Jan 1, 2021, 8:29 am
Last edit by: corporate-wage-slave
01 - If your flight is cancelled by BA:
Commercial booking: Your options are: cash refund OR Future Travel Voucher (FTV) OR rebooking OR Avios credit
Redemption booking: Your options are: full refund of cash and Avios OR FTV OR rebooking.
BA Holidays booking: You should be given a refund pro-actively.
If your flight is cancelled by BA - any flight in the PNR - you can get a full refund so long as you booked directly with BA. You can only get a refund by telephoning BA. Refunds are taking between a few hours to a few weeks to be repaid, depending on the sort of booking made. If you don't wish to travel you can opt for an FTV or eVoucher valid for travel until 30 April 2023 (now extended from April 2022 including existing FTVs), though flights more than 355 days away are not currently bookable - flights are enabled at 355 days before departure. Vouchers such as 2-4-1 are also thereby extended. You can do this even if the flight is operating. The best advice we can give is to delay opting for an eVoucher options until the last moment, since if BA cancel your flight you have more options. BA have also adjusted the Standard Customer Guidelines so that if BA cancel the flight you can be rebooked to anytime in 12 months after you originally bought the ticket, so long as there is space in the cabin - there is no need to have a fare bucket available or Avios availability. If you choose the Avios credit you will get between 108 to 126 Avios per GBP of your fare. If you us,ed an FTV to pay for this now cancelled service then you can have a refund back to the FTV's original booking.
Online forms: manual process which may take many weeks
link to webform to claim a refund (UK) or link to webform to claim a refund (US)
Paid Seating Refund:
link to webform to claim a refund (UK)
02 - If your flight is not cancelled but you no longer wish to travel
Commercial booking: If you are eligible for Buy with Confidence, you can have an FTV valid until 31 August 2022 (this has been extended several times). Rebooking may lead to a fare recalculation but no change fee. Travel must be fully completed by this date.
Redemption booking: Your can do the normal Avios refund, with the redeposit fee capped at GBP 35 per person. Alternatively for the same fee you can rebook to new dates subject to availability. Alternatively you can have an FTV.
BA Holidays booking: You may be get a refund proactively, otherwise you are looking at an FTV for at least the flight component of your trip, maybe for all components.
If all of the flights in your booking are still scheduled and you don't wish to travel then you best wait until a few days before departure in case there is a cancellation. As you can see above, a cancellation gives you better options. You are in scope with Buy with Confidence if you are flying between now and completing travel before 30 April 2022, also if you bought your ticket after 3 March and due to complete all flights before September 2021. The BA web page on this is: https://ba.com/confidence
Bookings made using Lloyds Upgrade Voucher
You should expect to receive:
A full refund of Avios and money paid plus a new voucher issued, which has validity for 6 months (from the date of issue, i.e. when you request the 'refund')
Lloyds Upgrade Voucher Notes
03 - How to find out the status of your voucher and the amount it contains
Use the Qantas website and look back to your original PNR. Step by step guide by corporate-wage-slave
04 - Future Travel Vouchers versus eVouchers
FTVs cannot be used online (and are not really vouchers), whereas eVouchers, issued for simple bookings, can be used online.
BA are now issuing eVouchers directly in simple cases, and also proactively replacing existing FTVs with new eVouchers. These are usable online. Complex cases still get FTVs, which require a phone call to book. In both cases, you need to apply online through the Cancellation Options in MMB, and both will generate an email typically within a few minutes. This is how to tell the difference
1) eVouchers will get an email entitled "Your British Airways eVoucher"
This will then have a line like this and the online ability is mentioned in the email text:
Your eVoucher details
125-1234567890 / GBP48.87 / WAGE-SLAVE /
2) FTVs will get an email entitled "Your British Airways Future Travel Voucher"
The relevant line then shows:
Voucher code(s)
125-1234567890
It doesn't take much, by FT standards, to turn a booking too complicated for the automated eVoucher. POUGs, flight changes, TCP, seat payment, pay payment with Avios, UuA. 48 and 72 hour Hold bookings all stop it. But if you made a simple single or return booking, point to point, on BA.com and didn't change it, then you should get an eVoucher.
If you obtain an FTV, deploy it on a new booking which BA then cancels, then you can get a refund of the cash from the first booking that led to the FTV. Or an Avios refund without redeposit fees if it was a redemption.
Commercial booking: Your options are: cash refund OR Future Travel Voucher (FTV) OR rebooking OR Avios credit
Redemption booking: Your options are: full refund of cash and Avios OR FTV OR rebooking.
BA Holidays booking: You should be given a refund pro-actively.
If your flight is cancelled by BA - any flight in the PNR - you can get a full refund so long as you booked directly with BA. You can only get a refund by telephoning BA. Refunds are taking between a few hours to a few weeks to be repaid, depending on the sort of booking made. If you don't wish to travel you can opt for an FTV or eVoucher valid for travel until 30 April 2023 (now extended from April 2022 including existing FTVs), though flights more than 355 days away are not currently bookable - flights are enabled at 355 days before departure. Vouchers such as 2-4-1 are also thereby extended. You can do this even if the flight is operating. The best advice we can give is to delay opting for an eVoucher options until the last moment, since if BA cancel your flight you have more options. BA have also adjusted the Standard Customer Guidelines so that if BA cancel the flight you can be rebooked to anytime in 12 months after you originally bought the ticket, so long as there is space in the cabin - there is no need to have a fare bucket available or Avios availability. If you choose the Avios credit you will get between 108 to 126 Avios per GBP of your fare. If you us,ed an FTV to pay for this now cancelled service then you can have a refund back to the FTV's original booking.
Online forms: manual process which may take many weeks
link to webform to claim a refund (UK) or link to webform to claim a refund (US)
Paid Seating Refund:
link to webform to claim a refund (UK)
02 - If your flight is not cancelled but you no longer wish to travel
Commercial booking: If you are eligible for Buy with Confidence, you can have an FTV valid until 31 August 2022 (this has been extended several times). Rebooking may lead to a fare recalculation but no change fee. Travel must be fully completed by this date.
Redemption booking: Your can do the normal Avios refund, with the redeposit fee capped at GBP 35 per person. Alternatively for the same fee you can rebook to new dates subject to availability. Alternatively you can have an FTV.
BA Holidays booking: You may be get a refund proactively, otherwise you are looking at an FTV for at least the flight component of your trip, maybe for all components.
If all of the flights in your booking are still scheduled and you don't wish to travel then you best wait until a few days before departure in case there is a cancellation. As you can see above, a cancellation gives you better options. You are in scope with Buy with Confidence if you are flying between now and completing travel before 30 April 2022, also if you bought your ticket after 3 March and due to complete all flights before September 2021. The BA web page on this is: https://ba.com/confidence
Bookings made using Lloyds Upgrade Voucher
You should expect to receive:
A full refund of Avios and money paid plus a new voucher issued, which has validity for 6 months (from the date of issue, i.e. when you request the 'refund')
Lloyds Upgrade Voucher Notes
- Flights can be used within 12 months, so it will be good for travel up until the end 6 months plus 12 months if you book just before the new expiry
- It's been advised to take the voucher instead of rebooking as it gives me more flexibility.
- The original expiry date of the voucher was irrelevant because the booking was cancelled.
- You must book within 6 months of the voucher being issued and the ticket has 12 months validity so you can change flights after, provided the new flights are within the 12 month window.
- You won't receive any email, only the refund and the miles.
03 - How to find out the status of your voucher and the amount it contains
Use the Qantas website and look back to your original PNR. Step by step guide by corporate-wage-slave
04 - Future Travel Vouchers versus eVouchers
FTVs cannot be used online (and are not really vouchers), whereas eVouchers, issued for simple bookings, can be used online.
BA are now issuing eVouchers directly in simple cases, and also proactively replacing existing FTVs with new eVouchers. These are usable online. Complex cases still get FTVs, which require a phone call to book. In both cases, you need to apply online through the Cancellation Options in MMB, and both will generate an email typically within a few minutes. This is how to tell the difference
1) eVouchers will get an email entitled "Your British Airways eVoucher"
This will then have a line like this and the online ability is mentioned in the email text:
Your eVoucher details
125-1234567890 / GBP48.87 / WAGE-SLAVE /
2) FTVs will get an email entitled "Your British Airways Future Travel Voucher"
The relevant line then shows:
Voucher code(s)
125-1234567890
It doesn't take much, by FT standards, to turn a booking too complicated for the automated eVoucher. POUGs, flight changes, TCP, seat payment, pay payment with Avios, UuA. 48 and 72 hour Hold bookings all stop it. But if you made a simple single or return booking, point to point, on BA.com and didn't change it, then you should get an eVoucher.
If you obtain an FTV, deploy it on a new booking which BA then cancels, then you can get a refund of the cash from the first booking that led to the FTV. Or an Avios refund without redeposit fees if it was a redemption.
BA Covid-19 Flight cancellations, rebooking, and refunds | Help and advice thread
Jan 14, 2021, 6:35 am
#256
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,972
I just had to cancel an Avios booking for 2 days ahead, not worth taking a FTV. Not the end of the world but it seems a bit unfair to pay 2 x £35 fee since we aren't allowed to travel due to Gov't Covid rules, plus visas for India are not being issued, and BA have had £1170 of my money since booking Feb 2020.
Jan 14, 2021, 6:40 am
#257
formerly JackDann
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 1,659
I have to cancel a Reward booking for a flight which was due to take place on the 21st Jan. I have tried to call them however cannot get through. Am I entitled to a refund of the Taxes & Fees paid and is there a way to apply for this online?
Jan 14, 2021, 6:46 am
#258
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,972
you can cancel right up to 24 hours before the flight is due to departure so you have a few days left to go. I am assuming the flight itself isn’t cancelled? In which case you can get a refund of everything minus a £35 cancellation fee which will be deducted from the taxes/charges/fees you paid.
Jan 14, 2021, 7:06 am
#259
formerly JackDann
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 1,659
you can cancel right up to 24 hours before the flight is due to departure so you have a few days left to go. I am assuming the flight itself isn’t cancelled? In which case you can get a refund of everything minus a £35 cancellation fee which will be deducted from the taxes/charges/fees you paid.
Jan 14, 2021, 7:17 am
#260
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,972
you would get the full value on the voucher, so no cancellation fees.
It will be an offline voucher so when you come to use it check availability online and call to book.
Jan 14, 2021, 8:31 am
#262
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 27
Current booked flight
I have a flight booked to Dubai on 3rd March.
I used a companion voucher to book the flight on there flight sale with only having to use 50,000 avios instead of 100,000.
I also booked a hotel via the avios team, as to which the terms state non refundable.
BA are also saying as I booked the flight on a sale I can only change to flight dates until June 2021. I cannot travel at this time as it will be way to hot in Dubai. Also there are no other dates available to rebook the same reward flights on.
They have stated the hotel is non refundable.
BA stated that only if the flight gets cancelled you will be entitled to refund but as it is their busiest route this is highly unlikely.
Where do i stand in terms of flying as currently it is against the law to travel unless for work and this is for a holiday?
I don't know what to do as I will lose alot of money
I used a companion voucher to book the flight on there flight sale with only having to use 50,000 avios instead of 100,000.
I also booked a hotel via the avios team, as to which the terms state non refundable.
BA are also saying as I booked the flight on a sale I can only change to flight dates until June 2021. I cannot travel at this time as it will be way to hot in Dubai. Also there are no other dates available to rebook the same reward flights on.
They have stated the hotel is non refundable.
BA stated that only if the flight gets cancelled you will be entitled to refund but as it is their busiest route this is highly unlikely.
Where do i stand in terms of flying as currently it is against the law to travel unless for work and this is for a holiday?
I don't know what to do as I will lose alot of money
Jan 14, 2021, 8:43 am
#263
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: 63,827
BA are also saying as I booked the flight on a sale I can only change to flight dates until June 2021. I cannot travel at this time as it will be way to hot in Dubai. Also there are no other dates available to rebook the same reward flights on.
They have stated the hotel is non refundable.
BA stated that only if the flight gets cancelled you will be entitled to refund but as it is their busiest route this is highly unlikely.
They have stated the hotel is non refundable.
BA stated that only if the flight gets cancelled you will be entitled to refund but as it is their busiest route this is highly unlikely.
The hotel is what it is, the cancellation conditions should have shown up at the time, and they would still apply. I would still ask BAH to see if they will refund that at just over 3 weeks to departure, there are reports of BAH doing this even though standalone bookings are not well protected. The cancellation conditions vary from hotel to hotel. So I would have another go at this nearer the time, and ideally have a list of options, I have heard of hotels with "no cancellation" clauses but actually very happy to accept a rebook to other dates.
Jan 14, 2021, 9:17 am
#264
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 27
If the flight was an Avios redemption then you can always have a full refund, minus the £35 redeposit fee. That's no quibble, standard offering with Avios, nothing to do with Covid. I don't buy the "highly unlikely" bit, but in any event all a cancellation would save you is that £35 - there is no redeposit fee on BA cancellations. And you can avoid the £35 by going FTV, which also preserves the Companion Voucher validity to April 2022. But the redemption is well protected, thankfully.
The hotel is what it is, the cancellation conditions should have shown up at the time, and they would still apply. I would still ask BAH to see if they will refund that at just over 3 weeks to departure, there are reports of BAH doing this even though standalone bookings are not well protected. The cancellation conditions vary from hotel to hotel. So I would have another go at this nearer the time, and ideally have a list of options, I have heard of hotels with "no cancellation" clauses but actually very happy to accept a rebook to other dates.
The hotel is what it is, the cancellation conditions should have shown up at the time, and they would still apply. I would still ask BAH to see if they will refund that at just over 3 weeks to departure, there are reports of BAH doing this even though standalone bookings are not well protected. The cancellation conditions vary from hotel to hotel. So I would have another go at this nearer the time, and ideally have a list of options, I have heard of hotels with "no cancellation" clauses but actually very happy to accept a rebook to other dates.
I have checked the most recent flights to Dubai and cannot see any that have been cancelled.
If i go for the FTV will i be able to rebook the same flights and class at a different date? As i booked with 50% off avios will have to rebook with the extra 50%?
I do not want to cancel but if the law is against all travel then where does that leave me as if i go i would be breaking the law?
Jan 14, 2021, 9:25 am
#265
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: 63,827
Is the redeposit fee £35 per passenger?
I have checked the most recent flights to Dubai and cannot see any that have been cancelled.
If i go for the FTV will i be able to rebook the same flights and class at a different date? As i booked with 50% off avios will have to rebook with the extra 50%?
I do not want to cancel but if the law is against all travel then where does that leave me as if i go i would be breaking the law?
I have checked the most recent flights to Dubai and cannot see any that have been cancelled.
If i go for the FTV will i be able to rebook the same flights and class at a different date? As i booked with 50% off avios will have to rebook with the extra 50%?
I do not want to cancel but if the law is against all travel then where does that leave me as if i go i would be breaking the law?
Jan 14, 2021, 9:25 am
#266
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 804
Is the redeposit fee £35 per passenger?
I have checked the most recent flights to Dubai and cannot see any that have been cancelled.
If i go for the FTV will i be able to rebook the same flights and class at a different date? As i booked with 50% off avios will have to rebook with the extra 50%?
I do not want to cancel but if the law is against all travel then where does that leave me as if i go i would be breaking the law?
I have checked the most recent flights to Dubai and cannot see any that have been cancelled.
If i go for the FTV will i be able to rebook the same flights and class at a different date? As i booked with 50% off avios will have to rebook with the extra 50%?
I do not want to cancel but if the law is against all travel then where does that leave me as if i go i would be breaking the law?
FTV will keep all your 241 voucher, whatever Avios you paid and cash component (taxes) you paid all in one place. You can use it for any redemption booking but will need redemption seats available.
The 50% discount will unlikely be carried over, particularly if you are looking to book beyond the sale period and any new redemption will be the full price avios, so you will need more avios to be debited from your account when you make the new booking with the FTV.
Jan 14, 2021, 10:33 am
#267
formerly JackDann
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Northern Ireland
Posts: 1,659
Cancellation is £35 per person.
FTV will keep all your 241 voucher, whatever Avios you paid and cash component (taxes) you paid all in one place. You can use it for any redemption booking but will need redemption seats available.
The 50% discount will unlikely be carried over, particularly if you are looking to book beyond the sale period and any new redemption will be the full price avios, so you will need more avios to be debited from your account when you make the new booking with the FTV.
FTV will keep all your 241 voucher, whatever Avios you paid and cash component (taxes) you paid all in one place. You can use it for any redemption booking but will need redemption seats available.
The 50% discount will unlikely be carried over, particularly if you are looking to book beyond the sale period and any new redemption will be the full price avios, so you will need more avios to be debited from your account when you make the new booking with the FTV.
Jan 14, 2021, 10:40 am
#268
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
Jan 14, 2021, 10:40 am
#269
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 804
You keep the original expiry date of your voucher.
As others have mentioned, if your companion voucher is imminently going to expire, you can get the FTV for free which will extend the companion voucher validity to April 2022 but you are essentially giving BA a free loan while it keeps all your voucher, avios and the taxes you paid in one place.
Jan 14, 2021, 11:11 am
#270
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Glasgow
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 533
I’m confused because post 27 says “However, what they are not doing is allowing the same people to change to alternative dates completely free. Lots of us got good fares in the sales that BA has promoted over the last six months to get people to buy. Therefore if they try to change dates they will most likely have to pay hundreds of pounds more for the fare difference. ”
Thanks