Feb 28, 2020, 9:30 am
Last edit by: LTN Phobia
WikiPost currently includes info on China inc Hong Kong, Singapore and Italy. As and when new/updated information becomes available, we would welcome your input in updating it.
Information resources (e.g. links of entry restrictions/quarantine requirements) are provided at the bottom of Wiki.
29 Feb 2020: List of routes with cancellations from 13 March to 28 March: PKX, PVG, HKG, SIN, LIN, ICN, VRN, BGY, BLQ, TRN, VCE.
(In the case of PKX and PVG there are no services, for the other locations it's up to 50% of services.)
BA Book with Confidence Policy
BA have instigated a policy of bookings made on or after 3 March 2020 with zero change fees. Initially this policy will expire end of 3116 March 2020. Details can be found in this thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...ce-policy.html
Note.. despite the official start date of 3 March for this policy, at least one FT-er has advised that a booking on 2 March also attracted zero change fees.
BA has now expanded the book with confidence policy to expire 31 March 2020. Starting date of 3 March 2020 is unchanged. China inc HKG
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.
Italy
BA has issued a Customer Guideline Update 1 for travel to the north of Italy, defined as:
LIN/MXP – Milan
TRN – Turin
BLQ – Bologna
VCE – Venice
BGY – Bergamo
VRN - Verona
Tickets issued by 24 February can be changed. If they are dated for original travel on 25 February – 02 March 2020, they can now be moved to 25 February – 31 March 2020. Alternatively changed to ZRH or GVA (note some of these services will be running very full at this time of the year). Refunds not allowed, redemptions are in scope for change.
Update: Travelling 29 Feb to 15 March can now change date of travel and postpone to up to the 3 Apr or change airport to Geneva or Zurich. Rredemptions included but refunds still not included
Further details:
Singapore
BA11 has been cancelled on March 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25, and corresponding returns on BA12 (the next day) have been cancelled.
Information Resources
Travel restrictions by country
IATA's central list of restrictions relating to Covid-19 is here:
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/int...1580226297.htm
Australian government site for visit/transit restrictions for various countries after visiting certain countries (not just for Australians, as it lists countries visited/transited etc.). It includes information that is missing from IATA list too.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
11 March 2020:
For people who are based in the US, the US CDC travel warning for Schengen zone has been updated to Level 3 "Avoid nonessential travel".
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices...navirus-europe
In addition, US Department of State have updated the global travel advisory to Level 3 "Reconsider Travel.
https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...ory-issue.html
This may affect your travel insurance cover (or enable you to claim back the cost of cancellation).
Information resources (e.g. links of entry restrictions/quarantine requirements) are provided at the bottom of Wiki.
29 Feb 2020: List of routes with cancellations from 13 March to 28 March: PKX, PVG, HKG, SIN, LIN, ICN, VRN, BGY, BLQ, TRN, VCE.
(In the case of PKX and PVG there are no services, for the other locations it's up to 50% of services.)
BA Book with Confidence Policy
BA have instigated a policy of bookings made on or after 3 March 2020 with zero change fees. Initially this policy will expire end of 31
Note.. despite the official start date of 3 March for this policy, at least one FT-er has advised that a booking on 2 March also attracted zero change fees.
BA has now expanded the book with confidence policy to expire 31 March 2020. Starting date of 3 March 2020 is unchanged.
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.
Italy
BA has issued a Customer Guideline Update 1 for travel to the north of Italy, defined as:
LIN/MXP – Milan
TRN – Turin
BLQ – Bologna
VCE – Venice
BGY – Bergamo
VRN - Verona
Tickets issued by 24 February can be changed. If they are dated for original travel on 25 February – 02 March 2020, they can now be moved to 25 February – 31 March 2020. Alternatively changed to ZRH or GVA (note some of these services will be running very full at this time of the year). Refunds not allowed, redemptions are in scope for change.
Update: Travelling 29 Feb to 15 March can now change date of travel and postpone to up to the 3 Apr or change airport to Geneva or Zurich. Rredemptions included but refunds still not included
Further details:
Key Message
The following guidelines have been published to assist any customer who may wish to change their travel date for Northern Italy.
Advice for British Airways-125 ticketed customers whose BA, IB, AY or AA flight is still OPERATING
Rebook onto: British Airways or AJB
Airports affected - To/From
LIN/MXP – Milan
TRN – Turin
BLQ – Bologna
VCE – Venice
BGY – Bergamo
VRN - Verona
Tickets issued by: 24 February 2020
Ticket travel dates: 25 February – 02 March 2020
New travel dates: 25 February – 31 March 2020
Rebooking Allowance: Rebook into the same class as the original flight or lowest available in the same cabin
Change of gateway: Rebook onto a British Airways operated service to/from ZRH (Zurich) or GVA (Geneva) and London (any airport) into the same class as the original flight or lowest available in the same cabin. Must advise the customer that any consequential cost to travel between the original and the new Swiss gateway, e.g. surface transport, hotels, etc. are at their expense. Add a remark into the booking stating that you have advised this. Visas may also need to be checked to travel into Switzerland.
Origin/Destination/Stopover changes: Yes – as above
Refunds Allowed: No
Redemptions included: Yes
Available for Trade: Yes
Important Information
One involuntary ticket change allowed from the above options
Includes any connecting BA/Joint Business services on the same ticket
For customers on cancelled flights, please follow the standard customer guidelines >
· Adherence to commercial policies/standard customer guidelines remains entirely the responsibility of the user. BA reserves the right to withdraw guidelines at any time
The following guidelines have been published to assist any customer who may wish to change their travel date for Northern Italy.
Advice for British Airways-125 ticketed customers whose BA, IB, AY or AA flight is still OPERATING
Rebook onto: British Airways or AJB
Airports affected - To/From
LIN/MXP – Milan
TRN – Turin
BLQ – Bologna
VCE – Venice
BGY – Bergamo
VRN - Verona
Tickets issued by: 24 February 2020
Ticket travel dates: 25 February – 02 March 2020
New travel dates: 25 February – 31 March 2020
Rebooking Allowance: Rebook into the same class as the original flight or lowest available in the same cabin
Change of gateway: Rebook onto a British Airways operated service to/from ZRH (Zurich) or GVA (Geneva) and London (any airport) into the same class as the original flight or lowest available in the same cabin. Must advise the customer that any consequential cost to travel between the original and the new Swiss gateway, e.g. surface transport, hotels, etc. are at their expense. Add a remark into the booking stating that you have advised this. Visas may also need to be checked to travel into Switzerland.
Origin/Destination/Stopover changes: Yes – as above
Refunds Allowed: No
Redemptions included: Yes
Available for Trade: Yes
Important Information
One involuntary ticket change allowed from the above options
Includes any connecting BA/Joint Business services on the same ticket
For customers on cancelled flights, please follow the standard customer guidelines >
· Adherence to commercial policies/standard customer guidelines remains entirely the responsibility of the user. BA reserves the right to withdraw guidelines at any time
BA11 has been cancelled on March 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25, and corresponding returns on BA12 (the next day) have been cancelled.
Information Resources
Travel restrictions by country
IATA's central list of restrictions relating to Covid-19 is here:
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/int...1580226297.htm
Australian government site for visit/transit restrictions for various countries after visiting certain countries (not just for Australians, as it lists countries visited/transited etc.). It includes information that is missing from IATA list too.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
11 March 2020:
For people who are based in the US, the US CDC travel warning for Schengen zone has been updated to Level 3 "Avoid nonessential travel".
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices...navirus-europe
In addition, US Department of State have updated the global travel advisory to Level 3 "Reconsider Travel.
https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...ory-issue.html
This may affect your travel insurance cover (or enable you to claim back the cost of cancellation).
Covid-19 and BA flight cancellations & rebooking: info & advice thread [*noise-free*]
Mar 10, 2020, 1:25 pm
#376
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 834
Does anyone have any information/suggestions at all regards people stuck in Italy with cancelled BA tickets and how they are to be looked after? Couple of guys I know are in this predicament and have had no contact regards tomorrow's cancelled flight. Background is that one was booked onto a flight today, which when cancelled, the booking was transferred onto tomorrow's flight (that the other person is on) from Florence to LCY. But clearly this too is cancelled. Duty of care should be looking after first traveller today but they have had no contact from BA at all. Struggling to get through and twitter not answering. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Mar 10, 2020, 1:39 pm
#377
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 629
Does anyone have any information/suggestions at all regards people stuck in Italy with cancelled BA tickets and how they are to be looked after? Couple of guys I know are in this predicament and have had no contact regards tomorrow's cancelled flight. Background is that one was booked onto a flight today, which when cancelled, the booking was transferred onto tomorrow's flight (that the other person is on) from Florence to LCY. But clearly this too is cancelled. Duty of care should be looking after first traveller today but they have had no contact from BA at all. Struggling to get through and twitter not answering. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Unfortunately lines are extremely busy at moment but they will need to call to get sorted
Mar 10, 2020, 1:42 pm
#378
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 834
the main options at moment is rebook from Rebook onto a British Airways operated service to/from ZRH, GVA, GNB, INN, MUC, SZB, ZAG, LYS, NCE and LON (any airport) into the same class as the original flight or lowest available in the same cabin.
Unfortunately lines are extremely busy at moment but they will need to call to get sorted
Unfortunately lines are extremely busy at moment but they will need to call to get sorted
Mar 10, 2020, 1:44 pm
#379
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 629
Advise the customer that British Airways will reimburse them for any public transport (train, express coach, local bus) costs to travel between the new gateway and their original departure/arrival point in Italy. Receipts will be required and send these through the Customer Relations form in ba.com
Mar 10, 2020, 1:50 pm
#380
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,440
Given that the 80/20 slot rule will be relaxed, I assume BA is planning a mass cancellation of flights for the end of the month and early April. Is this right?
Mar 10, 2020, 1:51 pm
#381
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 629
only time will tell but from what I have heard it's likely especially if the situation is still the same or worse.
Mar 10, 2020, 1:57 pm
#383
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 1,406
Hawk777, can I just say that you coming on here and giving advice is really helpful and that we are all grateful hearing it - especially given it seems hard to get connected with the call centres at the moment.
Mar 10, 2020, 1:59 pm
#385
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Krakow
Programs: BAEC Silver, Miles and More(FTL), IHG(Platinum), Accor, HHonors(Diamond), SPG, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 5,921
Just been advised, Flight in morning 11/3 9.05
BA0872. LHR to Kraków is cancelled
Was due to return on Sunday
Have been rebooked on Thursday afternoon or I can cancel
I have 4 nights hotel booked through BA
Both flights and hotel booked in a single transaction on BA site
1. If I cancel
Will I get the full cost of both flights and hotel refunded?
2. If I accept the later flight, I lose 36 hours of holiday
Will BA refund the days hotel not used?
3. I was due to go on a trip on Thursday morning, which I paid for. I'll be in LHR so won't be able to go
Can I claim back the £25 I spent on the trip with either option?
4. Does EC261 come into play at all?
BA0872. LHR to Kraków is cancelled
Was due to return on Sunday
Have been rebooked on Thursday afternoon or I can cancel
I have 4 nights hotel booked through BA
Both flights and hotel booked in a single transaction on BA site
1. If I cancel
Will I get the full cost of both flights and hotel refunded?
2. If I accept the later flight, I lose 36 hours of holiday
Will BA refund the days hotel not used?
3. I was due to go on a trip on Thursday morning, which I paid for. I'll be in LHR so won't be able to go
Can I claim back the £25 I spent on the trip with either option?
4. Does EC261 come into play at all?
Mar 10, 2020, 2:04 pm
#386
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 834
yes.
Advise the customer that British Airways will reimburse them for any public transport (train, express coach, local bus) costs to travel between the new gateway and their original departure/arrival point in Italy. Receipts will be required and send these through the Customer Relations form in ba.com
Advise the customer that British Airways will reimburse them for any public transport (train, express coach, local bus) costs to travel between the new gateway and their original departure/arrival point in Italy. Receipts will be required and send these through the Customer Relations form in ba.com
My friend is concerned that if they get themselves to France, and people know they have been in Italy, are they likely to be refused permission to board? ALso, is it likely that once the dust has settled, some repatriation missions might be arranged? and maybe it's better to just sit tight for a couple of days?
Thanks in anticipation for any thoughts CF
Mar 10, 2020, 2:05 pm
#387
Join Date: May 2016
Location: GLA
Programs: BAEC Bronze
Posts: 143
Personally I don't think compensation is payable, if that is what you mean, however EC261 covers rather more than just that, and is always applicable. My opinion is that this seems to fall into the category of extraordinary circumstances, there will be a further corollary about "all reasonable measures" which will depend on precise circumstances. It's just an opinion, only a judge can make a definitive ruling (not CEDR for example) and I can see other arguments may come forward. I suspect most of those affected by the cancellation will be OK just to get a refund, or Right to Care benefits, which EC261 does guarantee. Pestilence and infectious disease are not specifically mentioned in EC261, unlike things like strikes and weather.
Was on the phone first thing to BA. After an hour and a half got an early flight and rerouting via dublin (and Air Lingus, who I forgot weren't in OneWorld) :-)
Mar 10, 2020, 2:08 pm
#388
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,811
Yrs, it always does, but I suspect you want to know about the compensation elements, which may be payable if less than 2 weeks notice was given. The excursion can't be claimed, but separate legislation covers the reduced length of the break, though there are some very technical conditions as to exactly how you booked it. Your documentation show indicate whether you have an inclusive package or not. You should be able to claim a refund but you best discuss this with BA Holidays. And perhaps have another location in mind as a replacement.
Mar 10, 2020, 2:13 pm
#389
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: New York, Paris
Programs: AA ExPlat 4MM, AA Life Plat, Lufthansa FT, Delta Basic
Posts: 1,593
Mar 10, 2020, 2:21 pm
#390
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 23
TLV
Still no announcements regarding Tel Aviv? Due to fly on Friday but now unable due to the quarantine