Jan 26, 2020, 5:00 am
Last edit by: Globaliser
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BA have cancelled all flights to PKX (Beijing/Peking) and PVG (Shanghai Pu Dong) "until 19 April 2020".
BA frequency to HKG has been reduced with effect from 13 February 2020 - see below for further details. From HKG, Cathay is running a heavily reduced schedule to mainland destinations until the end of March.
If you are due to fly to PKX, PVG and your flight is cancelled then you have refund, re-route and rebook options. BA can rebook on to several other airlines.
If you are due to fly to Hong Kong until 1st April you have refund and rebook options.
If you are transiting into mainland China you are also covered as above.
If you are transiting internationally (e.g. LHR-HKG-SYD) you are not able to move your flights, unless they are cancelled anyway.
The latest ba.com update was on 21 February 2020 at 1510.
More information on the advice of Her Majesty's Government about travel and health is on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china
For the Special Administration Regions of Hong Kong and Macao:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hong-kong
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/macao
Summary from IATA of all travel restrictions due to Coronavirus as added to TIMATIC https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/int...1580226297.htm
.
HKG frequency reductions (as of 1330 on 21 February 2020, all dates inclusive).
LHR-HKG
From Thu 13.02.2020 to Mon 01.06.2020: BA31 cancelled. BA27 operates (380).
Exceptions:-
HKG-LHR
From Fri 14.02.2020 to Tue 02.06.2020: BA32 cancelled. BA28 operates (380).
Exceptions:-
Note: Schedule changes take effect on Sun 29.03.2020 in both directions.
BA have cancelled all flights to PKX (Beijing/Peking) and PVG (Shanghai Pu Dong) "until 19 April 2020".
BA frequency to HKG has been reduced with effect from 13 February 2020 - see below for further details. From HKG, Cathay is running a heavily reduced schedule to mainland destinations until the end of March.
If you are due to fly to PKX, PVG and your flight is cancelled then you have refund, re-route and rebook options. BA can rebook on to several other airlines.
If you are due to fly to Hong Kong until 1st April you have refund and rebook options.
If you are transiting into mainland China you are also covered as above.
If you are transiting internationally (e.g. LHR-HKG-SYD) you are not able to move your flights, unless they are cancelled anyway.
The latest ba.com update was on 21 February 2020 at 1510.
More information on the advice of Her Majesty's Government about travel and health is on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china
For the Special Administration Regions of Hong Kong and Macao:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/hong-kong
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/macao
Summary from IATA of all travel restrictions due to Coronavirus as added to TIMATIC https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/int...1580226297.htm
.
HKG frequency reductions (as of 1330 on 21 February 2020, all dates inclusive).
LHR-HKG
From Thu 13.02.2020 to Mon 01.06.2020: BA31 cancelled. BA27 operates (380).
Exceptions:-
- Tue 18.02.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (777).
- Tue 10.03.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (777).
- Mon 27.04.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (380).
- Tue 28.04.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (380).
- Wed 29.04.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (380).
- Thu 30.04.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (380).
- Mon 11.05.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (380).
- Tue 12.05.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (380).
- Mon 18.05.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (380).
- Tue 19.05.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (380).
- Sun 24.05.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (380).
- Mon 25.05.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (380).
- Tue 26.05.2020: BA27 cancelled. BA31 operates (380).
- Mon 01.06.2020: BA31 cancelled. BA27 operates (777).
HKG-LHR
From Fri 14.02.2020 to Tue 02.06.2020: BA32 cancelled. BA28 operates (380).
Exceptions:-
- Wed 19.02.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (777).
- Wed 11.03.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (777).
- Sun 29.03.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Tue 28.04.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Wed 29.04.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Thu 30.04.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Fri 01.05.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Tue 12.05.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Wed 13.05.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Tue 19.05.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Wed 20.05.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Mon 25.05.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Tue 26.05.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Wed 27.05.2020: BA28 cancelled. BA32 operates (380).
- Tue 02.06.2020: BA32 cancelled. BA28 operates (777).
Note: Schedule changes take effect on Sun 29.03.2020 in both directions.
*Coronavirus : BA Suspends all flts to mainland China* +discussion on long haul flts
Jan 29, 2020, 2:07 am
#286
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Beijing
Programs: SK EBG, BAEC Gold
Posts: 932
Obviously details are still emerging - the Trade site advice only lists cancellations up to Jan 31 whereas the other information gives Feb 3rd as the current "wait until then and see" date.
We live in China (Beijing) and are in Europe on holiday - now considering to stay at least a few days extra to see how things pan out (if we return to Beijing we should self quarantine for 14 days in any case).
I plan to ask some friends about a spare room - but can someone remind me the recommended hotel limit (assuming duty of care applies here ...) for while we are in London in case I need to book at least one extra night while I sort out where we will stay. Thanks!
We live in China (Beijing) and are in Europe on holiday - now considering to stay at least a few days extra to see how things pan out (if we return to Beijing we should self quarantine for 14 days in any case).
I plan to ask some friends about a spare room - but can someone remind me the recommended hotel limit (assuming duty of care applies here ...) for while we are in London in case I need to book at least one extra night while I sort out where we will stay. Thanks!
Last edited by GinFizz; Jan 29, 2020 at 2:14 am
Jan 29, 2020, 2:13 am
#287
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
They can position back as passengers, but positioning before a flight does not count as a rest period. I expect the crews in China will position to HKG on CX then come home.
Jan 29, 2020, 2:36 am
#288
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: Honors Diamond
Posts: 1,636
Obviously details are still emerging - the Trade site advice only lists cancellations up to Jan 31 whereas the other information gives Feb 3rd as the current "wait until then and see" date.
We live in China (Beijing) and are in Europe on holiday - now considering to stay at least a few days extra to see how things pan out (if we return to Beijing we should self quarantine for 14 days in any case).
I plan to ask some friends about a spare room - but can someone remind me the recommended hotel limit (assuming duty of care applies here ...) for while we are in London in case I need to book at least one extra night while I sort out where we will stay. Thanks!
We live in China (Beijing) and are in Europe on holiday - now considering to stay at least a few days extra to see how things pan out (if we return to Beijing we should self quarantine for 14 days in any case).
I plan to ask some friends about a spare room - but can someone remind me the recommended hotel limit (assuming duty of care applies here ...) for while we are in London in case I need to book at least one extra night while I sort out where we will stay. Thanks!
Jan 29, 2020, 2:42 am
#289
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BHX
Programs: BA GGL CCR GfL, SQ Gold, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, Cafe Nero Loyalty Card (7 Stamps)
Posts: 7,327
Jan 29, 2020, 2:49 am
#290
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Beijing
Programs: SK EBG, BAEC Gold
Posts: 932
I am looking in any case to stay with friends and can work from the UK if needed so at least in the short term this is an academic question ...
Jan 29, 2020, 3:19 am
#291
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,736
If you are in London now, and your home is in China, then yes, EC261 Right to Care would apply. From a reasonableness point of view I would be trying to keep costs down, and perhaps looking at aparthotels if you suspect it may take a while to get home. It would also be reasonable to work with BA to see if they can resolve another route home, which at the moment would seem to be via HKG and Cathay. Flights are being restricted but they are operating. The usual problem in this space is that the Contact Centres may be currently constrained in this area whereas the airport may be able to rebook you. It's possible BA will arrange alternatives. For Shanghai, Iberia's service hasn't (yet) been cancelled and Contact Centres should be able to rebook to that service. The usual guideline is Ł200 a night but at this time of year hotel prices in London are low, I can see a number of Hiltons with rates of Ł126 or less, e.g. DT Hyde Park, HGI Hatton Cross is Ł97.
Ditto if you are in China and you are trying to return home to Europe.
Ditto if you are in China and you are trying to return home to Europe.
Jan 29, 2020, 3:21 am
#292
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Accor Plat, IHG Diamond
Posts: 651
Originally Posted by British Airways Flight Ops
Answer Id 7982 Updated 29/01/2020 08.04 AM (UK time)
Following Foreign Office advice against all but essential travel to mainland China we have temporarily suspended our flights to and from Beijing and Shanghai with immediate effect, until Friday 31 January, while we assess the situation.
Following Foreign Office advice against all but essential travel to mainland China we have temporarily suspended our flights to and from Beijing and Shanghai with immediate effect, until Friday 31 January, while we assess the situation.
Jan 29, 2020, 3:28 am
#293
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,736
I have just got off the phone to BA regarding BA39 (LHR-PKX) on 31st of Jan, they are no longer selling seats but the flight is not yet cancelled so no rerouting. Amex plat is saying that as long as flights are not cancelled they will not rebook me either (I have an onward connection to Seoul on another ticket after a short stay in Beijing).
In your case I guess you specifically want a re-route because a refund wouldn't help you for the Seoul trip? And without a cancellation BA won't offer a reroute. Moreover the reroute options may be just to some airports, not Seoul. However I can't see things radically improving in the next 48 hours (au contraire, frankly, it's a dismal situation getting worse). So I think there is a good chance that a cancellation will happen. So I think the choice is essentially do you take a refund now and make the best of that, or wait to see if BA will reroute to Seoul.
Jan 29, 2020, 3:38 am
#294
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Accor Plat, IHG Diamond
Posts: 651
Thanks for that update, I did think it odd the timings in there compared to the Trade Support version. I'll manually amend it.
In your case I guess you specifically want a re-route because a refund wouldn't help you for the Seoul trip? And without a cancellation BA won't offer a reroute. Moreover the reroute options may be just to some airports, not Seoul. However I can't see things radically improving in the next 48 hours (au contraire, frankly, it's a dismal situation getting worse). So I think there is a good chance that a cancellation will happen. So I think the choice is essentially do you take a refund now and make the best of that, or wait to see if BA will reroute to Seoul.
In your case I guess you specifically want a re-route because a refund wouldn't help you for the Seoul trip? And without a cancellation BA won't offer a reroute. Moreover the reroute options may be just to some airports, not Seoul. However I can't see things radically improving in the next 48 hours (au contraire, frankly, it's a dismal situation getting worse). So I think there is a good chance that a cancellation will happen. So I think the choice is essentially do you take a refund now and make the best of that, or wait to see if BA will reroute to Seoul.
Already have backup destinations in the pocket too, changing the whole thing at my cost.
Jan 29, 2020, 4:10 am
#295
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,545
If you are in London now, and your home is in China, then yes, EC261 Right to Care would apply. From a reasonableness point of view I would be trying to keep costs down, and perhaps looking at aparthotels if you suspect it may take a while to get home. It would also be reasonable to work with BA to see if they can resolve another route home, which at the moment would seem to be via HKG and Cathay. Flights are being restricted but they are operating. The usual problem in this space is that the Contact Centres may be currently constrained in this area whereas the airport may be able to rebook you. It's possible BA will arrange alternatives. For Shanghai, Iberia's service hasn't (yet) been cancelled and Contact Centres should be able to rebook to that service. The usual guideline is Ł200 a night but at this time of year hotel prices in London are low, I can see a number of Hiltons with rates of Ł126 or less, e.g. DT Hyde Park, HGI Hatton Cross is Ł97.
Ditto if you are in China and you are trying to return home to Europe.
Ditto if you are in China and you are trying to return home to Europe.
What will happen in the likely case where BA suspends for a longer period is is another question.
Jan 29, 2020, 4:39 am
#296
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,736
There has been a new update released today 29 January 2020, time 11:15 GMT, known as Update 4. It's a bit complex!
For PKX and PVG:
Ticketed on or before 28 January, travel dates 25 January to 23 February inclusive
- For cancelled services, standard guidelines apply (rebook, refund, some rerouting/alternative gateway options).
- For operating services: refund allowed, rebooking allowed, one re-routing now allowed, namely to Hong Kong. This essentially allows you to turn the flight to a Hong Kong only service instead of flying to PVG or PKX. The guidelines do not include adding a Cathay (etc) service to make the final service, that is for own account. [CWS comment: there may be some EC261 protection here to allow you to get to your ticketed destination, plus it maybe that BA are working with Cathay on rebooking options, however Cathay are also having to scale back their flights to mainland China]. It is specifically OK to shorten your trip. Then finally BA are allowing you to use the value of your ticket on to other BA services at today's prices.
For HKG
Ticketed on or before 28 January, travel dates 25 January to 23 February inclusive
No cancellations yet.
For operating services, you have the refund, and rebook options, no re-route options (unless the fare rules allow them anyway). However new to this is BA are allowing you to use the value of your ticket on to other BA services at today's prices.
International connections remain outside this guideline, so if you are travelling LHR-HKG-SYD, there is no policy in place that allows changes, other than those in your fare rules.
For PKX and PVG:
Ticketed on or before 28 January, travel dates 25 January to 23 February inclusive
- For cancelled services, standard guidelines apply (rebook, refund, some rerouting/alternative gateway options).
- For operating services: refund allowed, rebooking allowed, one re-routing now allowed, namely to Hong Kong. This essentially allows you to turn the flight to a Hong Kong only service instead of flying to PVG or PKX. The guidelines do not include adding a Cathay (etc) service to make the final service, that is for own account. [CWS comment: there may be some EC261 protection here to allow you to get to your ticketed destination, plus it maybe that BA are working with Cathay on rebooking options, however Cathay are also having to scale back their flights to mainland China]. It is specifically OK to shorten your trip. Then finally BA are allowing you to use the value of your ticket on to other BA services at today's prices.
For HKG
Ticketed on or before 28 January, travel dates 25 January to 23 February inclusive
No cancellations yet.
For operating services, you have the refund, and rebook options, no re-route options (unless the fare rules allow them anyway). However new to this is BA are allowing you to use the value of your ticket on to other BA services at today's prices.
International connections remain outside this guideline, so if you are travelling LHR-HKG-SYD, there is no policy in place that allows changes, other than those in your fare rules.
Jan 29, 2020, 4:56 am
#297
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: 8,944
There has been a new update released today 29 January 2020, time 11:15 GMT, known as Update 4. It's a bit complex!
For PKX and PVG:
Ticketed on or before 28 January, travel dates 25 January to 23 February inclusive
- For cancelled services, standard guidelines apply (rebook, refund, some rerouting/alternative gateway options).
- For operating services: refund allowed, rebooking allowed, one re-routing now allowed, namely to Hong Kong. This essentially allows you to turn the flight to a Hong Kong only service instead of flying to PVG or PKX. The guidelines do not include adding a Cathay (etc) service to make the final service, that is for own account. [CWS comment: there may be some EC261 protection here to allow you to get to your ticketed destination, plus it maybe that BA are working with Cathay on rebooking options, however Cathay are also having to scale back their flights to mainland China]. It is specifically OK to shorten your trip. Then finally BA are allowing you to use the value of your ticket on to other BA services at today's prices.
For HKG
Ticketed on or before 28 January, travel dates 25 January to 23 February inclusive
No cancellations yet.
For operating services, you have the refund, and rebook options, no re-route options (unless the fare rules allow them anyway). However new to this is BA are allowing you to use the value of your ticket on to other BA services at today's prices.
International connections remain outside this guideline, so if you are travelling LHR-HKG-SYD, there is no policy in place that allows changes, other than those in your fare rules.
For PKX and PVG:
Ticketed on or before 28 January, travel dates 25 January to 23 February inclusive
- For cancelled services, standard guidelines apply (rebook, refund, some rerouting/alternative gateway options).
- For operating services: refund allowed, rebooking allowed, one re-routing now allowed, namely to Hong Kong. This essentially allows you to turn the flight to a Hong Kong only service instead of flying to PVG or PKX. The guidelines do not include adding a Cathay (etc) service to make the final service, that is for own account. [CWS comment: there may be some EC261 protection here to allow you to get to your ticketed destination, plus it maybe that BA are working with Cathay on rebooking options, however Cathay are also having to scale back their flights to mainland China]. It is specifically OK to shorten your trip. Then finally BA are allowing you to use the value of your ticket on to other BA services at today's prices.
For HKG
Ticketed on or before 28 January, travel dates 25 January to 23 February inclusive
No cancellations yet.
For operating services, you have the refund, and rebook options, no re-route options (unless the fare rules allow them anyway). However new to this is BA are allowing you to use the value of your ticket on to other BA services at today's prices.
International connections remain outside this guideline, so if you are travelling LHR-HKG-SYD, there is no policy in place that allows changes, other than those in your fare rules.
Without playing Nostradamus, one could envisage HKG shutting down within the next 7 days (indeed I am reliably told there are regular discussions within BA), so switching from PVG/PKX to HKG may be a pointless option.
I'd expect further updates over the next 24 hours.
M
Jan 29, 2020, 5:10 am
#298
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Englandshire
Programs: SPG LT Plat, BA G, BD*LG, MG Blue+ ...
Posts: 16,017
Folks, with the announcement of suspension of all BA flights to mainland China, this thread will be very busy with travel disruption. Please help us all by keeping the thread clear of off-topic comments, tangential discussions & wisecracks.
Thanks you for your co-operation.
The mod team
Thanks you for your co-operation.
The mod team
Please respect those who are trying to use this thread to ask for & to provide assistance ref BA travel disruption and take these discussions ELSEWHERE.
Last edited by Oxon Flyer; Jan 29, 2020 at 6:12 am
Jan 29, 2020, 5:12 am
#299
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Beijing
Programs: SK EBG, BAEC Gold
Posts: 932
We arrive at LGW from RAK later this afternoon so will be able I guess to sort things out there (we have an overnight stay in London in any case).
Jan 29, 2020, 5:13 am
#300
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,777
"Separately, the government floated the controversial idea of stopping mainland passengers from transiting through Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), sources said. But because of strong resistance from the aviation industry, discussions led by the Transport and Housing Bureau stalled, according to people familiar with the matter."
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...posed-stopping
If BA wishes to suspend HKG service, that's up to them. HK Govt will not frontrun BA on this.