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
Jun 28, 2019, 3:07 pm
#197
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London Stratford, E7
Programs: BAEC Gold! Thanks to FT
Posts: 3,376
No issue with the strike or the claim for what those paid it see as fair pay increases, but the timing sucks and will define the view the public have.
Strike outside school holidays and disrupt my flights for work, no issue, no big deal, meetings can be re-arranged, alternate routes found etc, good lick with it. However strike during the school holidays, which happen to be the only time I can use my Avios to spend time with my family (the Avios I earn helping keep BA profitable) does feel like a kick in the teeth.
Options for refunds etc don't really help when you've booked with Avios and are kind of stuck. Here's hoping it's sorted by late August.
Strike outside school holidays and disrupt my flights for work, no issue, no big deal, meetings can be re-arranged, alternate routes found etc, good lick with it. However strike during the school holidays, which happen to be the only time I can use my Avios to spend time with my family (the Avios I earn helping keep BA profitable) does feel like a kick in the teeth.
Options for refunds etc don't really help when you've booked with Avios and are kind of stuck. Here's hoping it's sorted by late August.
Jun 28, 2019, 6:16 pm
#198
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Toronto
Programs: BA Exec Club - Demoted to Bronze and re-promoted to Silver alongside AC Elite 50K (gold) in 2022
Posts: 393
@tuonopepper
LOFL - no, it doesn't really help as we get it for months only as it suits BA to use YYZ in the short term to use the A350 to prove it's long haul credentials - it's only a matter of time before the 777's return (though I do like the roar and shudder as the engines crank up - such a bass voice kind of start up - none of this baritone effort from the dream liners!)
Don't worry - Toronto will return to it's lower league position soon enough
LOFL - no, it doesn't really help as we get it for months only as it suits BA to use YYZ in the short term to use the A350 to prove it's long haul credentials - it's only a matter of time before the 777's return (though I do like the roar and shudder as the engines crank up - such a bass voice kind of start up - none of this baritone effort from the dream liners!)
Don't worry - Toronto will return to it's lower league position soon enough
Jul 5, 2019, 10:55 am
#199
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: London Town
Programs: BA Silver, AF Silver
Posts: 465
Maybe you should check this thread out and god forbid one of you or your family are ever in this situation the ‘waiters/waitresses’ step in quickly.
BA658 LHR - Zakynthos, diverted to Zagreb, 26 Jun
Crew are always there for our safety. They have to pass recurrent training to demonstrate their ongoing competence. Look at the Vegas incident when fire broke out on take off roll and the 777 that dropped short of the runway at LHR. It’s skilled professional crew in the cockpit and cabin that ensured the most severe injury was a broken bone and a few cuts and grazes. Both of these could have been multi fatality accidents.
Jul 5, 2019, 10:56 am
#200
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: London Town
Programs: BA Silver, AF Silver
Posts: 465
Jul 5, 2019, 10:58 am
#201
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: London Town
Programs: BA Silver, AF Silver
Posts: 465
Let me guess - you're cabin crew. Either way, perhaps you can point out exactly what I've said that is wrong. And if there is any ignorance, perhaps you'd be good enough to correct me. Ignorance is cured by education, so you must have the answers if you believe I'm wrong.
Jul 5, 2019, 11:29 am
#202
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Bronze
Posts: 1,090
Way to miss the point. How many rotations have BA operated since the last incident like this? 5,000? 10,000? 100,000? The point I'm making is that most cabin crew will never face this kind of situation in their entire working career. And should they be unfortunate enough to experience it, they are fully trained to deal with it. And no doubt the crew were excellent and professional, but it doesn't change the fact that 99% or more of the flights any cabin crew will take will not require any of this training - they will be serving drinks and meals, and providing customer care. And being paid appropriately for that role.
Jul 5, 2019, 11:30 am
#203
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
Way to miss the point. How many rotations have BA operated since the last incident like this? 5,000? 10,000? 100,000? The point I'm making is that most cabin crew will never face this kind of situation in their entire working career. And should they be unfortunate enough to experience it, they are fully trained to deal with it. And no doubt the crew were excellent and professional, but it doesn't change the fact that 99% or more of the flights any cabin crew will take will not require any of this training - they will be serving drinks and meals, and providing customer care. And being paid appropriately for that role.
In fact, some recent events show how poor are some pilots' skills of a routine everyday nature, and yet they still managed to do their everyday jobs until the everyday button-pushing no longer worked. (Not BA pilots, just in case that needs spelling out.) Yet the logical extension of your argument is that pilots should be paid appropriately for button-pushing, and not for the emergency skills on which we might one day suddenly depend.
No thank you, as far as I am concerned.
Jul 5, 2019, 4:17 pm
#204
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: LON, ACK, BOS..... (Not necessarily in that order)
Programs: **Mucci Diamond Hairbrush** - compared to that nothing else matters (+BA Bronze)
Posts: 15,127
You could say the same about most of the emergency training given to most pilots.
In fact, some recent events show how poor are some pilots' skills of a routine everyday nature, and yet they still managed to do their everyday jobs until the everyday button-pushing no longer worked. (Not BA pilots, just in case that needs spelling out.) Yet the logical extension of your argument is that pilots should be paid appropriately for button-pushing, and not for the emergency skills on which we might one day suddenly depend.
No thank you, as far as I am concerned.
In fact, some recent events show how poor are some pilots' skills of a routine everyday nature, and yet they still managed to do their everyday jobs until the everyday button-pushing no longer worked. (Not BA pilots, just in case that needs spelling out.) Yet the logical extension of your argument is that pilots should be paid appropriately for button-pushing, and not for the emergency skills on which we might one day suddenly depend.
No thank you, as far as I am concerned.
Jul 5, 2019, 4:34 pm
#205
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,281
Way to miss the point. How many rotations have BA operated since the last incident like this? 5,000? 10,000? 100,000? The point I'm making is that most cabin crew will never face this kind of situation in their entire working career. And should they be unfortunate enough to experience it, they are fully trained to deal with it. And no doubt the crew were excellent and professional, but it doesn't change the fact that 99% or more of the flights any cabin crew will take will not require any of this training - they will be serving drinks and meals, and providing customer care. And being paid appropriately for that role.
Jul 5, 2019, 4:35 pm
#206
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: living near Malaga
Programs: BA Gold , Mucci recipient. Coffee Drinker, Blue Sky Thinker
Posts: 2,111
I'll second that. I'm writing as somebody who has been on a BA plane when there was a problem. A serious problem with an engine on a 747 flying TATL involving a lot of flame. I wasn't that concerned once they'd extinguished it because I knew that the flight deck crew were highly trained and professional. I was more concerned about the attitudes of my fellow passengers than I was about the crew who were calm and professional throughout.
Jul 5, 2019, 6:14 pm
#207
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,065
Let me guess - you're cabin crew. Either way, perhaps you can point out exactly what I've said that is wrong. And if there is any ignorance, perhaps you'd be good enough to correct me. Ignorance is cured by education, so you must have the answers if you believe I'm wrong.
Last edited by Waterhorse; Jul 5, 2019 at 6:26 pm
Jul 5, 2019, 11:54 pm
#208
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: NT Australia
Programs: QF WP
Posts: 4,160
Don't give BA ideas - then they'll split the longhaul cabin crew into two. One cohort that's safety trained - with the legal minimum number being on each flight. And a second cohort -- that only serves food and cleans up after passengers (and don't need safety training). The latter might not need more than a week to train... and World Traveller might become a flying Wetherspoons. Be careful what you wish for!
Jul 6, 2019, 3:44 am
#210
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
Let me guess - you're cabin crew. Either way, perhaps you can point out exactly what I've said that is wrong. And if there is any ignorance, perhaps you'd be good enough to correct me. Ignorance is cured by education, so you must have the answers if you believe I'm wrong.
