British Airways Episode V: The workers strike back

Another round of strikes have been announced from Unite, the union of British Airways cabin crew. These strikes were rebuked by the High Court, , blocking the possibility of a strike yesterday at Heathrow. The decision came too later and BA had to cancel more than 80 flights yesterday. If you’re flying BA, here’s what you need to know.

The flights that are most effected that are departing from Heathrow Airport are the short-haul ones and domestic services. British Airways long-haul flights are operating at about 90% of usual while the short-haul flights are only operating at about 55% of the usual. During strikes like these, it’s often confusing for passengers to know what to do, who to contact and when. Should you travel? Has your airline flight been cancelled?

If you are supposed to travel with BA:

• Keep your booking, it is possible your flight may not be affected
• If it is, or you have already rebooked on a different flight, check the latest status because your original flight may now be operating as usual
• If you flight is cancelled, arrange for a refund or rebook on a later flight
• After June 9th flights are planned to operate as scheduled

What if your flight has already been affected:

• If you booked through a travel agent, you have to reschedule or cancel through them directly
• If you booked with British Airways directly you can either contact them by phone or on-line to apply for a refund or rebook your flight

The disputes between British Airways and their cabin crew have caused uncertain changes in vacationer’s plans. It hasn’t deterred as many as were previously thought. They’re just finding different options! There are many low cost airlines to fly with if you are still keen on taking that sun-filled vacation you already have planned in Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, even Spain.

Staying home and planning a local holiday isn’t a bad idea either. If you need some easy family getaway ideas, check out our article Cheap family getaways: How to plan a family adventure on a budget. What are your plans? Are you staying home or heading abroad? Who are you flying with?

Img source: BriYYZ / flickr cc