If I miss a flight connection what will happen?

[sanne]

Hi Guys

I have been flying overseas for leisure for many years and so far have been very fortunate to have never missed a flight connection. I actually never gave it much thought until I became a regular reader and contributor to AFF and realised that sometimes things go wrong. So in order to be aware of what to expect I would like to ask this question.

I have just booked 2x business classic awards BNE/MEL/LHR/LIS all on one PRN. Flights are with QF except LHR/LIS which is on BA. The connection time between arriving in LHR and the flight to LIS is a bit tight ( 1 3/4 hours ). In the event for whatever reason we don't make the flight, what can I expect to happen?

I imagine they will try and put us on the next available flight but what if that is full?

Will they keep trying other flights until there are 2 available seats? Even the following day.

Will I have to accept Y seats if no J available?

What if there is nothing til the following day. Will they pay for accommodation at LHR.

Who is responsible for helping us with rebooking?

Knowing that we'll be jet lagged it would easy my mind if I knew in advance what my options are in this scenario.

Thank you once again for your help.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Never happened to me yet, earlier on this year, I had an Au dom to int transit in SYD, all on one PNR for QF, but I was a coward, and didn't dare to try to see what would happen, if I missed the MCT of what ever time it was.
DEP 14.55 ADL - SYD
ARR 17.10 SYD
DEP 18.30 SYD - CHC
I was in J so was able to get an earlier departure from ADL at 13.45, getting to SYD earlier.
But I do feel your worry.
Touch wood it will all work out in your favour though.

 

[serfty]

Hi Guys

I have been flying overseas for leisure for many years and so far have been very fortunate to have never missed a flight connection. I actually never gave it much thought until I became a regular reader and contributor to AFF and realised that sometimes things go wrong. So in order to be aware of what to expect I would like to ask this question.

I have just booked 2x business classic awards BNE/MEL/LHR/LIS all on one PRN. Flights are with QF except LHR/LIS which is on BA. The connection time between arriving in LHR and the flight to LIS is a bit tight ( 1 3/4 hours ). In the event for whatever reason we don't make the flight, what can I expect to happen?

I imagine they will try and put us on the next available flight but what if that is full?

Will they keep trying other flights until there are 2 available seats? Even the following day.

Will I have to accept Y seats if no J available?

What if there is nothing til the following day. Will they pay for accommodation at LHR.

Who is responsible for helping us with rebooking?

Knowing that we'll be jet lagged it would easy my mind if I knew in advance what my options are in this scenario.

Thank you once again for your help.

105 minutes is indeed a bit tight - it does help you are in J. You will be protected should you misconnect; hopefully soon enough and in the cabin booked.

Exit Aircraft, Immigration/customs, Flight connection centre (it's there you would be rebooked), airside terminal transfer bus, security (min 35 minutes before T5 departure)

BA seem to have three flight to lIS from LHR most day, but with QF10 arriving early afternoon there is only the mid afternoon (presumable what you are booked on) and one in the evening ~5 hours later. There are some other late afternoon options connecting through MAD using IB for MAD-LIS.

 

[Formal Hall]

I agree 1 3/4 hours is a rather tight, especially as you will arrive into T3 and depart T5. However as it is all on one booking, and in business, you don't really have to worry.

If the next flight is full, they will keep rebooking you until they get you there!

As European J is just Y with better food and the middle seat blocked, I would accept Y if it meant getting there sooner; I assume you would be compensated for the downgrade.

If they can't get you there the same day, they will pay for a overnight in LHR. The Sheraton Heathrow has a dedicated check in desk for delayed BA passengers with hotel vouchers!

However if they couldn't find you a same day seat to LIS on BA, they could rebook you onto one of TAP's frequent LHR-LIS flights from T2.

The BA ground staff at flight connections would be responsible for rebooking you; I assume they charge QF internally for any expenses if the delay is due to QF being late.

 

[sanne]

Thanks very much to everyone for their replies and help. That is exactly what I wanted to know. I will print out replies and keep with file and hope I don't need to refer to them!

I realised that the connection was tight but this was the only flight available that day….would have preferred via HK or SIN direct from BNE which would have got us into LHR with a longer connection to LIS.

The BA flight to LIS actually leaves from T1 so hope that is nearer from T3 than T5.

 

[Formal Hall]

When are you flying? Just had a quick look at BA flight to LIS are leaving from T3, which will make the whole process much easier!

 

[Lonely Flyer]

These days I never leave anything to chance. In 2004 on a TA booked itinerary we left PHX about 7:30 or more accurately left the gate and then sat on tarmac in PHX for about 45 mins awaiting a clearance into LAX. Landed in LAX and again sat on tarmac awaiting a gate to open. Ran all the way to Bradley from America West terminal and luckily were ushered through by a kindly TSA and finally ran to plane in socks carrying our shoes. Never again.

 

[sanne]

When are you flying? Just had a quick look at BA flight to LIS are leaving from T3, which will make the whole process much easier!

We are flying OCT 15. And yes, BA to LIS is from T3. Glad to hear you think it will make the whole process much easier. Thanks for telling me.

 

[grussellt]

Sanne.
I hope you enjoy your stay in Portugal. If you have an opportunity to stay at the "Pousadas" then I'm sure you will enjoy it. There are some great places to visit.

 

[sanne]

Sanne.
I hope you enjoy your stay in Portugal. If you have an opportunity to stay at the "Pousadas" then I'm sure you will enjoy it. There are some great places to visit.

Thanks for the recommendation. We are staying in Lisbon for 4 days, then a river cruise for a week on the Druro with a bunch of friends. Love to be able to spend more time in Portugal.

 

[Flying mermaid]

We have a similar tight connection flying QF1 and then connecting to Venice on BA - ours is a little longer - 2 hours 10 minutes and there were no other flights to Venice that day from Heathrow, but 2 later ones from Gatwick - will BA book us onto one of the ones from Gatwick if we misconnect and also will it be quicker earlier in the morning to get through? Qf1 arrives at 6:45 (and it will be a Saturday). Also we are F on QF1 so off quickly - I don't normally book that close esp for Heathrow, but I didn't want to have to go to Gatwick...

 

[Formal Hall]

Yes, BA will rebook you on one of the Gatwick flights if need be; not sure if they cover the cost of the National Express bus between the two airports (usually £25 per person) but they may do for F pax.

You will need to transfer from T3 to T5 using the airside bus; there is no need to go through immigrations and customs. As you said, you will be off QF1 quickly so you should have time.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Yes, BA will rebook you on one of the Gatwick flights if need be; not sure if they cover the cost of the National Express bus between the two airports (usually £25 per person) but they may do for F pax.

You will need to transfer from T3 to T5 using the airside bus; there is no need to go through immigrations and customs. As you said, you will be off QF1 quickly so you should have time.

Thanks - hopefully it will all flow, but at least we will be able to get to Venice that day if things go wrong.

 

[YSSY]

I always book tight connections when travelling with work, usually when transferring through LHR I book a 60 min connection. Over the years I've only missed a few connections, and always been offered either another connection same day or following day with a hotel. Last time was from QF to BA on one ticket and was all really straightforward. Seriously, when it's the same ticket, no worries.
The only time I might do otherwise is When I'm travelling with my kids, but even so it's all an adventure.

 

[Formal Hall]

This is not a bad approach; no point spending any longer in airports and savvy travellers will often make connections average punters will miss. Sometimes you can get rebooked onto better fare classes than your original ticket too...