NOTE – BA Strike is OFF as of 17/12.
So lets quickly recap the Unite/BA Cabin Crew Strike
Turnout: 80% with a 9:1 favour in Strike.
Strike Dates: 22nd December 2009 for 12 days until 2nd January 2010
BA Rebooking Policy -See http://www.britishairways.com/travel/flightops/public/en_gb?p_faqid=3917, but in simple terms:
“Customers who are booked to travel between 22 December 2009 and 2 January 2009 and for 48 hours on either side of those dates who would like to take their flight at a different time can change to another BA flight departing in the next twelve months at no charge.”
“If a customer’s flight is cancelled because of industrial action, we will offer them the option to refund their ticket, rebook on to a different flight or reroute their journey on another BA flight”
– Fully-Flex can change bookings via Manage My Booking
– Bookings Made Through BA.com – Contact the BA Call Centre
– Bookings via Travel Agent – Contact Travel Agent where the booking was made.
In addition space for most BA Flight have been zeroed out (no seats available) during the strike period (Confirmed through ExpertFlyer).
There is the matter that some BA flights may fly during the Industrial Action period by non-union members of staff – expect to see a heavily redrawn emergency timetable closer to the strike date.
There is a chance that the strike action may not go ahead and that BA and the Unions can come to an agreement – we can but hope..
If you’re planning to travel and considering re-routing
If you’re paying for your ticket
If you were considering rebooking to other carriers, be aware that it is the Christmas period and thus capacity will be stretched more than normal. Other carriers have zeroed availability in what cheaper fare buckets there were, and only release near enough full fare tickets or slightly discounted full fare tickets with strict fare conditions.
Some carriers are offering promotions to get people keep people flying (FlyBe taking full advantage and EasyJet offering free SpeedyBoarding for BA Gold/Silvers)
If you’re planning a Frequent Flyer Redemption
Expect to be restricted at space maybe dedicated to full fare customers or space to book out.. In other words as warned yesterday Plan your re-routing NOW and get your redemptions in – what were wide open yesterday morning (14/12) have gone to minimal seats this morning (15/12).
I wish those you who are travelling BA during this period the best of luck getting to your destinations – BUT PLAN AHEAD NOW AND KNOW YOUR OPTIONS.
This post will be monitored and as the situation changes, updates will be made.
