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
Jul 11, 2019, 10:12 am
#286
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Battleaxe Alliance
Posts: 22,127
I am not particularly worried about this. There is no way of using any of the ground staff members as pilots, and given it's summer and they can't easily put passengers on other carriers or have spare capacity to juggle things, I'd say BA will compromise before the pilots actually go on strike.
Jul 11, 2019, 11:01 am
#289
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Argentina
Posts: 40,208
Enjoy your retirement....there's a lack of crop sprayers here if you ever get bored.
Jul 11, 2019, 11:05 am
#290
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
I used to share a flat with a crop sprayer, until he got killed flying into power cables. I think i'll pass on that kind offer and go for a drink with Uncle T instead.
Jul 11, 2019, 3:50 pm
#291
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle.
Posts: 1,447
Jul 11, 2019, 5:34 pm
#292
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 57
So I’m booked on a flight on the 4th August from LHR > PEK but as an overnight flight landing on the 5th. Given I think the strike could start on the 5th could my flight be cancelled?
I’m assuming the alternative of the pilots taking off but ‘downing tools’ at midnight UK time is not likely!!!!
I’m assuming the alternative of the pilots taking off but ‘downing tools’ at midnight UK time is not likely!!!!
Jul 11, 2019, 6:18 pm
#293
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,192
So I’m booked on a flight on the 4th August from LHR > PEK but as an overnight flight landing on the 5th. Given I think the strike could start on the 5th could my flight be cancelled?
I’m assuming the alternative of the pilots taking off but ‘downing tools’ at midnight UK time is not likely!!!!
I’m assuming the alternative of the pilots taking off but ‘downing tools’ at midnight UK time is not likely!!!!
The earliest a strike could take place is the 5th but that is predicated on BALPA announcing that date immediately the ballot results is announced as they have to give 14 days notice. I really don't see that happening.
Until the ballot results is known and POSSIBLE dates are announced no one knows anything.
Jul 11, 2019, 11:52 pm
#294
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
So I’m booked on a flight on the 4th August from LHR > PEK but as an overnight flight landing on the 5th. Given I think the strike could start on the 5th could my flight be cancelled?
I’m assuming the alternative of the pilots taking off but ‘downing tools’ at midnight UK time is not likely!!!!
I’m assuming the alternative of the pilots taking off but ‘downing tools’ at midnight UK time is not likely!!!!
Jul 12, 2019, 1:11 am
#295
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: NT Australia
Programs: QF WP
Posts: 4,160
If your flight takes off on the 4th then it won't be affected by any POSSIBLE strike. Suggesting they will just downtools at midnight is just laughable.
The earliest a strike could take place is the 5th but that is predicated on BALPA announcing that date immediately the ballot results is announced as they have to give 14 days notice. I really don't see that happening.
Until the ballot results is known and POSSIBLE dates are announced no one knows anything.
The earliest a strike could take place is the 5th but that is predicated on BALPA announcing that date immediately the ballot results is announced as they have to give 14 days notice. I really don't see that happening.
Until the ballot results is known and POSSIBLE dates are announced no one knows anything.
Jul 12, 2019, 1:50 am
#296
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: UK
Programs: Tufty Club (Gold), BAGA Gymnastics level 4, 440yds swimming certificate
Posts: 2,533
Is there chance of disruption before a strike with pilots cutting back on overtime? This has caused BA problems in previous summers where they have relied on overtime to meet the requirements of the intense summer schedule
Jul 12, 2019, 2:16 am
#297
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
There has already been at least 1 citiflyer flight canceled due to no crew available, and I would bet LHR/LGW are getting tight on crew, so that cannot be ruled out.
Jul 12, 2019, 2:41 am
#298
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Berkshire UK (LHR)
Programs: BA & Accor Gold | Hilton Diamond
Posts: 143
Logistically, if a flight such as Middleofthebus's LHR-PEK flight on the 4th August operates as normal and the strike is set for the 5th, and the next flight crew are part of the strike, does the plane then just sit at PEK? Presumably this would cost BA in airport costs etc. Also, if the pilots are refusing to fly, I assume that BA would only put them up in appropriate accommodation for operational reasons and any striking pilots away from home would have to pay for their own food and board? In somewhere like Beijing I guess staying in China for longer than expected may have visa implications...
This may have been discussed before with CC strikes etc but I'm really interested to know how a strike like this would affect those crew who end up away from base on strike days.
This may have been discussed before with CC strikes etc but I'm really interested to know how a strike like this would affect those crew who end up away from base on strike days.
Jul 12, 2019, 2:45 am
#299
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
Logistically, if a flight such as Middleofthebus's LHR-PEK flight on the 4th August operates as normal and the strike is set for the 5th, and the next flight crew are part of the strike, does the plane then just sit at PEK? Presumably this would cost BA in airport costs etc. Also, if the pilots are refusing to fly, I assume that BA would only put them up in appropriate accommodation for operational reasons and any striking pilots away from home would have to pay for their own food and board? In somewhere like Beijing I guess staying in China for longer than expected may have visa implications...
This may have been discussed before with CC strikes etc but I'm really interested to know how a strike like this would affect those crew who end up away from base on strike days.
This may have been discussed before with CC strikes etc but I'm really interested to know how a strike like this would affect those crew who end up away from base on strike days.
Jul 12, 2019, 2:47 am
#300
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC, Eurostar
Posts: 3,289
That'd actually be a good strategy for BALPA. Start turning the screw to avoid bigger disruption later...