Not good news if you prefer BA to Easyjet

Mike,Chislehurst · Post by **Mike,Chislehurst** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 9:53 am

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7061246.stm

e-richard · Post by **e-richard** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:18 am

Potentially also not good news if you fly EasyJet as it effectively removes a competitor on the LGW - FAO route; higher fares to come ??

Unless BA continue these routes under their own name ? Surely not ?

I just don't understand what is going on, but it will be interesting to see what colour the plane is when I fly in June on a ticket that I bought from BA.

Well, I didn't actually buy it, I used frequent flyer points, which is not in the EasyJet vocabulary.

Bruce Wallis · Post by **Bruce Wallis** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:41 am

I booked some very cheap flights in April with BA. Id like to think that Easyjet will honour all flights booked by BA customers.

In a takeover, arent the people who takeover bound by an undertaking to honour agreements and undertakings? Or is that just employment law.

What about the people who have already booked next summers flights on BAs early released shedules?

Mike,Chislehurst · Post by **Mike,Chislehurst** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:51 am

Looks ok Bruce http://www.britishairways.com/travel/fl ... faqid=3028

e-richard · Post by **e-richard** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:56 am

According to the longer press release on the EasyJet website:

easyJet will co-operate with British Airways to ensure a smooth and orderly transition for customers. To this end GB Airways will continue to operate all routes under the British Airways brand until March 29th, 2008 after which flights will operate under the easyJet brand.

So, Bruce, everyone who booked with BA will eventually be flying with EasyJet who will apparently honour the tickets.

But when honouring these tickets, will EasyJet give you seat assignements, free baggage allowance, free baggage check in and free meals in accordance with your original contract ? I think not

ooops, as I write, I've just sen the link from BA and it adds that:

"If you don't like it, you can get a refund" BFD!

Mike,Chislehurst · Post by **Mike,Chislehurst** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:04 am

With regards to the BA flight times, I can't see there will be much of a change here as Easyjet would have bought the take off slots as well

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:38 am

I think you are right Mike on the takeover of slots out of LGW. I have always erred towards the GB / BA service for the simple reason of lounge use and their schedules have always suited our need. Can't see BA muscling in on the LGW / FAO route if the slots are absorbed by EZ but it does raise the question of price hikes. Just leaves Easy and Monarch on the scheduled run out LGW??

G

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:53 am

Sorry Richard - I duped your prices point. Didn't reasd the thread

Apols

the more I think about this the more angry I become as I really do not like lack of choice, and more to the point EZ in general.

Let me put a call into Mr Branson and see what he can do.. he loves a challenge!!!

G

e-richard · Post by **e-richard** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 12:04 pm

No probs, Gazza. I think we all do that occasionally.

I do like the idea of Virgin Express entering the fray, but what about TAP as well ? They seem to have dropped LGW/LHR - FAO and we used to like those flights because they would use the jetways at Faro and no bussing, but they couldn't compete on price.

Misty · Post by **Misty** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 12:22 pm

I wouldn't have thought it would have been in easyjet's interest to put their prices up, after all, that's not what they are about.
I am not interested in meals on a short flight or seat allocation. Apart from that, BA is usually more expensive than easyjet, although there is the £2

charge for hold baggage on easyjet.
Personally I have no idea what the fuss is about. I like easyjet and am not all that keen on BA.

Graham · Post by **Graham** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 1:49 pm

This is very bad news - I already have all my flights booked for next year with BA - my problem is that I don't physically fit in an Easyjet seat therefore cannot fly with them - so I guess I am cancelling them all and paying a fortune to book with TAP to Lisbon

Gazza · Post by **Gazza** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 3:27 pm

It is not a question of making a fuss it is the removal of options. Easyjet is as you point out sometimes more expensive than BA, and with less baggage allowance and more cramped seating arrangements. Both my wife and I are tall therefore BA works for us.Plus I think we will all agree getting through airports these days is becoming more and more tiresome with added security so if I can use a speedy check in facilty and a quiet lounge, have more leg room plus have take on more baggage, then that option works for me. I fully accept that there are people who may not necessarily care too much about legroom, seat allocation and baggage, but the point I am making is that consolidation equals less choice and in my book adds up to a loss. I have travelled many times with EZ on business aswell as PA and it is OK but I am a creature of habit and like to use the same airport carpark, car rental and airline when travelling to Carvoeiro and one that fits my particular criteria.

G

Sharen Crane · Post by **Sharen Crane** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 3:45 pm

Misty wrote:I wouldn't have thought it would have been in easyjet's interest to put their prices up, after all, that's not what they are about.

Of course that is what they are about. Easyjet is a business first and foremost, they are not a charity!

Personally I think it is a crying shame that GB Airways are being taken over by them. I love BA and I absolutely hate flying Easyjet!!!

Misty · Post by **Misty** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 4:05 pm

I think you'll find easyjet is a budget airline.

My husband is very tall and he still prefers easyjet. Still I guess we don't just look at what you see on the outside. We don't think BA comes up to scratch in other areas.

But then really its just a couple of hours on a plane.

If you don't like easyjet there are other options for those who won't fly with the 'cheaper' ones.

Bruce Wallis · Post by **Bruce Wallis** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 4:08 pm

Interesting thought.........
Will Easyjet now run extra flights from LGW? to take up the shortfall? Because if they dont, or unless somebody else comes in, they will be taking over 200 seats off the route in either direction each day.
That in itself will mean higher fares. Monarch fares only ever come down if They are competing with Easyjet, or has been the case recently, the recent BA sale.