Pre-notification of Shannon stop: BA286 (SFO-LHR) 10DEC
Dec 10, 2019, 10:37 am
#1
Original Poster
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Pre-notification of Shannon stop: BA286 (SFO-LHR) 10DEC
Just got a message from BA notifying that my flight to LHR tonight (BA286) will make a stop in Shannon "for operational reasons" (and thus missing my connecting flight)...
1) Anyone have any idea what may cause a Shannon stop to be scheduled 11 hours before flight departs?
2) Any ideas if these are usually handled as technical stops or if they will make us go through customs in Shannon and then land in UK as an Ireland flight?
1) Anyone have any idea what may cause a Shannon stop to be scheduled 11 hours before flight departs?
2) Any ideas if these are usually handled as technical stops or if they will make us go through customs in Shannon and then land in UK as an Ireland flight?
Dec 10, 2019, 10:44 am
#2
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It is a scheduled technical stop but I cannot see the reason why, it is showing 90 minutes late into LHR.
You will not clear any formalities in Shannon and the stop will be as short as possible.
You will not clear any formalities in Shannon and the stop will be as short as possible.
Dec 10, 2019, 10:44 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: BA Gold, GFL, GGL/CCR
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BA286 rerouted via Shannon to LHR 10th December departure
Not seen this before so far in advance... but my flight back from San Francisco to London (BA286) departing 20.20 this evening 10th December has been rerouted with a stop over in Shannon. Seems very unusual to get the notification so far in advance (before the outbound left London today). GGL line could see no more than operational reasons at this stage so now coming back from San Jose instead. Any ideas why this might happen?
Dec 10, 2019, 10:50 am
#5
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This was the first thing that came to my mind, was busy doing a comparison between SFO-SNN vs LHR-ATL on timings to work out if it was possible, thanks for confirming!
Dec 10, 2019, 10:51 am
#6
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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Unexpected stops in Shannon aren't unusual, but pre-announced ones are, I can't remember the last time this has happened, though when there is bad weather you can guess in advance that Bangor and Portsmouth may show up in the screens.
Speculation time: bad weather in London means inbound slots need reducing? ATC congestion? Strong winds and fuel burn? Crew hours? [EDIT: Turns out to be the latter, maybe a crew member was ill in SFO].
In those cases (and in cases where there is something like a medical issue) you would normally stay on board in Shannon, not much really happens other than perhaps some cups of water get passed around, and then you take off again. So no entry into the Common Travel Area or passport checking.
Here are the times that I see at the moment on BA.com, just for the record
Original times
SFO 20:20
LHR 14:55
New times
SFO 20:20
SNN 13:50
SNN 14:50 (bet it will be longer)
LHR 16:25
It will be good to listen attentively to the captain's announcement on boarding.
Speculation time: bad weather in London means inbound slots need reducing? ATC congestion? Strong winds and fuel burn? Crew hours? [EDIT: Turns out to be the latter, maybe a crew member was ill in SFO].
In those cases (and in cases where there is something like a medical issue) you would normally stay on board in Shannon, not much really happens other than perhaps some cups of water get passed around, and then you take off again. So no entry into the Common Travel Area or passport checking.
Here are the times that I see at the moment on BA.com, just for the record
Original times
SFO 20:20
LHR 14:55
New times
SFO 20:20
SNN 13:50
SNN 14:50 (bet it will be longer)
LHR 16:25
It will be good to listen attentively to the captain's announcement on boarding.
Last edited by corporate-wage-slave; Dec 10, 2019 at 11:09 am
Dec 10, 2019, 11:08 am
#8
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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Dec 10, 2019, 12:37 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: Up in the air...
Posts: 50
Not seen this before so far in advance... but my flight back from San Francisco to London (BA286) departing 20.20 this evening 10th December has been rerouted with a stop over in Shannon. Seems very unusual to get the notification so far in advance (before the outbound left London today). GGL line could see no more than operational reasons at this stage so now coming back from San Jose instead. Any ideas why this might happen?
Managed to get moved into that as well after about 45 min (patiently and politely) on the phone whilst the agent got exception approval from the supervisor (because "San Jose was so far away" - ?).
I can now make my original connection and still have dinner at home ^ ... plus I hear the 789 is better than the 777 in J (never flown the 789 before)?
Dec 10, 2019, 6:32 pm
#11
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Perhaps this is BA improving its Ops software. DL has been doing this for 5-6 years. Rather than cancelling or some other odd reroute, BA simply positions crew to SNN to perform that last short sector.
Might as well notify passengers as soon as possible.
Might as well notify passengers as soon as possible.
Dec 10, 2019, 6:33 pm
#12
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That was my fear as soon as they said “so far away from SFO”, but then the time and flight code matched so no waiting to board at the lounge
Dec 11, 2019, 9:59 am
#14
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy
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Dec 11, 2019, 10:29 am
#15
Join Date: Oct 2012
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Pleased it worked out for you as well @FT-Diplomat on the 278, as bonus it arrived early! I’m safely back in Manchester and on the earlier 15.15 connection, which was great. San Jose is normally my preferred choice as it’s usually a breeze to get through the airport, though the traffic is less fun. The crew on the 278 were great and I got to enjoy some LPGS and Dessert wine in Club which was a definite bonus. Pleased the overall delay wasn’t too bad on the 286 as well. All in all well handled by BA.