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
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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 24, 2020, 4:47 am
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,554
I'm supposed to be arriving in PVG on the 10th Feb. However I've booked to HKG and then separate booking to PVG.
Will keep an eye on this. I wonder what the Hong Kong and Macau response will be. Wouldn't be the end of the world to have to go to Macau for a few days instead...
Will keep an eye on this. I wonder what the Hong Kong and Macau response will be. Wouldn't be the end of the world to have to go to Macau for a few days instead...
Macau will not escape the situation. It is much more open to China than in 2003 and some cases have been reported:
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/arti...se-coronavirus
On the bright side, the virus does not seem as deadly as SARS. It might not be much worse than a flu epidemic which kills a lot of old people. Old people (i am one of them seem the big majority of the current death toll. But ...
Jan 24, 2020, 4:52 am
#77
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: 7,328
Frankly, I would cancel entirely if this was for a holiday.
Macau will not escape the situation. It is much more open to China than in 2003 and some cases have been reported:
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/arti...se-coronavirus
On the bright side, the virus does not seem as deadly as SARS. It might not be much worse than a flu epidemic which kills a lot of old people. Old people (i am one of them seem the big majority of the current death toll. But ...
Macau will not escape the situation. It is much more open to China than in 2003 and some cases have been reported:
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/arti...se-coronavirus
On the bright side, the virus does not seem as deadly as SARS. It might not be much worse than a flu epidemic which kills a lot of old people. Old people (i am one of them seem the big majority of the current death toll. But ...
I'll stock up on Berocca.
Jan 24, 2020, 4:53 am
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Hong Kong, France
Programs: FB , BA Gold
Posts: 15,554
Fair point, and as stated above, one patient (from Wuhan) definitely transited HKG (wonder whether they were OWE, that would really put the willies up the folks on the board!). However, given that Wuhan is now shut-down, I still state that if transiting HKG going forwards is going to be a major risk, that implies that this thing has already gone global.
tb
PS number of cases in HK currently lower than Thailand, and no ongoing transmission chain (yet -- as with anywhere outside China), so although I think HK should rightly be on high alert, it's not out of control there yet...the recent troubles in HK may have curtailed the number of mainland visitors and mitigated to some extent...
tb
PS number of cases in HK currently lower than Thailand, and no ongoing transmission chain (yet -- as with anywhere outside China), so although I think HK should rightly be on high alert, it's not out of control there yet...the recent troubles in HK may have curtailed the number of mainland visitors and mitigated to some extent...
And when China decides to take measures, they do it strongly and efficiently. It is sad for Chinese who will not enjoy their annual CNY holiday. This is the major one or two-week holiday, but better be safe than sorry. Few countries would be willing/able to take such drastic measures.
Jan 24, 2020, 5:00 am
#79
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: 8,948
We should meet up for a drink, in a sanitised bubble, while wearing masks and gloves.
M
Jan 24, 2020, 5:10 am
#80
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: American Life Time 2 Million Mile Platinum
Posts: 368
Fair point, and as stated above, one patient (from Wuhan) definitely transited HKG (wonder whether they were OWE, that would really put the willies up the folks on the board!). However, given that Wuhan is now shut-down, I still state that if transiting HKG going forwards is going to be a major risk, that implies that this thing has already gone global.
tb
PS number of cases in HK currently lower than Thailand, and no ongoing transmission chain (yet -- as with anywhere outside China), so although I think HK should rightly be on high alert, it's not out of control there yet...the recent troubles in HK may have curtailed the number of mainland visitors and mitigated to some extent...
tb
PS number of cases in HK currently lower than Thailand, and no ongoing transmission chain (yet -- as with anywhere outside China), so although I think HK should rightly be on high alert, it's not out of control there yet...the recent troubles in HK may have curtailed the number of mainland visitors and mitigated to some extent...
use great caution with traveling to areas any where near disease outbreaks.
All the best.
Jan 24, 2020, 6:08 am
#81
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: 7,328
Jan 24, 2020, 6:19 am
#82
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Battleaxe Alliance
Posts: 22,127
I think HEL duty free (or was it OSL?) has some 60% proof vodka too. Might be a bit less sticky. High enough alcohol content to kill off the dreaded lurgies that might dare to invade my system, I hope?? I may need to temporarily suspend my "no alcohol before/during/after flight" policy!
Jan 24, 2020, 7:22 am
#83
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: 63,773
Minor update dated 14:17 hrs on 24 January 2020.
The rebooking guidelines for Wuhan / WUH have been updated to allow date changes for those on prime CZ flights as well as the codeshares.
Originally Posted by British Airways
We are monitoring the situation closely, and our flights continue to operate as normal.
Like other airlines, we are liaising closely with both government and health organisations and following their advice.
The World Health Organisation is not recommending any travel restrictions at this time. There is no travel restriction advice on the FCO.
Like other airlines, we are liaising closely with both government and health organisations and following their advice.
The World Health Organisation is not recommending any travel restrictions at this time. There is no travel restriction advice on the FCO.
Jan 24, 2020, 8:07 am
#84
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Glasgow / London
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 3,457
Sounds like we may have our own little FT do in Shanghai! It looks like there will be at least 6 of us out there at the same time. I know of 4 who are travelling out on the 7th, with 3 of us leaving on the early flight on the 12th.
Jan 24, 2020, 8:18 am
#85
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PVG
Programs: BA Gold, TK E+, ex AA EXP
Posts: 510
Happy to join if I didn't leave town by then!
Jan 24, 2020, 8:28 am
#86
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: BA Gold, EK Gold, IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 88
There is a very fun bar/club above Hakkasan on the bund - not sure if my schedule will allow an evening out (trade show during the day and customers in the evening) but if I can I'll be there.
Jan 24, 2020, 8:30 am
#87
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: BA Gold, EK Gold, IHG Royal Ambassador
Posts: 88
City Lockdown - What do BA do?
Dear All,
Question, I am flying to Shanghai on the 7th and I actually believe that the panic and city shut downs will have stopped by then, however the question is, should the city be quarantined will people be given notice and time to leave? Would BA have prior knowledge and contact customers?
Just trying to think ahead and how to avoid potentially being stuck somewhere for an extended period of time.
Question, I am flying to Shanghai on the 7th and I actually believe that the panic and city shut downs will have stopped by then, however the question is, should the city be quarantined will people be given notice and time to leave? Would BA have prior knowledge and contact customers?
Just trying to think ahead and how to avoid potentially being stuck somewhere for an extended period of time.
Jan 24, 2020, 9:14 am
#88
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Jersey
Programs: BA GOLD, HILTON DIAMOND, BONVOY L/T GOLD,
Posts: 306
Cathay is allowing refunds on all China flights based on a request from Beijing
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...offers-refunds
https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_...xsource=roller
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...offers-refunds
https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_...xsource=roller
Jan 24, 2020, 9:27 am
#89
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PEK and BOS
Programs: BA - Blue
Posts: 4,530
I'm hoping this will be merged with the main thread on the coronavirus and BA.
SH is not going to be locked down. If the number of cases in SH are so high that one would even contemplate such an action, which is well within the realms of possibility, then this thing will be rampant globally. There may be a temporary disruption of flights to/ from China as a whole, although again I doubt that will be for long, but one never knows...in which case, BA's duty of care would kick in.
There was widespread condemnation in China online about the 8 hr notice of the Wuhan lockdown to allow 'VIPs' to legitimately flee the city...and at any rate, even with notice, with one flight a day on BA, I doubt even advance notice would help in such a case...I predict China-UK (or XXX) flights to be rammed for quite a while...
tb
SH is not going to be locked down. If the number of cases in SH are so high that one would even contemplate such an action, which is well within the realms of possibility, then this thing will be rampant globally. There may be a temporary disruption of flights to/ from China as a whole, although again I doubt that will be for long, but one never knows...in which case, BA's duty of care would kick in.
There was widespread condemnation in China online about the 8 hr notice of the Wuhan lockdown to allow 'VIPs' to legitimately flee the city...and at any rate, even with notice, with one flight a day on BA, I doubt even advance notice would help in such a case...I predict China-UK (or XXX) flights to be rammed for quite a while...
tb
Jan 24, 2020, 9:45 am
#90
Join Date: Apr 2008
Programs: Confirmed
Posts: 1,091
300,000 people left Wuhan before the lockdown, which is probably as many as BA silver and above.
WTO did decide that a lockdown of the country is not yet required. Shanghai is advanced in controlling the infection but only travel if it’s essential to you.
take no risk to yourself and others around you.
WTO did decide that a lockdown of the country is not yet required. Shanghai is advanced in controlling the infection but only travel if it’s essential to you.
take no risk to yourself and others around you.