Cancelling and rebooking using avios
Aug 3, 2022, 9:29 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 7
Cancelling and rebooking using avios
Hi all,
I have a booking on Cathay Pacific which was bought with Avios.
The possibility of Hong Kong being open for the time of my booking is looking less and less likely, so I’m looking to cancel and rebook something else with my Avios.
What’s the best way to do this without having to phone BA? I’m loathed to wait on hold given all their issues at the moment.
I notice you can cancel the booking via the BA app. As I need my tax paid refunded (minus the cancellation fee), has anyone had any experience in cancelling via the app and receiving the tax refund (minus the cancellation fee), or am I best calling them up?
Thanks in advance!
I have a booking on Cathay Pacific which was bought with Avios.
The possibility of Hong Kong being open for the time of my booking is looking less and less likely, so I’m looking to cancel and rebook something else with my Avios.
What’s the best way to do this without having to phone BA? I’m loathed to wait on hold given all their issues at the moment.
I notice you can cancel the booking via the BA app. As I need my tax paid refunded (minus the cancellation fee), has anyone had any experience in cancelling via the app and receiving the tax refund (minus the cancellation fee), or am I best calling them up?
Thanks in advance!
Aug 3, 2022, 10:03 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL/CR; Hilton Diamond; Mucci des Puccis
Posts: 5,609
When did you book, and when were you due to travel? If booked during BwC and travelling before the end of September, using the online cancellation will result in an avios refund and FULL cash refund (no fee).
If not, chat works ok, the counter does tick down.
If not, chat works ok, the counter does tick down.
Aug 3, 2022, 10:11 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 7
booked on 7th April 2022, flying 12th Feb 2023
Jul 15, 2023, 1:14 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 33
Should I cancel and rebook, or call/chat in to change? Former option would be easier, but I'm not certain about the fee change schedule etc. and am concerned it might cost more.
Itinerary: 2 persons, PHL-CUN-PHL RT on one PNR. Booked in June 2023 for travel in Dec 2023, wanting to change to August 2023.
Total government, authority and airport charges: 102.68 USD per person
Does it make a difference if I call in to change it, or just cancel and rebook for the dates I want?
Itinerary: 2 persons, PHL-CUN-PHL RT on one PNR. Booked in June 2023 for travel in Dec 2023, wanting to change to August 2023.
Total government, authority and airport charges: 102.68 USD per person
Does it make a difference if I call in to change it, or just cancel and rebook for the dates I want?
Jul 15, 2023, 1:26 pm
#6
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: 63,791
It's going to cost you USD55 per person however you do it, that's the change fee. I would probably call up because a good agent will be able to do this without the temporary loss of your refunded Avios. But before doing that, just check to see if by switching to the old layout (top line on the desktop website) you can do it all yourself, as a change date option without cancellation. Clearly you need availability for the new dates.
Jul 29, 2023, 9:22 am
#7
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: BA Exec Club, Accor Diamond, other airline programmes very basic
Posts: 194
I recall that previously it cost me £35 to cancel an avios flight booked to fly on BA but then for some time I was charged only £1 cancellation fee. Today I called (couldn't cancel online) and was again charged £35 to cancel a flight I had for Monday. I'm confused and would be grateful for your advice. Thanks in advance.
Jul 29, 2023, 1:10 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: san francisco.
Programs: Marriott Ti, OW Ruby
Posts: 1,852
I have a related question which I hope is ok to ask here,
If your Avios booking is part Avios, part cash, can it still be cancelled in the same way an all Avios booking can be cancelled?
ie, Avios returned, cash returned, minus the $55 fee?
Thanks for any replies
If your Avios booking is part Avios, part cash, can it still be cancelled in the same way an all Avios booking can be cancelled?
ie, Avios returned, cash returned, minus the $55 fee?
Thanks for any replies
Jul 29, 2023, 1:22 pm
#9
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: 63,791
If this was actually a revenue / commercial ticket where you deployed Avios to reduce the cost, then the answer is no. It's still a commercial ticket and the relevant rules apply according to your fare.
If this booked as a redemption ticket but you chose to deploy more cash to keep the Avios down then it's still a redemption and it's the $55 change fee as you indicate.
So it depends exactly how you booked the ticket.
Jul 29, 2023, 2:30 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: Honors Diamond
Posts: 1,639
I recall that previously it cost me £35 to cancel an avios flight booked to fly on BA but then for some time I was charged only £1 cancellation fee. Today I called (couldn't cancel online) and was again charged £35 to cancel a flight I had for Monday. I'm confused and would be grateful for your advice. Thanks in advance.
Jul 30, 2023, 3:58 am
#11
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: BA Exec Club, Accor Diamond, other airline programmes very basic
Posts: 194
Jul 30, 2023, 8:11 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: san francisco.
Programs: Marriott Ti, OW Ruby
Posts: 1,852
There are two versions of this ticket and a big difference in terms of outcome.
If this was actually a revenue / commercial ticket where you deployed Avios to reduce the cost, then the answer is no. It's still a commercial ticket and the relevant rules apply according to your fare.
If this booked as a redemption ticket but you chose to deploy more cash to keep the Avios down then it's still a redemption and it's the $55 change fee as you indicate.
So it depends exactly how you booked the ticket.
If this was actually a revenue / commercial ticket where you deployed Avios to reduce the cost, then the answer is no. It's still a commercial ticket and the relevant rules apply according to your fare.
If this booked as a redemption ticket but you chose to deploy more cash to keep the Avios down then it's still a redemption and it's the $55 change fee as you indicate.
So it depends exactly how you booked the ticket.
Much appreciated