BA/EI codeshare flight change

kelso00

On the way back to Dublin from my holidays I have a connection from LGW to DUB at 10.50 am (This is Ba ticket all the way - codeshare with Aerlingus). Plane from Mexico is due in early in the morning and there is another EI flight at 9.40 am. Is there any chance to change to this one at the airport? Did somebody try to do swap like this? Should I go to BA or Aerlingus desk (if there is any) to ask for a change? I understand this is matter of free sits on the plane first of all. Just wondering if this something aerlines do...

BuffyBot

Generally no - you get to fly on the flights you paid for. In theory however, the Aer Lingus flight your booked on is particularily busy/overbooked and there are seats earlier Aer Lingus *might* rebook you as it works for them.

In practice, no: Aer Lingus don't overbook their shorthaul routes all that much, if at all, these days so that rules the first out.

The second reason is that assuming you have checked bags, your bags would be tagged by BA's staff in Mexico on to the Dublin flight you're scheduled to fly on. Neither airline is going to try and find them in Gatwick and get them on to the same flight as you..

The third is that the ticket you've purchased probably allows for very limited changes, and even if they can be done most likely attract a hefty charge.

irishbloke77

As a general statement, the cost of the 9.40 and 10.50 flights seems to be the same from Gatwick to Dublin. Just wondering if you were ever offered the earlier 9.40 flight even at a more expensive price.

If you weren't offered it, could it have anything to do with changeover times in gatwick, for example you have to change terminals from north to south etc...
Maybe you could rush to make the earlier but your bags wouldn't make it?
Suppose it all depends on what time your Mexico flight is due to land in Gatwick?

kelso00

Thanks for your answers...flight is due in at Gatwick at 7.30. Not sure if I've been offered a 9.40 flight, but probably not. Since I bought a ticket BA changed departure time good few times so I have no clue what was on the original ticket. Anyway...looks like this is too much hassle to save one hour, I better go outside for a smoke in this time (if possible).

BuffyBot

Very possible as you have to change from the North terminal to the South anyway

Marcusm

BuffyBot wrote: »

Very possible as you have to change from the North terminal to the South anyway

Although that doesn't involve going outside at any stage!! NOt even sure where you'd go for a smoke outside GAtwick, the carparks and drop down areas are covered with non smoking sign and a fairly big no no on most of the train station too.

If you're adventurous, you could try to find an overland route between the terminals through the office park.

BuffyBot

You simply go downstairs at the North Terminal station, or follow out towards the car parks/buses in the south. Done both many times