Jul 20, 2019, 3:27 am
Last edit by: corporate-wage-slave
Quick answers to FAQ:
Help! What do I do now?
Most importantly, don't panic and don't do anything in haste. Read these FAQ. Read the thread, particularly the posts starting from the time that the strike dates were announced. Identify your options. Think about what works for you. Then take action. If you do anything in haste, you may have thrown away good options, or you may have thrown away money that you needn't have spent.
NOTE: Some emails have been sent out by mistake notifying the cancellation of flights on 8 September and other dates. If your booking still looks OK in MMB then you don't need to take further action. A cancelled flight should be shown in MMB with struck-through text. If your flight details are not struck through, then it probably hasn't actually been cancelled. You could check ba.com to see whether BA is still taking reservations for the flight in question. If so, then the flight has not been cancelled. You may also try checking on ExpertFlyer, if you have access, to see whether your flight appears still to be operating and whether BA is still taking reservations. However, some afternoon/evening flights on 8 September have genuinely been cancelled. See main thread for details.
Has a strike been called yet?
Yes. BALPA, the pilots' union, has voted in favour of strike action, and the Court of Appeal has rejected BA's submission to have the poll set aside, so the legal process is now over. The two parties went back into talks after the legal proceedings and those talks were expected to continue into the week of 5 August.
BALPA on 23 Aug announced strikes on Monday 9 September Tuesday 10 September and Friday 27 September.
Any further strikes normally require 2 weeks notice under UK legislation.
What flights may be affected?
LHR and LGW based flights. Not LCY or STN flights. Both cabin and flight crew are in dispute with BA, but the pilots (captains, senior first officers, first officers) are closest to strike action.
How long would a strike last?
The initial strikes are for two days the a single day, with normal working in between. Any other strikes could be of any length. It would be rare in the UK for there to be a full time strike.
What would happen to my flights if it is a strike day?
A range of options have been announced, see post 1551 below for more information: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...l#post31451055
and BA Trade Site guidance here: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...kba?faqid=7594
Rebooking is now allowed on Iberia, AA, Finnair, JAL and Qatar. Within Europe EI and Vueling are also allowed. This is for both revenue and redemption flights.
and the FAQ on BA.com here (this includes information on BA Holidays bookings which are substantially different): https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...st-information
Can I do anything with an existing booking now?
Yes. Your options are different depending on whether your flights are currently showing as cancelled or not. See the links above.
What about Heathrow staff - aren't their strikes planned there too?
Yes there is a separate dispute at the moment between Heathrow Airport (HAL) and their staff such as those who operate the security checkpoints. See the separate thread on the issue.
Am I protected by EC261 if there is a problem?
You are always covered by the Right to Care provisions of Regulation EC261. You could potentially be able to claim compensation for delays, cancellations and downgrades caused by BA staff action too, but not for HAL strikes (for cancellations only if there is flight is less than 14 day’s notice). See the main EC261 thread in the BA Forum Dashboard.
Help! What do I do now?
Most importantly, don't panic and don't do anything in haste. Read these FAQ. Read the thread, particularly the posts starting from the time that the strike dates were announced. Identify your options. Think about what works for you. Then take action. If you do anything in haste, you may have thrown away good options, or you may have thrown away money that you needn't have spent.
NOTE: Some emails have been sent out by mistake notifying the cancellation of flights on 8 September and other dates. If your booking still looks OK in MMB then you don't need to take further action. A cancelled flight should be shown in MMB with struck-through text. If your flight details are not struck through, then it probably hasn't actually been cancelled. You could check ba.com to see whether BA is still taking reservations for the flight in question. If so, then the flight has not been cancelled. You may also try checking on ExpertFlyer, if you have access, to see whether your flight appears still to be operating and whether BA is still taking reservations. However, some afternoon/evening flights on 8 September have genuinely been cancelled. See main thread for details.
Has a strike been called yet?
Yes. BALPA, the pilots' union, has voted in favour of strike action, and the Court of Appeal has rejected BA's submission to have the poll set aside, so the legal process is now over. The two parties went back into talks after the legal proceedings and those talks were expected to continue into the week of 5 August.
BALPA on 23 Aug announced strikes on Monday 9 September Tuesday 10 September and Friday 27 September.
Any further strikes normally require 2 weeks notice under UK legislation.
What flights may be affected?
LHR and LGW based flights. Not LCY or STN flights. Both cabin and flight crew are in dispute with BA, but the pilots (captains, senior first officers, first officers) are closest to strike action.
How long would a strike last?
The initial strikes are for two days the a single day, with normal working in between. Any other strikes could be of any length. It would be rare in the UK for there to be a full time strike.
What would happen to my flights if it is a strike day?
A range of options have been announced, see post 1551 below for more information: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brit...l#post31451055
and BA Trade Site guidance here: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...kba?faqid=7594
Rebooking is now allowed on Iberia, AA, Finnair, JAL and Qatar. Within Europe EI and Vueling are also allowed. This is for both revenue and redemption flights.
and the FAQ on BA.com here (this includes information on BA Holidays bookings which are substantially different): https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...st-information
Can I do anything with an existing booking now?
Yes. Your options are different depending on whether your flights are currently showing as cancelled or not. See the links above.
What about Heathrow staff - aren't their strikes planned there too?
Yes there is a separate dispute at the moment between Heathrow Airport (HAL) and their staff such as those who operate the security checkpoints. See the separate thread on the issue.
Am I protected by EC261 if there is a problem?
You are always covered by the Right to Care provisions of Regulation EC261. You could potentially be able to claim compensation for delays, cancellations and downgrades caused by BA staff action too, but not for HAL strikes (for cancellations only if there is flight is less than 14 day’s notice). See the main EC261 thread in the BA Forum Dashboard.
LHR/LGW pilots (BALPA) industrial action 9 Sep, 10 Sep, and 27 Sep
Sep 13, 2019, 7:10 am
#2011
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,811
From past experience, I would say BA know exactly which button to press to get the bookings to flow in again, once the dispute is resolved - as it will be at some point. A few BOGOF deals, an eye catching CW fare to JFK and I'm sure FTers will be spearheading the cavalcade.
Sep 13, 2019, 7:26 am
#2012
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC, Eurostar
Posts: 3,293
From past experience, I would say BA know exactly which button to press to get the bookings to flow in again, once the dispute is resolved - as it will be at some point. A few BOGOF deals, an eye catching CW fare to JFK and I'm sure FTers will be spearheading the cavalcade.
Sep 13, 2019, 7:34 am
#2013
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle.
Posts: 1,448
I have 4 BA bookings left and if any end up being strike it I will likely cancel rather than rebook then rebook on another airline.
Sep 13, 2019, 7:35 am
#2014
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Munich, Algarve, Sussex or S.F Bay Area
Programs: Mucci, BA Gold, A3*Gold, AA Plat, HH Gold, IHG Plat Amb, Marriott Plat
Posts: 4,163
From past experience, I would say BA know exactly which button to press to get the bookings to flow in again, once the dispute is resolved - as it will be at some point. A few BOGOF deals, an eye catching CW fare to JFK and I'm sure FTers will be spearheading the cavalcade.
Sep 13, 2019, 7:38 am
#2015
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle.
Posts: 1,448
I guess BALPA have to be wary of doing stuff like that which would mean comp becomes payable by BA. They don't want to damage the business too much, after all that's the business they are trying to extract money from and need to succeed so there aren't job losses down the road.
A very difficult balance to find.
A very difficult balance to find.
Sep 13, 2019, 8:10 am
#2016
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Lincoln, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, IHG Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 1,267
My opinion is based on media and FT posts. I have no insider knowledge!
I think BALPA have played a sensible game so far. They have tried to be fair, giving more than the 14 days notice so that BA can avoid the compensation claims. And how have BA responded? It appears that they are stonewalling and refusing to negotiate any further.
So BALPA now either back down which is unlikely giving BA's intransigence. I also figure that compared to cabin crew, most pilots can accept some extra unpaid leave. So if BA are prepared to accept a speculated £120 million cost to achieve nothing, BALPA need to raise the ante. BA / IAG are not in a weak financial position and they clearly have a "war chest". How investor confidence responds to this may be the golden egg. Share options are a lucrative reward for most executives - knocking the share price will have an immediate impact on the senior team at BA / IAG.
Finally, whatever BALPA decide do after their next announcement is subject to how BA respond. Announce the erroneously reported 10-day mega strike may be the straw that brings BA back to the table with an acceptable offer. Do this with 14 days and 10 minutes notice means BA face a speculated £400 million cost plus EU compensation for almost 1.5 million passengers. That would get their attention and if not the negotiating team, definitely the shareholders. Both sides need to offer the other side an exit that retains a certain level of victory.
But then with WW and AC, who knows what planet they are getting their strategy from. Captain Edward Smith remains the last captain of the Titanic. Is that how WW wants his Wikipedia to page to read - went down with his ship?
As someone with two affected flights in the current strike period, I say power to the pilots!
I think BALPA have played a sensible game so far. They have tried to be fair, giving more than the 14 days notice so that BA can avoid the compensation claims. And how have BA responded? It appears that they are stonewalling and refusing to negotiate any further.
So BALPA now either back down which is unlikely giving BA's intransigence. I also figure that compared to cabin crew, most pilots can accept some extra unpaid leave. So if BA are prepared to accept a speculated £120 million cost to achieve nothing, BALPA need to raise the ante. BA / IAG are not in a weak financial position and they clearly have a "war chest". How investor confidence responds to this may be the golden egg. Share options are a lucrative reward for most executives - knocking the share price will have an immediate impact on the senior team at BA / IAG.
Finally, whatever BALPA decide do after their next announcement is subject to how BA respond. Announce the erroneously reported 10-day mega strike may be the straw that brings BA back to the table with an acceptable offer. Do this with 14 days and 10 minutes notice means BA face a speculated £400 million cost plus EU compensation for almost 1.5 million passengers. That would get their attention and if not the negotiating team, definitely the shareholders. Both sides need to offer the other side an exit that retains a certain level of victory.
But then with WW and AC, who knows what planet they are getting their strategy from. Captain Edward Smith remains the last captain of the Titanic. Is that how WW wants his Wikipedia to page to read - went down with his ship?
As someone with two affected flights in the current strike period, I say power to the pilots!
Sep 13, 2019, 8:42 am
#2017
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
On top of using the centenary weekend in an effective but not unreasonable way: announce strike dates because of the publicity, but not actually ruin "the party". I was also struck by the fact that the gap between 10 September and 27 September was a few days over the two-week period. In an industrial dispute, you can't be timid if you want to get somewhere, but I agree that even so, BALPA has been acting as reasonably as you would expect a union of professionals to act.
Sep 13, 2019, 9:05 am
#2018
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 610
8 trips in the next 3 months now gone to other airlines, SH with whoever was best fit, 1 LH to Virgin (for status may H purposes or it would have been AA) with another possibly going to them or Qatar.
I have 4 BA bookings left and if any end up being strike it I will likely cancel rather than rebook then rebook on another airline.
I have 4 BA bookings left and if any end up being strike it I will likely cancel rather than rebook then rebook on another airline.
I am so glad none of my upcoming trips (of which i only have 2) are with BA
Sep 13, 2019, 9:09 am
#2019
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 1,166
Small observations from the strike(s) so far...
1. I had to fly to the US on a Star Alliance airline with no status last week: it was actually quite pleasant, and I didn't especially miss the BA "status"
2. Take-off from LHR on Monday was amazingly quick: 5 minutes taxi max...goes to show how much of the traffic is BA!
3. I have benefitted from the strikes for my next trip, by persuading BA to move me to what would have been a much more expensive flight without a Saturday night stay (which is much more convenient for me)
4. I met on my trip a load of BA crew who'd be stuck down route for a few days...and who appeared to have become rather (ahem) over-familiar with one another on their extended stay. I shan't say where I was, since my understanding is that some of them would prefer that 'down route stay down route'...it's tough on the picket line...
1. I had to fly to the US on a Star Alliance airline with no status last week: it was actually quite pleasant, and I didn't especially miss the BA "status"
2. Take-off from LHR on Monday was amazingly quick: 5 minutes taxi max...goes to show how much of the traffic is BA!
3. I have benefitted from the strikes for my next trip, by persuading BA to move me to what would have been a much more expensive flight without a Saturday night stay (which is much more convenient for me)
4. I met on my trip a load of BA crew who'd be stuck down route for a few days...and who appeared to have become rather (ahem) over-familiar with one another on their extended stay. I shan't say where I was, since my understanding is that some of them would prefer that 'down route stay down route'...it's tough on the picket line...
Sep 13, 2019, 9:14 am
#2020
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL/GFl, HH Diamond, BW Diamond, Virgin Voyages Deep Blue Extra, Blue Peter Badge Holder
Posts: 3,937
Small observations from the strike(s) so far...
1. I had to fly to the US on a Star Alliance airline with no status last week: it was actually quite pleasant, and I didn't especially miss the BA "status"
2. Take-off from LHR on Monday was amazingly quick: 5 minutes taxi max...goes to show how much of the traffic is BA!
3. I have benefitted from the strikes for my next trip, by persuading BA to move me to what would have been a much more expensive flight without a Saturday night stay (which is much more convenient for me)
4. I met on my trip a load of BA crew who'd be stuck down route for a few days...and who appeared to have become rather (ahem) over-familiar with one another on their extended stay. I shan't say where I was, since my understanding is that some of them would prefer that 'down route stay down route'...it's tough on the picket line...
1. I had to fly to the US on a Star Alliance airline with no status last week: it was actually quite pleasant, and I didn't especially miss the BA "status"
2. Take-off from LHR on Monday was amazingly quick: 5 minutes taxi max...goes to show how much of the traffic is BA!
3. I have benefitted from the strikes for my next trip, by persuading BA to move me to what would have been a much more expensive flight without a Saturday night stay (which is much more convenient for me)
4. I met on my trip a load of BA crew who'd be stuck down route for a few days...and who appeared to have become rather (ahem) over-familiar with one another on their extended stay. I shan't say where I was, since my understanding is that some of them would prefer that 'down route stay down route'...it's tough on the picket line...
Quite frankly I care very little what CC get up to down route and provide it doesn’t impact on me or safety that’s their own business.
Sep 13, 2019, 9:34 am
#2021
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
Sep 13, 2019, 9:37 am
#2022
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: London, UK
Posts: 5,105
I dunno, I am just planning a week-long business trip in mid-October and have asked my PA to avoid BA because of the uncertainty. I suspect most business travel is like mine, scheduled a few weeks in advance, rather than more hurried?
Sep 13, 2019, 9:48 am
#2023
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: Mucci, BA Gold, HHonours Diamond, BA AMEX PremPlus
Posts: 5,140
Sep 13, 2019, 9:56 am
#2024
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,211
Well I haven't a clue what a BA pilot earns....perks 'n all. I also don't have a clue what BA pilots are demanding and what BA has offered them so far.
My only concern about this whole affair is two family members of mine are booked to fly to EZE from Scotland in late November and are bringing me lots of goodies I cannot get here!! I'm not losing too much sleep over it just yet though.
My only concern about this whole affair is two family members of mine are booked to fly to EZE from Scotland in late November and are bringing me lots of goodies I cannot get here!! I'm not losing too much sleep over it just yet though.
Sep 13, 2019, 10:20 am
#2025
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
Programs: Lifetime Gold, Global Entry, Hertz PC, and my wallet
Posts: 20,343
I start a project in the US in October and have told 7 people that under no circumstances are they to fly BA. It's not the money I care about, I just need them there between certain dates. My company has a massive coprorate deal with BA so they will not remove them as an option from Concur, so everything is an exception which is rather annoying.