British Airways’ passengers are now able to hold flights for up to 72 hours before deciding to pay for them.
BA said if within the 72-hour period customers want to pay for their flights, the holding deposit is refunded and the ticket can be paid for.
Holding reservations per person on short-haul flights cost £5, while those wanting to secure seats on long-haul flights would pay £10 per person.
One person’s name is needed to hold the flights. The names of everyone travelling can be added within 72 hours of the booking being held.
If a flight is held and then not booked the deposit will be lost.
This service is only available at least 21 days before departure.
Drew Crawley, British Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing a great flight price but not being able to book it straight away, either because you may need to get the time off work or check it’s ok with family or friends – then coming back and finding there are no seats left or the price has changed.
“Now customers can see the price, hold their seats and be sure that’s all they’ll pay, up to three days later,” he added.
The ‘hold option’ is the result of a joint project between BA and Iberia. It applies to reservations for all flights operated by BA, including code-sharing flights, Iberia, Iberia Express and Air Nostrum.
BritishAirways.com