Overview
- British Airways passengers at Heathrow Terminal 5 were hit by a baggage system fault on Friday that left hundreds of suitcases behind and sent some flights off without checked bags.
- Heathrow and BA said the system was restored on Saturday afternoon with check-in running normally, though both warned of ongoing disruption as missed bags are moved.
- Travelers reported waits of up to five hours, sparse updates, and instructions to go home without luggage, with some arriving in places like Boston and Dublin without their belongings.
- BA and Heathrow deployed extra staff and provided water as they sort and ship delayed bags, but neither has confirmed how many people were affected.
- Responsibility is split, with Heathrow managing outbound baggage and airlines handling inbound luggage, which shapes who fixes problems and who reunites bags with customers.