Why are you unable to use BA On line check in sometimes?

bjb Image.

We have been hearing from some of our customers that you have not been able to check in online on occasion. We wanted to do some investigation to find out why this happens so called our contacts at BA.

They have advised us that the system is fully automated, and as such, has no point of contact to find why problems occur. Therefore, even BA Special Services are not always apprised of why the system does not allow checking in of some flights.

However, they did share with us that some operational reasons could include:

  • Over booking on flights
  • Aircraft change
  • Configuration change within the aircraft
  • Security alert on certain flights
  • BA deciding to remove the facility at short notice.

Their recommendation is that customers should keep trying, as the system may only be unavailable temporarily.

Source. Notice from BJB Travel Partnership. 24th September 2008

Avoiding The Laptop Scam At Security Check

Travelling with your laptop computer is pretty much a necessity for most business travellers nowadays and, of course, the criminal fraternity have cottoned on to the easy picking that this can provide. The laptop is probably the most desirable item for thieves as it combines high value, portability and a ready market with no-questions-asked buyers.

The scam works along these lines. You place your computer on the security check conveyor. The person in the queue in front of you sets off the detector. They go back through, empty the keys, mobile etc from pockets, and retries. Again they 'beep'. More stuff into the tray and this time they pass through fine. You follow, and go to pick up your bag and your computer. But it's too late. Your computer is long gone. It's been snatched up by the partner of the person who delayed you coming through the checkpoint.

So how do you avoid being a victim?

  • Don't put your computer on the conveyor until the person in front of you has cleared the detector.
  • Make sure the computer has disappeared into the scanner before you pass through the detector (otherwise someone on the outside can grab it before it goes through).
  • Don't carry your computer in a clearly definable computer carry case.
  • If you set off the detector, ask to be checked with the "wand" inside security where you can watch your computer. If you go back out, the computer which has already passed through the scanner can disappear.
  • At some airports, security will make you take out laptops and turn them on before you go through the checkpoint. If they do this, insist that they carry the computer around and hand it to you after you have cleared security.

End Jet Lag Drag

You can be strong and deny it, but if you have been on a long haul flight you will have suffered from the debilitating effects of jet lag; fatigue, lack of focus, strange appetite patterns.

Here are ten tips to minimise jet lag - try them - they may work for you.

  • Plan ahead. If you fly from Los Angeles to London - an eight hour time difference, try going to bed and hour earlier each night for a week (waking an hour earlier each morning), you'll gradually get back into synch with the UK.
  • Avoid large meals before, during and after flights. Hearty eating contributes to fatigue.
  • Avoid coffee and liquor - even if the cognac is free.
  • Choose departure times that allow you to sleep normally in the morning and that allow you to arrive at an appropriate time for you bedtime.
  • Avoid night flights, especially if you can't sleep on planes.
  • Seek out the sun. The more you expose yourself in the early morning and late afternoon sun, the quicker your body will rest its internal clock.
  • Drink water, which keeps you from getting dehydrated over long-haul flights and helps flush away stress.
  • On the plane, immediately set you watch for your destination's time and exercise to reduce fatigue by walking around and using your arms and legs.
  • When you land, stay awake until the appropriate bedtime and avoid stimulating activities.
  • Adjust your meal times and eat a carbohydrate snack before bedtime to induce drowsiness. Take a long, hot bath for relaxation. Sleep in a dark, cool and comfortable setting.
  • Get up early regardless of how much or little sleep you have had.

Tips for fearful fliers from the Institute for Psychology of Air Travel

  • Plan. Choose a forward aisle seat on a wide-body plane to minimise noise and allow freedom of movement.
  • Watch what you eat. Cut back on caffeine and sugar the day before your flight, and never take off on an empty stomach.
  • Get to the airport early. Since rushing to make a flight can produce its own anxiety, plan to arrive at least 1 1/2 hours beforehand for domestic flights and 2 1/2 hours for international flights, giving you enough time to go through security.
  • Don't be shy. Let the flight attendants know you're a fearful flier, and ask the crew for a pre-flight peek into the cockpit.
  • Try to relax. Deep-breathing exercises and relaxation tapes (available on several airlines' audio channels) can help.

BJB Services

Are you or your travellers planning to travel to the US and Europe in the near future?

Did you know that one of the ways that you can save hundreds of pounds is if you combine a European trip with a Long Haul trip?

Advise us in advance of your plans so that we can make these savings for you. Our fares experts here at BJB pride themselves in their ability to use the systems and suppliers for your benefit.

Passport tips from BJB Travel Partnership

General Tips

  • Make a note of the passport number, date and place of issue (or take a photocopy), and keep separately in a safe place.
  • Check the passport expiry date.
  • Remember that your passport needs to be valid for travel for at least 6 months from date of entry for many countries. Check direct with the consulate of your destination country for specific information.
  • Write the full details of your next of kin in your passport.
  • Leave a photocopy with a friend or relative at home.
  • Take a second means of photo-identification with you.
  • Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy with you.
  • If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, contact the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029395231 immediately for advice.

Introducing Passport Support

Everyone who travels has been told they should take a photocopy of their passport, travellers cheques and other documents, and keep them in a separate bag. Do you do it? If you are like most people, you don't! Why not? Because it’s too hard; or you did it once but the pages got crushed, got wet, got lost …

Wouldn’t it be better to have copies of your documents stored securely online, available 24/7 if you need them at any police station, border post, embassy or internet cafe?

With Passport Support you can store copies of your vital travel documents securely online. No-one else can access them, but if you suddenly need a copy you can print them out anywhere you can access the internet.

Click here for access to the Passport Support website.