Thousands of BA customers urged to check holiday vouchers now – or lose them for good

The Sun

3 days ago

BRITISH Airways customers are running out of time to use millions of pounds worth of vouchers for travel.
The airline gave out e-vouchers to travellers who had a flight or holiday disrupted during Covid.
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As part of the small print on the vouchers, you needed to initially use the vouchers by the end of April 2022.
However, this date was extended by the airline multiple times into 2023, 2024, and now finally to September 30, 2025.
This means there is little more than a month to book and complete a trip with the vouchers if you have some left to use otherwise they'll expire completely.
British Airways' parent company estimates there are still around £420million worth of unused flight vouchers.
This figure also includes vouchers that have not been used with other airlines owned by the company including Aer Lingus and Iberia.
You could have a voucher from BA if your flight was cancelled by the airline during the pandemic.
To check thoroughly search your emails to see if there is a voucher tucked away.
BA website.
Then if you've got any vouchers, you should get an email back with British Airways ' within a couple of hours with the amount you have to spemnd.
If you still can't find anything but have a niggling feeling that you should have a voucher, contact BA customer service through its online form or by calling 0344 493 0787.
How do I redeem my flight voucher?
You'll need to visit ba.com and find the flights you'd like to book. As you come to pay, enter your voucher code.
The total amount you'll need to pay including after you've applied your voucher will then be shown and you'll be able to continue and make a payment.
You can use either the full value of your voucher in a single booking or use some of it to pay for a less expensive booking.
If you don't use all of the credit issued on your voucher, British Airways will send you another voucher covering the difference.
Vouchers don't cover extras such as seat reservations – you'll need to pay for these another way.
Can I swap my voucher for a cash refund?
Sadly not. Some customers were initially able to get a cash refund for disrupted travel plans but that is no longer the case.
You'll need to use up the voucher on flights or a holiday to avoid losing out on the money you spent.
Get travel insurance as soon as you book travel
Heading on holidays is one of the most exciting parts of the year for many Brits.
But when things go wrong, it can leave you out of pocket.
One way to help cover yourself is to buy travel insurance as soon as you book flights or accommodation.
Insurance covers the cost associated with disruption and other hiccups that can hit holidaymakers before they've even set off.
However, you'll need to have the policy in place before disruption takes hold to get a payout.
But more than one in four don't get cover in place until the day of departure leaving theme exposed to issues and big costs, according to data from comparison site Go.compare.
It's also a good idea to use a credit card rather than debit card for booking a getaway.
This is because any purchases made on a credit card between £100 and £30,000 are covered by your provider if things go wrong, thanks to Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
This includes holidays and airline bookings and means, for example, if an airline or tour operator goes into administration, your money would be protected.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance.