apcd2

I've had a 2for1 booking in first to Beijing in June cancelled. Am I right in thinking that I could change the booking to a different destination in the same zone with only a recalculation of taxes/fees? If I did change destination am I limited to dates where there's reward availability whereas if I stuck with Beijing I could pick any date on which there were still free seats?

KARFA

Yes if you change to anywhere in the same zone that is a standard change which is allowed for a reward booking. You would need reward availability.

The allowance for no cost involuntary changes without regard to reward availability is only for the original destination or one within 300-350 miles.

BA707

I'm in the same boat - was told by BA:
- Changing dates to within the 1 year ticket validity is not possible as route is suspended until 31 October (so no availability until then)
- Changing dates to outside the 1 year ticket validity involves re-pricing and re-calculation
- Changing destination would be re-pricing (ie. more avios) and calculation of taxes/fees as BA does not fly to another airport within 300 miles (ICN/PVG are around 600)
- Changing carrier is not permitted

MMB allows me to search for new dates outside ticket validity but errors out on final screen when confirming.
Basically FTV or refund are the only options.

apcd2

So even changing to another destination in the same zone (much of the US for example) would require repricing and you'd lose the benefit of the 50% avios sale?

KARFA

yes, this is standard reward booking rules. i am afraid cancellations don't give you the ability to change to any destination within the same zone at no cost and without regard to reward availability.

BA707

Yes correct, unless it's within 300 miles but BA don't operate to another destination that meets this criteria.
The US example was someone who got lucky - not policy and shouldn't be expected.

apcd2

Well that's annoying. Guess there's no option but to just hang on until just before the year from original booking is up and cross our fingers. I can't see any benefit in doing anything earlier than that?

pogonation

Last I saw was that this can be changed to LH/LX into a revenue booking until 30th June (it may have been extended now but I can’t find the rules on the trade support website now). Assuming you are able to travel to China and intend to do so then I would call up and ask to be changed to LH instead.

I have confirmed this since my business partners 50% off PKX-NCL F was cancelled at the end of February and last month they confirmed that I can switch to an LX A Fare. At the time there was nothing from PEK so I got a manager to approve a change to LX A from PVG (this was an exception I believe) and put a note in my booking. I will have to take advantage of this soon as she will be flying back in the next few weeks. Fingers crossed that this is still an option for her.

SK AAR

Rebooking to LH/LX is only available to certain markets/destinations. This was mention in this thread or the general Covid-19 schedule change/cancellation thread not too long time ago.

BA707

Wouldn't we need to claim a FTV 24h before (original) departure?

pogonation

Yes but China is (or was) definitely included.

You can’t no-show for a non-existent flight. In this case you can just hold on and the ticket will stay alive and then you can make changes later down the line.

KARFA

i believe route restrictions have been removed now.

apcd2

One last question. The Beijing flights are currently scheduled to begin again at the end of October but without any first class. If we rebooked in business (and were ultimately able to travel) what downgrade 'compensation' would we be eligible for? Just the fare difference or 75% of everything as per EC261/2004?

dadio77

Hello - in reading through this and the other Covid thread, am I right in thinking that as long as I notify BA to put my cancelled flights booking 'on hold' (LHR-DXB 30/05-11/06) I don't have to make a decision on a refund or re-booking before 30/05? i.e. I can wait and see how the situation unfolds with UAE and restrictions over the Summer before making a decision? Or have I completely misunderstood (entirely possible!!)

NA-Flyer

I changed my 50% discount avios F ticket to ORD from May to Sep. I would like to inquire if the new booking will get any tier points and avios or it is still going to be treated as avios booking?