This is my first post...so go easy on me.

I've read that Virgin Pilots are balloting for strike action. The ballot runs until 21st June. So sometime in July, Virgin could be hit with Strikes.

We're flying Premium Economy with Virgin (hopefully) from LHR to JFK on 23 July. My question is what happens to customers during a strke? I've not had the misfortunate to suffer in a strike yet. To complicate matters our Premium Economy tickets where purchased with Flying Club miles (though I had to pay to top up the balances and for the taxes/surcharges).

I have travel insurance that will cover the costs if there's a strike, but the insurance seems to be more focused on ensuring that I don't lose out financially then ensuring that I can get on another flight.

I know that even if the pilots ballot for a strike, Branson might cave in before it gets to industrial action. But I believe in planning for all eventualities. :-)

1) In the event of a strike, will I need ot go to the airport and wait around? I suspect that getting hold of Virgin on the phone will be unlikely.

2) Will Virgin book us on a flight with another airline? Or will they just offer to credit the miles back to my account and leave me to my own?

3) I'm thinking about buying full fare (i.e. refundable) tickets on another airline as a backup. Is that a worthwhile plan? Or am I likely to get caught out doing that?

Any advice or first hand experience of dealing with strikes at other airlines would be really appreciated.

Thanks.