[Expired] British Airways Adds Additional Flexibility for Heathrow Flights

Update: The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available.

Heathrow Airport is bursting at the seams. Thanks to extreme passenger demand and the return of flights from around the world near simultaneously, the airport isn’t able to handle all of the demand efficiently. From lost baggage to long queues to canceled flights, one of the world’s busiest airports is turning into a bubble that’s about to pop.

Fortunately, the flag carrier of the airport, British Airways, has announced some flexibility measures to give passengers additional options when traveling. Let’s review the upcoming options should Heathrow be on your summer itinerary.

Why Is Heathrow Such a Mess?

To put it simply, there’s so much demand, so little staff, and so many flights — all 3 together are a recipe for disaster, and Heathrow simply can’t keep up. Because of this, management has asked airlines to voluntarily reduce capacity, though even with that measure, airlines themselves are still struggling operationally.

How British Airways Aims To Help Ease the Stress at Heathrow

For Flights by July 25, Booked by July 10

If you booked by July 10 and are due to fly by July 25, you have 2 options for your tickets (in addition to flying them as normal):

• Your first option is to change your travel dates to within 12 months at no additional charge. This means that you can move your flights to September, October, or any other month within 12 months with no additional fare difference. In addition, you can change your flight so it leaves from any London area airport (Gatwick or London City), and you’re also able to arrive at a different, but similar airport, such as flying into San Francisco but changing to San Jose, or flying into Washington Dulles and changing to Baltimore.
• You’re also able to take a travel voucher for the full amount of your flights to be used by September 30, 2023. You won’t lose any value if you choose this option, and can use the money to book an entirely different itinerary.

For Flights Between July 26 and September 30

If you’re flying between July 26 and September 30, 2022, you only have 1 option if you wish to change your plans and that is to take a travel voucher for the full amount of your flights, good until September 30, 2023.

Bottom Line: View the full details of British Airways’ revised flexible booking policies on its website.

Final Thoughts

Heathrow is an absolute mess right now and flying out from there or transiting through there is nothing short of a nightmare — lines are long, checked bags are going missing, and many flights are getting canceled or delayed. If you have flexibility in your travel plans, British Airways is offering several options to try and get you not to fly during this busy time.