I blocked tickets for my wife on the web and since I do not have a credit card I was asked to make cash payment at the BA Regional office at Bangalore which is at the HAL Airport. I went all the way to the HAL Airport and came to know that the office is inside the Airport near the viewer’s gallery and the security Guard didn’t allow me to go in stating that only the passenger along with Passport and the web printout can go in. I pleaded that I was there on behalf of my wife and that I knew the booking reference code and even showed him the Passport and Money. He was unmoved and told me that I can go in if I spend Rs 30 for buying IAAI Airport Gallery view ticket. I was wondering why on earth I have to spend Rs 30 for the Viewers Gallery ticket and also Rs 20 towards vehicle parking charges when I have come to visit BA office for a totally different purpose.
Upon arguing stating my grounds the CISF Guard told me that I have another option and that is to get a written permission from the Airport Security Supervisor. I approached the Security supervisor’s office and found him that he was not there at that moment. As I stood their silently the CISF guard finally felt pity on me and allowed me in stating that I must finish my work ASAP and leave. As I went in I was told that if my mode of payment was cash then I must furnish PAN card or else I have to make payment by means of a Demand Draft only. I was helpless and came out and started searching for Banks only to realize that it was a Bank holiday!!!
Bad thing about BA regional booking offices is that they are off on both Saturday and Sunday. Their Telephone support is only between 9.00 AM till 5.30 PM. Web booking is good only if the person booking is a traveler himself and has a Credit card. There is no complaint and Suggestion box anywhere including Web. Perhaps BA doest want to hear Criticism!!!!
Also at the Mumbai BA Check-in Counter the counter clerks are proactively doing an immigration check job as well. My wife was traveling to UK for a short period and was carrying only one hand bag for which the check in clerk asked a hell lot of stupid and idiotic questions which was none of his business. Why is then the immigration department set for????