I would say that the policy is upheld fairly strictly even where its genuine error so that there is a consistent response. Ultimately i would say BA dont want people to think they can go missing flts and get the rule waived somehow. As for the rest it could have been the case that you were mis-advised. I have seen mistakes made or misunderstandings but thats why all calls to the uk call centre are recorded.Customer relations can also give you transcriptions of the call although there may be an admin fee. I would probably consider a few things though. Did you when you rang up ask directly what would happen to the return flights or ask to check the rules? Did the agent look at the other bookiing also? If they had looked at a booking and then not checked or correctly advised what would happen then it is that agents error. If the flts were mentioned just in passing it could be taken differently. My personal opinion is that i would agree that best practice would be for the agent to have asked and checked about the return flts but that they arent obligated to do so if you didnt ask. Potentially you could have made other arrangements or had a ticket where there was no problem with noshows. As you said BA's view seems to be that it was in the end your responsibility to know the rules on your ticket . Noshow rules are one of those things that would essentially be in the small print.
Apologies if this has has came across harsh at all. I know it was a very difficult situation you were in just trying to give my honest opinion of why BA have responded the way they did right or wrong. Im surprised that the agent didnt give the tax amount or advise estimated time for refund as this is pretty basic infirmation to give. For future reference although there may be only business and economy there are different fares: 12 different fares in economy and 6 in business class. There are different rules on these fares so buying business class doesnt necessarily guarantee that tickets are more flexible. In actual fact some lower cost business fares are non changeable in terms of changing date of travel whereas all economy tickets are changeable in someway for a cost. On BA.com you can search by using either flexible or lowest cost. For an option. Otherwise if you are booking over the phone ask about the rules! If you have general questions ask them on here and i can try and answer as best i can. Oh and last of all im not doing this for or representing BA with this post. I just work in customer service so i like to try and help people where i can. This post is entirely my own opinion!
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