EU/UK 261 with change of carrier?

[tobynow]

Hello all! BA have informed me that they’re changing the carrier for a flight we’re due to travel on, with avios.

My question is: does the change of carrier count as a reason to get for a refund or change to any other day of our choosing?

The email said I had options and I should call to discuss those. I just called and was told:
1) there was no other availability on other flights that day
2) This change doesn’t make the ticket eligible for a refund
3) The flight was always due to fly with Finnair (I’m pretty sure that’s not the case, it doesn’t show that on my original itinerary)
4) I could move the flight to another day but the change fee is £57 and any difference in avios.

I challenged 3) and they checked and agreed it was actually £35. When I started challenging the other bits they said they’d need to check and someone would call me back today.

I seem to remember someone on here saying change of carrier did count as cancellation but have looked through the forum and can’t find that, and have read EU261 and can’t see it either.

[SamG]

The policy is

Rebook onto an alternative British Airways or British Airways Cityflyer operated service on the same routing for +3/-3 days of original LHR service now operated by Finnair. Rebook into the same class as original or lowest available class in the same cabin.

I believe the EU rule is only that they have to notify you of the operating carrier

Assuming you are trying to use the rule because you want to change anyway? A Finnair flight will be pretty much the same as a BA one on the day

[SamG]

There shouldn’t be any change fees if before 30th Sept under Book with Confidence policy

[AJA]

Are you worried you will get substandard service with Finnair? I wouldn’t change my plans just because Finnair is now operating the flight. You are still covered under EC261 since Finnair is an EU airline. If your flight has a BA flight number it still counts as an eligible flight for status renewal or upgrade.

[tobynow]

That’s all super helpful, thanks.

I’ll wait for their callback and wait to see what they say.

We’re not committed to cancel, but life has slightly got in the way of this trip so I’m pondering just cancelling and rebooking for another period in a few months. But if that’s not possible that’s OK. It’s just a bit annoying that they email saying ‘call to discuss options’ and when I get through there aren’t any options!