It's no wonder there are customer service queues
 

As a BAEC Silver, I tried to assign seats for a CE redemption booking (2 passengers on 2 flights) for later this year - but was only given the paid option on BA.com.

I waited for about 20 minutes on chat as it counted down from 42 to my turn. Once I was through to an agent, I had to leave after 40 minutes with the agent still completing the task. He did as promised, which is good, but how on earth can something so simple take so long?

The consequences of underinvesting in IT for years

I'm having the same issue, I got through on the phone earlier this morning, the chap I spoke to couldn't answer it, said I should get it resovled within 28/72 hours... So 40 minutes isn't too bad! :D

I cant believe it took 40+ mins even with some problems 20 mins would be a long time really. Maybe new ish agent combined with problems possibly.

What was your query out of interest?

I'm a new Silver, but I can't select seats without paying for them.

There were undoubtedly [system] problems as the agent told me everything was 'taking longer than usual'. When one considers the steps; a. key in record locator, b. verify the customer's ID, c. select seat on flights, d. save; I reckon that should take a couple of minutes.

I do feel for the agents when IT is working against them, but another 15-20 customers with similarly trivial issues could have been served on chat in the time my 'call' took. Even better, had I been able to select the seats myself an agent wouldn't have been involved at all.

Ha yeah you dont need to tell me the process, im an agent so i know exactly how it works.

If your status shows correctly I think probably removing and re adding exec number would have done thr trick.

Can you advise how I can try this online? (I don't see the option?)

Thanks

I’d be interested to know but I doubt a ‘rank & file’ agent can do this. I expect they got the same payment request you got. So then I don’t know if they can just override it (presumably having to give chapter & verse about the apparent reason for waiving a fee and a reason code - possibly needing authorisation)! Or maybe it’s a workflow request to the seating control team (who presumably have to explain themselves to the custodian of the spreadsheets).

There isnt a waiver code as such, if an Executive Club number with Silver or Gold status is added the seat plan should automatically change to reflect that seating is free.

However if an Executive Club number was already in the booking before the status changed it may still show old status. So the solution is usually for us to delete and re add the Executive club number.


If this doesnt work Managers are able to add seats manually within a few minutes. We would call them and ask them to add seats if the status shows correctly on the account.

Sorry I dont think its possible online i meant that can be tried if you called.

For removing and re-entering your BAEC number you would have to resort to another airline's site as you can’t do it on BA.com. Previously you could do it on AY MMB, but that has stopped working recently. May be worth trying any of QF, MH, RJ, RAM MMBs.