Well, here we go again. UNITE and British Airways are off to strike.
The strike dates are listed below, but for completion:
18 May – 22 May
24 May – 28 May
30 May – 03 June
05 June – 09 June
This is going to hit the World Cup, and Half term holidays. Nice work UNITE. Thinking of the people.
Tony Woodley said
“There can be no industrial peace without meaningful negotiations and while management victimises trade unionists and uses disciplinary procedures in a witch-hunt,”
BA defended its approach to the latest negotiations.
“We have made a very fair offer, which meets the concerns the union raised during 14 months of negotiations and also ensures that our crew remain the best rewarded in the UK. That offer remains available,”
BA is already planning contingency measures to ensure as many passengers as possible fly during the strike periods.
All flights from Gatwick and London City airports are expected to operate as normal, BA said, while a “substantial” number of long-haul flights from Heathrow will run as planned. Additionally there will be shorthal flights to all destinations. Leasing will be in the window too.
So what to do? Only one thing.
And for those who missed it – here’s Kevin’s rebooking advice (published during Round 1 and Round 2).
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 other carriers are starting to jack up their prices, 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.
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 have gone to minimal seats this morning.
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.
Throw in this Volcano business, and you know how bad it’s going to get.
