Travels Chaos Looms As British Airways Vote To Strike Over Xmas
More than a million people have been left facing a nightmare Christmas after British Airways cabin crew voted to strike for 12 days through the festive period.
Union members voted massively in favour of strike action in a bitter row over jobs, pay and working conditions escalated.
The industrial action will last from December 22 until January 2, hitting everyone trying to travel with BA over Christmas and the New Year.
People caught out by a strike next week will have little prospect of finding flights with other carriers because of the seasonal rush.
The structure of the action has not yet been set out, but based on previous walkouts, it is thought long-haul flights might be given priority while short-haul trips are cut back.
BA will offer refunds, alternative departure dates or try to organise flights on a different airline if its own flights are cancelled.
But this will be little solace to the hundreds of thousands trying to travel at specific times over Christmas and leave their plans in chaos.
ADVICE FOR PASSENGERS
Should I cancel or book again?
Passengers who booked before November 2 and are insured can book new flights with a different airline and will be covered for any extra costs. Those who booked after that date or do not have insurance will have to gamble that the BA flight ultimately goes ahead, or pay for new flights and bank on BA cancelling so that they get a refund for the original trip.
Refund policy
Under EU rules, passengers must be offered a different flight or a full refund within a week of the cancellation. People who cancel flights themselves will not get their money back if they have non-refundable tickets.
Tour operator customers
People who have booked through a tour operator are advised to contact them because they are responsible for making alternative flight arrangements or organising refunds, not the customer.
Will I get stranded?
BA is responsible for making alternative travel arrangements, including hotels and transfers, for anyone stranded due to the strikes. Vouchers or money should be provided for food and drink if there are airport delays.
Insurance
Passengers should get in touch with their individual insurers. Some may only pay out for short notice cancellations, which would not apply here. Generally they will not pay out for a delay of less than 12 hours and it is best to get a letter from the airline to confirm this.
Compensation
Passengers whose flights are cancelled within 14 days of departure are entitled to compensation but airlines have wriggled out of this in past when it is due to industrial action.
Posted on December 14, 2009 | Filed Under Travel
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