Schedule changes
Published: 30/11/2010 - Filed under: Ask Alex » 2010 » Ask Alex »
Dear Alex,
I have booked a first class Emirates/United Airlines round-the-world ticket [a special ticket unavailable for sale in Europe]. I arrive in Dubai with Emirates, and from there I have booked a side-trip return to Frankfurt via London with British Airways using award miles.
The original BA flights offered a good transfer but now British Airways has cancelled its 0145 service out of Dubai and booked me on its 0715 flight.
Because the new BA flights no longer connect, I must spend longer in Dubai. Someone told me that British Airways is responsible for putting me up in a hotel because of the schedule change. Is that correct?
Ed Kurtz, Bangkok
Alex replies:
Unfortunately not, for two reasons. First, under European Union rules, an EU airline bound for the EU must give passengers 14 days’ notice when cancelling a flight for commercial reasons. In this case BA gave you several months’ notice.
Second, you are travelling with separate tickets. As I have reminded readers in the past, each ticket forms a separate contract with the airline. As far as BA is concerned, you were starting your journey in Dubai so could have left your home or hotel room a little later.
In these uncertain economic times, where airlines can and do change schedules, be wary about using separate tickets.
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