Baggage problems at Heathrow’s Terminal 4

Not good news if your flying from Terminal 4 at London’s Heathrow Airport today. BAA which runs the airport says Terminal 4 had a major baggage system failure yesterday, 19 February, and British Airways which is the main airline using T4 says on its website that World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premier economy) and all transfer passengers should not bring luggage to be checked in as they will not be able to travel.

BAA are working to fix the problem which apparently is software related but whether they get it working by tomorrow is anyone’s guess. Below is more of the statement from British Airways on the options for effected passengers.

Passengers with hand baggage only
All customers are entitled to bring two pieces of hand luggage including one standard sized bag plus one laptop sized bag, handbag or briefcase. A maximum weight of 23kg (51lbs) applies.

Options for passengers with baggage to check in who are not able to travel
Passengers who choose not to travel without checked baggage, or who are refused travel, may re-book on a British Airways flight to the original destination, may claim a refund, or may be able to travel on another airline.

Re-book on a British Airways flight to the original destination
Passengers who re-book may do so on the closest available flight to the original flight, provided that a seat is available in the cabin originally booked or up to 2 weeks after the original flight, provided a seat is available in the cabin originally booked.

Re-book on a British Airways flight to an alternative destination, with any additional fare to be paid by the customer
a) Any changes to the booking must take place no later than two weeks after the original flight.
b) Travel will be governed by the new fare rules.

Refund of the original British Airways flight
Plus any parts of the journey not made which are on the same ticket as the original flight. The refund will be provided to the original form of payment.

British Airways will also ask other airlines to accept customers’ tickets to the same destination, but customers will need to go the ticket desk of that airline to check availability. This service is only available to customers who are at the airport.

Passengers who also have hotels, cars, or other ground products booked through British Airways
Customers may change to the same or an alternative destination without an amendment fee; with the customer paying or receiving a refund for any difference in price of the new arrangements, alternatively customers may cancel and receive a full refund.