PATHETIC SERVICE

After spending almost 3 hours due to visa problems, being given the run around by BA staff that really didn't seem to want to assist, I was ensured that my flight has been put "on hold" and I have 72 hours to make amendments by the manager and a gentlemen at the frontline of BA. After calling the BA call center this morning, I was informed that they do not have "on hold" policies and that the flight has been cancelled. I have been trying to contact the airline with no luck, called the airport and was also not very helpful and was told they cannot walk to their desk to hand over a message. I live 2 hours away from the airport and was told to drive back there to have a "note" put on the system. I need to fly out of SA for a work opportunity which I could loose if i do not have flights booked. The service f2f and telephonically from BA has been shocking, I have never experienced such pure disinterment and unhelpful service from staff at any other airline.