drop you at the T5 domestic arrivals. If your connection from T5 then you don’t need to go through security which is a good news. Gate is going to be close at 20 min before departure so if you arrive 50 min then I would say you will have about 10-15 min max to deal with VAT.
if your connection is from any other terminal then (ie: T3 or T4) then you won’t have any time as you have to go through security plus an airside bus transfer.

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Dec 30, 2019, 4:32 am

jamesreid978

Original Poster

Join Date: Oct 2013

Location: Dubai

Programs: BAEC Gold

Posts: 396

Thanks for the response everyone. Landed now, but still on plane. It’s a T5 connection but C gates. I’ve done a VAT refund at T5 before and it only took a couple minutes. There is a post option, but that is for getting the money into a bank card, the goods still have to be inspected to make sure. I’m not expecting BA to do anything, was just wandering if Heathrow connections would allow me to still try get the VAT refund processed if they did a meet thing.

the good news is, I have refreshed my app and my seat is changed, so looking positive for an upgrade. Won’t count my chickens till I am on the plane.