Flight Change Rules and All That

Zillah

Considering the current weather I need to consider my options and I don't know enough about how these things work, so I turn to the internet for answers, of course.

Short version is this:
Tomorrow I am due to fly from Dublin to Heathrow and then on to Vancouver. From Dublin it is Aer Lingus, from Heathrow it is with British Airways. It was booked as a single journey on BA.com.

So, I would like to know where I stand in case of severe delays or cancellations. If my Dublin flight is delayed or canceled and I miss the one from Heathrow, are they obliged to put me on another flight and will this cost me anything? If the entire thing is canceled, same deal, do they have to sort me out or am I up the creek without a paddle?

What if I get to Heathrow and my flight from there is canceled or delayed overnight, do they have to provide accommodation or am I left wandering the airport?

Basically my questions boil down to this: If weather screws up the flights, are the airlines still responsible for getting me there or am I out of pocket?

BuffyBot

Yes, they will have to look after you/provide you with alternatives/accomodation etc.

However, be prepared. If Heathrow went to hell in a handbasket tomorrow, it might mean hotels are full with other stranded passengers and you may face long waits for alternative arrangements to be made.

That being said, BA tend to prioritise the long haul flights and get them out if at all possible.

shanagarry

BA won't put you up if you have to stay overnight because of weather. I had it happen to me before Christmas and I got no joy out of them despite trying hard. They will reschedule you though.

My advice is to make sure that you have travel insurance that covers such eventualities, that's how I got sorted eventually.

si_guru

It's Aer Lingus who would accomdate you of the DUB to LHR is late... go to the AerLingus desk in T1.. not the T4 BA desk if you are late!

Fratton Fred

If anything you will have trouble getting to Heathrow. domestic and Irish flights get cancelled very quickly to make way for the long haul flights.

Zillah

Thanks, here's hoping.

BuffyBot

Currently, the flight is showing as delayed, but still operating. Fingers crossed