BA & Dubai
Jan 25, 2021, 1:54 am
#631
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2014
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 12,268
I’d be really grateful for any advice here…
I have flights booked for my family of 4, departing 18th Feb and returning 5 days later. These were booked in the BA sale in November
We have given up hope of restrictions easing sufficiently for us to go on holiday, but no sign of BA cancelling the flights (we are booked on the 105 outbound and the 104 inbound – and it seems BA are cancelling the 107 and 106)
Instead of claiming the FTV, I’m considering moving our flights to the 107/106 combo in mid-March, when those flights are currently scheduled to restart again.
Do you guys think there is a strong chance BA will extend the strategy of cancelling those flights, and therefore putting me in the position of being able to claim a full refund?
Or, worst case, if I move them to March and BA don’t cancel, am I correct in assuming I’d be in exactly the same position as I am now – in that I’d be able to claim a FTV anyway?
Based on your advice, I may call up BA ASAP, to get in on those March 107/106 flights before BA cancel them.
Final thought – would you guys agree that BA are unlikely now to cancel our February 105/104 flights, as passenger loads continue to be high despite restrictions?
Thanks
I have flights booked for my family of 4, departing 18th Feb and returning 5 days later. These were booked in the BA sale in November
We have given up hope of restrictions easing sufficiently for us to go on holiday, but no sign of BA cancelling the flights (we are booked on the 105 outbound and the 104 inbound – and it seems BA are cancelling the 107 and 106)
Instead of claiming the FTV, I’m considering moving our flights to the 107/106 combo in mid-March, when those flights are currently scheduled to restart again.
Do you guys think there is a strong chance BA will extend the strategy of cancelling those flights, and therefore putting me in the position of being able to claim a full refund?
Or, worst case, if I move them to March and BA don’t cancel, am I correct in assuming I’d be in exactly the same position as I am now – in that I’d be able to claim a FTV anyway?
Based on your advice, I may call up BA ASAP, to get in on those March 107/106 flights before BA cancel them.
Final thought – would you guys agree that BA are unlikely now to cancel our February 105/104 flights, as passenger loads continue to be high despite restrictions?
Thanks
This is, in my opinion, the best chance of getting a cancellation one way or other.
I really can't see the one daily flight getting the chop
Jan 25, 2021, 1:56 am
#632
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London Stratford, E7
Programs: BAEC Gold! Thanks to FT
Posts: 3,383
I’d be really grateful for any advice here…
I have flights booked for my family of 4, departing 18th Feb and returning 5 days later. These were booked in the BA sale in November
We have given up hope of restrictions easing sufficiently for us to go on holiday, but no sign of BA cancelling the flights (we are booked on the 105 outbound and the 104 inbound – and it seems BA are cancelling the 107 and 106)
Instead of claiming the FTV, I’m considering moving our flights to the 107/106 combo in mid-March, when those flights are currently scheduled to restart again.
Do you guys think there is a strong chance BA will extend the strategy of cancelling those flights, and therefore putting me in the position of being able to claim a full refund?
Or, worst case, if I move them to March and BA don’t cancel, am I correct in assuming I’d be in exactly the same position as I am now – in that I’d be able to claim a FTV anyway?
Based on your advice, I may call up BA ASAP, to get in on those March 107/106 flights before BA cancel them.
Final thought – would you guys agree that BA are unlikely now to cancel our February 105/104 flights, as passenger loads continue to be high despite restrictions?
Thanks
I have flights booked for my family of 4, departing 18th Feb and returning 5 days later. These were booked in the BA sale in November
We have given up hope of restrictions easing sufficiently for us to go on holiday, but no sign of BA cancelling the flights (we are booked on the 105 outbound and the 104 inbound – and it seems BA are cancelling the 107 and 106)
Instead of claiming the FTV, I’m considering moving our flights to the 107/106 combo in mid-March, when those flights are currently scheduled to restart again.
Do you guys think there is a strong chance BA will extend the strategy of cancelling those flights, and therefore putting me in the position of being able to claim a full refund?
Or, worst case, if I move them to March and BA don’t cancel, am I correct in assuming I’d be in exactly the same position as I am now – in that I’d be able to claim a FTV anyway?
Based on your advice, I may call up BA ASAP, to get in on those March 107/106 flights before BA cancel them.
Final thought – would you guys agree that BA are unlikely now to cancel our February 105/104 flights, as passenger loads continue to be high despite restrictions?
Thanks
Jan 25, 2021, 2:01 am
#633
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: 63,855
I think those of us who give out crystal ball inspiration tend to be cautious about how things will turn out since this pandemic is very difficult to predict even 2 weeks ahead. The issue of hotel quarantines, for example, wasn't really around a fortnight back, and if that is implemented then that could make a difference. You are still a bit more than 2 weeks before departure (and rather more for the return, so at the moment the only sensible advice is to wait. There are quite a few people here who have FTVs for flights that ended up being cancelled. I'm not sure trying to change flights is a good idea - there would be a fare difference to pay potentially - since this falls straight into the category of a double "maybe" booking, with added jeopardy. I think you should be resigned to a FTV, Dubai is freight as well as travel, and the expatriate community in UAE, adding in the AUH side, is massive and will continue to travel, even with hotel quarantines.
Jan 25, 2021, 2:52 am
#635
Join Date: Dec 2013
Programs: QRPC Platinum, KFEG
Posts: 999
Arrived yesterday morning. CW was packed, spotted maybe 2-3 free seats. Mask-rule was followed quite well except for the usual nose-outs.
Everyone retested on arrival and received the result (negative) overnight via SMS. With Marhaba services went to the front of the line on both testing and passport checks so can't comment how long it would have taken otherwise but DXB airport seems to have this process nailed down.
No questions or anything at immigration. Bags were first out on the belt, from doors open to taxi in <25 minutes.
Everyone retested on arrival and received the result (negative) overnight via SMS. With Marhaba services went to the front of the line on both testing and passport checks so can't comment how long it would have taken otherwise but DXB airport seems to have this process nailed down.
No questions or anything at immigration. Bags were first out on the belt, from doors open to taxi in <25 minutes.
Jan 25, 2021, 5:11 am
#636
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: 7,340
I flew back Friday and had issues getting my PCR result from Medcare (in fact I still haven't officially had it even now). Had to go there and kick up a bit of fuss until they pulled it manually and printed me a hard copy and stamped it. So anyone looking for a test I'd very much recommend paying the extra 100dhs and having one of the companies who come to your hotel and guarantee the results in 12 hours. Or use a big hospital rather than a clinic. Emirates Specialty do a 4 hour guaranteed result test for 400dhs if you get really stuck.
Other than that, queues at UK border were obscene. No e-gates (the norm currently) and just a couple of agents on desks. Everyone being questioned for a couple of minutes about reasons for travel. A few being sent out for fines.
Then some friends arrived back on Saturday and whilst the queue was still large, absolutely no questions being asked to anyone - so as always in the UK, we're nothing if not inconsistent.
Other than that, queues at UK border were obscene. No e-gates (the norm currently) and just a couple of agents on desks. Everyone being questioned for a couple of minutes about reasons for travel. A few being sent out for fines.
Then some friends arrived back on Saturday and whilst the queue was still large, absolutely no questions being asked to anyone - so as always in the UK, we're nothing if not inconsistent.
Jan 25, 2021, 7:04 am
#637
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: DUB / DXB
Programs: EK Gold, BA Gold
Posts: 2,471
Did you register with their portal system?
I went there today for a test, and whilst it did seem a bit disorganised i found it no more so than anywhere else offering similar in dubai.
Jan 25, 2021, 9:10 am
#638
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 375
Hi guys.
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks
Jan 25, 2021, 9:26 am
#639
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ±38,000 feet
Programs: LH HON, BA GGL, AF Plat, EK Plat
Posts: 6,428
Hi guys.
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks
Jan 25, 2021, 9:39 am
#640
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London, NYC, LCA
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 169
Hi guys.
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks
Jan 25, 2021, 10:04 am
#641
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: living near Malaga
Programs: BA Gold , Mucci recipient. Coffee Drinker, Blue Sky Thinker
Posts: 2,112
Hi guys.
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks
Jan 25, 2021, 10:21 am
#642
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 375
What is your risk/reward on this? The upside has got to be massive for you, perhaps you could explain what the savings are. Would you be better flying a lower class one way if the cost was that important to you?
The savings on that is I'd say is well over 2k (as it's for 2 people)
I dont mind flying ba lower class either but the price has to be right and it isn't
The thing i find messed up is that when I search for 1 cash ticket on ba (from london direct) the price is good
but when I change the search for 2 people then the price jumps massively
I called up ba cuz I thought it might be a technical issue but they gave me the same ridiculous price
And when i say ridiculous I mean PE came in way more expensive than business class
like how is that even possible? Lol
The savings on that is I'd say is well over 2k (as it's for 2 people)
I dont mind flying ba lower class either but the price has to be right and it isn't
The thing i find messed up is that when I search for 1 cash ticket on ba (from london direct) the price is good
but when I change the search for 2 people then the price jumps massively
I called up ba cuz I thought it might be a technical issue but they gave me the same ridiculous price
And when i say ridiculous I mean PE came in way more expensive than business class
like how is that even possible? Lol
Jan 25, 2021, 10:38 am
#643
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL / GfL
Posts: 3,266
What is your risk/reward on this? The upside has got to be massive for you, perhaps you could explain what the savings are. Would you be better flying a lower class one way if the cost was that important to you?
The savings on that is I'd say is well over 2k (as it's for 2 people)
I dont mind flying ba lower class either but the price has to be right and it isn't
The thing i find messed up is that when I search for 1 cash ticket on ba (from london direct) the price is good
but when I change the search for 2 people then the price jumps massively
I called up ba cuz I thought it might be a technical issue but they gave me the same ridiculous price
And when i say ridiculous I mean PE came in way more expensive than business class
like how is that even possible? Lol
The savings on that is I'd say is well over 2k (as it's for 2 people)
I dont mind flying ba lower class either but the price has to be right and it isn't
The thing i find messed up is that when I search for 1 cash ticket on ba (from london direct) the price is good
but when I change the search for 2 people then the price jumps massively
I called up ba cuz I thought it might be a technical issue but they gave me the same ridiculous price
And when i say ridiculous I mean PE came in way more expensive than business class
like how is that even possible? Lol
Also, each cabin and the airfares available in it are normally (not always) sold independently, so PE could only have seats for sale at the highest fare class while Club has seats available at the lowest fare class - hence the price differential you have noted!
Pilot37
Jan 25, 2021, 11:48 am
#644
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London Stratford, E7
Programs: BAEC Gold! Thanks to FT
Posts: 3,383
Hi guys.
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks
Jan 25, 2021, 12:14 pm
#645
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2014
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 12,268
Hi guys.
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks
I need to be in Dubai late March/April
I'm planning to fly from FCO Rome simply because its way cheaper to start my journey ex Italy
I live in London.
now, I know things are changing by the minute and the uk gov is looking into hotel qurantine and all that (which is a separate issue)
my question. Does anyone here know what the rules are currently for staying airside and how easy it's to do a back to back at FCO? As I've never done it at at FCO.
and or will I need to quarantine in Italy?
Many thanks