FNC [today’s flight returned to LHR]
Oct 20, 2020, 2:28 pm
#46
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: ±38,000 feet
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On departure, airlines must pass passport information to relevant UK agencies. This was introduced a few years ago. Whether those agencies then do anything with it is irrelevant, the fact is they have it.
Similarly, and with respect, what ‘makes more sense’ is also completely irrelevant. The fact of the matter is that there are clearly defined procedures for this situation, and these involve in every case pushing passengers through the international channel. UKBF policy states that exceptions can only be authorised by a senior UKBF manager, and any airline taking what you may think is a ‘common sense approach’ will find themselves in serious trouble.
Similarly, and with respect, what ‘makes more sense’ is also completely irrelevant. The fact of the matter is that there are clearly defined procedures for this situation, and these involve in every case pushing passengers through the international channel. UKBF policy states that exceptions can only be authorised by a senior UKBF manager, and any airline taking what you may think is a ‘common sense approach’ will find themselves in serious trouble.
I wonder whether you have a link to the UKBF policy that you are quoting, albeit offtopic
Oct 21, 2020, 3:04 pm
#47
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On a side note do you think I'm allowed BA/EU compensation as the airport was not closed and other flights landed (so it was BA decision to turn back to London) ?
Oct 21, 2020, 3:10 pm
#48
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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As far as I can tell, no aircraft successfully landed at FNC around the time the BA service was due, a number were diverted, one aircraft did a touch-and-go (details upthread). The weather was typical for FNC diversions, which are a feature of that airport. My judgement is that it would be a waste of time pursuing this. Generally speaking anything like this is unlikely to succeed since it's clearly an undesireable outcome for BA for all sorts of reasons. You are entitled to Right to Care expenses however.
Oct 21, 2020, 3:12 pm
#49
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: BAEC, VS Flying Club
Posts: 796
Not a chance. As noted upthread, wind conditions at FNC can change on a heartbeat and yours was not the only flight affected.
Oct 22, 2020, 2:48 pm
#50
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As far as I can tell, no aircraft successfully landed at FNC around the time the BA service was due, a number were diverted, one aircraft did a touch-and-go (details upthread). The weather was typical for FNC diversions, which are a feature of that airport. My judgement is that it would be a waste of time pursuing this. Generally speaking anything like this is unlikely to succeed since it's clearly an undesireable outcome for BA for all sorts of reasons. You are entitled to Right to Care expenses however.
they paid a suite (as there was not 2 comnecitimg rooms) at the sofitel
Not how we planned to start our holidays but fair if airport was rally closed
Oct 23, 2020, 12:15 am
#51
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
Also please bear in mind the return from FNC can be just as difficult at this time of year, with BA on the hook for the duty of care costs as well.
Oct 23, 2020, 5:38 am
#52
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Oct 24, 2020, 5:12 am
#55
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: BA Exec Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 128
We're flying out there 8th Nov and back on the 14th. Out in Club but back in ET as fare was sky high. Hoping for a POUG offer but am assuming it's quite a busy cabin as currently showing as £1040 for 2 to upgrade on the return right now!! Had our 3rd flight time change come through this week so hoping they stick and there's no further cancellations. Any advice for a first time visitor to Madeira is welcome! We have booked no accommodation etc. yet just in case things shuffle around. Stay safe all!
Oct 24, 2020, 2:51 pm
#57
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: NCL
Programs: BAEC and Hilton mostly
Posts: 655
If you want somewhere inland - spectacular views in between the clouds, good Madeiran food and wine - I recommend Eira do Serrado: https://www.eiradoserrado.com/index.html . We booked a BA holiday there in February, and the price was so good our expectations were low. They were hugely exceeded 
Oct 25, 2020, 11:27 am
#58
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No wind on the way back today!
Out of subject but I was shocked that not one single border officer at Heathrow is wearing a mask when it’s mandatory in the airport (and in any hotel, restaurant, shop or anywhere) ???
Out of subject but I was shocked that not one single border officer at Heathrow is wearing a mask when it’s mandatory in the airport (and in any hotel, restaurant, shop or anywhere) ???
Oct 25, 2020, 12:03 pm
#59
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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They are often dealing with people who don't speak English, and the masks were making accurate dialogue almost impossible. There is provision in the legislation for this.
Oct 25, 2020, 12:28 pm
#60
Join Date: May 2015
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 281
Stayed at Reid's when I was in my late 20's and loved it. Location and service were superb. We were upgraded to a wonderful suite which required climbing a few steps, perhaps because we were the only ones who looked like they could manage the ascent. Would stay again in a heartbeat.