British Airways changes its ‘Book with Confidence’ policy (again)

British Airways has once again changed its ‘Book with Confidence’ policy.  This only covers new bookings – nothing has changed if you booked before 3rd March.

Full details are on ba.com here.

The new bookings policy was previously set to expire on 13th October 2020.  This was only a two week extension from the previous deadline of 30th September 2020.

A two week extension was, frankly, a bit odd.  I was told that there are internal disagreements at the airline about what to do next, and nudging it forward by a fortnight was meant to buy some time.  It seems there is still no agreement.

What has changed with ‘Book With Confidence’?

The booking deadline has gone.

There is now no reference to having to book by 13th October or any other date.  For now, it is an open ended commitment.

The new policy waives the change fee for new bookings made between 3rd March and an unspecified end date for travel until 31st August 2021.  You will have to pay any difference in fare, however.

Alternatively, you can exchange the value of your ticket for a Future Travel Voucher valid until 30th April 2022.  Remember that, for bookings made purely with cash and with no Avios element, these vouchers now come as an eVoucher and can be used online without having to call British Airways.

What happens if you booked before coronavirus?

If you booked before 3rd March 2020, the deadline remains 31st October.

You can change your booking for another date, or request a voucher, as long as you are flying before 31st October.  You will need to pay any fare difference if you change your dates.

Note that there is a clear difference here:

Booked before 3rd March?  You can change your flight, or request a voucher, if you are travelling by 31st October 2020

Booked on or after 3rd March?  You can change your flight, or request a voucher, if you are travelling by 30th August 2021

Remember that British Airways is legally required to offer a full cash refund if it cancels flights.  Before requesting a refund via a travel voucher, you may prefer to wait to see if your flight is cancelled, allowing you to ask for cash.

Full details of the ‘Book with Confidence’ guarantee are on ba.com here.