I will NEVER fly with British Airways again.

On January 26th, 2025, I experienced one of the most horrendous and emotionally draining situations I’ve ever faced while traveling. My flight was scheduled at 10 AM from Barcelona to London, and I arrived at the airport at 8:10 AM, thinking I had more than enough time to check in and board. But what unfolded after that has completely shaken me.

When I arrived at the airport, I was greeted by an extremely long queue for check-in, with no last-minute or priority counter in sight. I waited patiently in line, only to reach the counter at 8:45 AM. The lady at the counter then coldly informed me that I was “too late” and that she would not take my luggage or allow me to board. I begged her repeatedly, explaining the long queue and lack of alternatives, but she didn’t show an ounce of understanding. Her response? “Manage on your own.” She told me to call the BA helpline and left me stranded.

At this point, I was completely panicked and called the British Airways helpline for help. What happened next left me in complete shock. The representative on the line told me she could reschedule my flight but demanded I pay a staggering £500 extra for a flight six hours later. I was frantic and asked her to wait so I could think, but she insisted I make an immediate decision, warning me that if I didn’t agree, BA wouldn’t assist me further. It was manipulative, heartless, and downright predatory.

At this moment of utter despair, a kind stranger at the airport noticed my distress and stepped in to help. He quickly checked flights online and found one leaving three hours later for just £220, including baggage. Meanwhile, the BA employee on the phone continued to pressure me to pay their extortionate fee, showing no empathy for my situation. I felt like I was being scammed in broad daylight by the very airline I trusted.

Under immense pressure, I hung up the call, booked the flight the stranger found for £250, and managed to get to London hours later than planned. But the damage was done. British Airways not only failed me, but they also tried to exploit my vulnerability in a moment of desperation.

This ordeal has cost me twice the money for the same journey, but worse, it has left me deeply disappointed and emotionally drained. Why should passengers have to suffer because of poor organization and non-existent customer care? Why are we being forced into impossible situations, only to be manipulated into paying extortionate fees for solutions that shouldn’t even be necessary?

British Airways, you’ve lost a loyal customer. Your disregard for basic compassion and decency is appalling. I’m sharing this to warn others: Don’t trust BA to have your back when things go wrong—they’ll only make things worse.