The trouble with the A380 lately
Mar 21, 2024, 4:30 am
#286
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 6
Does anyone know if BA is aware of this as a genuine A380 -specific problem? Or does the A380 in fact have the same level of reliability issues as others in the fleet, but it’s just we hear more about them? After all, plenty of other aircraft were stored in the pandemic, and don’t seem to have the same problems.
Also, does BA have a plan to actually fix these issues for good, or will it just be sticking plasters for ever? After all, these issues have been going on for years now, it’s surely a little too late to still be blaming the pandemic storage as the root of the problems.
Also, does BA have a plan to actually fix these issues for good, or will it just be sticking plasters for ever? After all, these issues have been going on for years now, it’s surely a little too late to still be blaming the pandemic storage as the root of the problems.
I would imagine various storage related issues will be addressed as the fleet cycles through routine minor/major maintenance plus refits in a couple of years time.
Mar 21, 2024, 5:11 am
#287
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 283
I am CERTAIN that I prefer an on time flight. I enquired about rerouting, but there weren’t any options that would’ve made much difference to arrival time. Of course, had we known at the outset that the delay would creep out to 5 hours that would have changed the equation. That’s the problem with creeping delay.
First crew were great - even though they were delayed too - so it made for a comfortable trip - albeit a frustrating one.
First crew were great - even though they were delayed too - so it made for a comfortable trip - albeit a frustrating one.
Flight had been cancelled once and over 3 hours late thrice in March and Feb. That’s not great timekeeping. But it’s highly likely you’ll be on time.
And yes, I realise that things are particularly tight at the moment. But I’m an optimist.
(I’ll be back tomorrow with egg on face/tail between legs once this gets cancelled).
And yes, I realise that things are particularly tight at the moment. But I’m an optimist.
(I’ll be back tomorrow with egg on face/tail between legs once this gets cancelled).
However, it actually worked out nicely for me because I had changed my flight from a LHR-SEA F award on a different day to BA285 today, and my booking had been revised but the ticket not issued, so I was on hold with BAEC for 75 minutes before getting my ticket issued after boarding was originally scheduled to start
Mar 21, 2024, 5:16 am
#288
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Aberdeen
Programs: BA Gold, Flying Blue Plat, UA Silver, Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold Ambassador
Posts: 553
BA285 delayed 2.5 hours today as of now. Worst of both worlds, neither on time nor delayed long enough for compensation...
However, it actually worked out nicely for me because I had changed my flight from a LHR-SEA F award on a different day to BA285 today, and my booking had been revised but the ticket not issued, so I was on hold with BAEC for 75 minutes before getting my ticket issued after boarding was originally scheduled to start
However, it actually worked out nicely for me because I had changed my flight from a LHR-SEA F award on a different day to BA285 today, and my booking had been revised but the ticket not issued, so I was on hold with BAEC for 75 minutes before getting my ticket issued after boarding was originally scheduled to start
Mar 21, 2024, 5:19 am
#289
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 283
Mar 21, 2024, 6:07 am
#291
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: London N8
Programs: BA (LTG), Miles&More (whatever the lowest level is), Oyster card (zones 1-2)
Posts: 916
I believe it has been mentioned that all airliners are susceptible to issues after long-term storage but it's particularly noticeable with the BA A380s due to the very small fleet and the extremely tight schedule they fly. In the past a 747 could have stepped in for an A380 if necessary but that is obviously no longer an option.
I would imagine various storage related issues will be addressed as the fleet cycles through routine minor/major maintenance plus refits in a couple of years time.
I would imagine various storage related issues will be addressed as the fleet cycles through routine minor/major maintenance plus refits in a couple of years time.
Mar 21, 2024, 6:12 am
#292
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,729
Mar 21, 2024, 6:16 am
#293
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 98
Mar 21, 2024, 6:18 am
#294
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: London N8
Programs: BA (LTG), Miles&More (whatever the lowest level is), Oyster card (zones 1-2)
Posts: 916
Mar 21, 2024, 6:22 am
#295
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,729
Some fleets have similar issues, but more aircraft and the opportunities to perform ‘robberies’ with those getting maintained at base. Manila is bit far for all of that.
Mar 22, 2024, 4:47 pm
#297
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco
Programs: All-Around Kettle
Posts: 3,303
A bit worried about Flt 192 (DFW-LHR) on Monday. We're booked using CX miles, in combo of J & F. If the BA flight gets canceled, would BA re-accommodate us on one of the AA flights that day, or tell us we are out of luck since we're booked on CX miles?
Mar 23, 2024, 3:03 am
#298
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Nottingham
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 1,470
BA are the operating carrier so they have a duty of care if the flight gets cancelled on the day. Being put on an AA flight is a possibility, but also depending on loads, a downgrade in order to be put on one of those flights is a possibility unfortunately. Otherwise you would have to wait until the next day (at which point BA would provide a hotel for the night and pay reasonable sustinence expenses).
Mar 23, 2024, 6:58 am
#299
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 12,610
BA is likely to ask you to contact CX for rebooking as these are awards issued by CX. CX will be able to rebook if awards seats are available.
Mar 23, 2024, 8:01 am
#300
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: UK
Programs: BA GGL, BA Amex Prem, Amex Plat, Hilton Diamond, Mucci
Posts: 4,814
1. DFW really isn’t more likely to be cancelled than other A380 routes.
2. I am flying DFW-LHR tomorrow and having a look at availability in F there is plenty on the direct AA flights as well as connections to BA via IAH, EWR, MIA, JFK. AA seem to have changed the way they upgrade into their LH cabins so much more likelihood of seats being available on the day.
I dont know how CX awards work but usually if you have an involuntary rebooking the airline don’t require reward availability, just seats to be available. I wouldn’t overthink things, just track the status of the outbound LHR-DFW flight on Monday, it will be the plane that flies you back.