Last edit by: corporate-wage-slave
Quick answers to FAQ
Update 18 September 2019: BALPA, the pilots union, has called off their strike for 27 September. We are awaiting a status update from BA on the next steps.
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, see post 540 for an example of a mistake cancellation, see post 818 for a genuinely cancelled flight.
Post 540 (mistake cancellation): https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31451182-post540.html
Post 818 (real cancellation): https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31454467-post818.html
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) have announced strike dates.
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 here
and BA Trade Site guidance here
The list of airlines that can be used for rebooking BA flights is now very long, and the list is available here:
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/traveltrade/bookings-policies/policies/askba?faqid=7594
As of 27 August, this was the old list, and you can track the rollout of OAL via the main thread: Iberia, AA, Aer Lingus (Transatlantic routed limited to 09/10 Sep Only), Finnair, JAL, Malaysia, Qatar, SAS, Brussels, Egyptair, Precision Air, Cathay Pacific and Etihad, Saudia, Gulf, Qantas, Tradewind Aviation, Interjet, LATAM, Air France, KLM, Air New Zealand, Philippine Airlines, EVA Air, Kenya Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Baltic, Air Atlantic, Croatia and Vueling. Between LHR/MAN and SIN only for Economy passengers, Singapore Airlines is allowed. Between LON and SOF only, Bulgaria is allowed. Between London and Newcastle, Leeds and Edinburgh BA can rebook via the LNER rail company. Suspended then but now allowed: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian
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): here
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.[/left]
Update 18 September 2019: BALPA, the pilots union, has called off their strike for 27 September. We are awaiting a status update from BA on the next steps.
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, see post 540 for an example of a mistake cancellation, see post 818 for a genuinely cancelled flight.
Post 540 (mistake cancellation): https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31451182-post540.html
Post 818 (real cancellation): https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31454467-post818.html
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) have announced strike dates.
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 here
and BA Trade Site guidance here
The list of airlines that can be used for rebooking BA flights is now very long, and the list is available here:
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/traveltrade/bookings-policies/policies/askba?faqid=7594
As of 27 August, this was the old list, and you can track the rollout of OAL via the main thread: Iberia, AA, Aer Lingus (Transatlantic routed limited to 09/10 Sep Only), Finnair, JAL, Malaysia, Qatar, SAS, Brussels, Egyptair, Precision Air, Cathay Pacific and Etihad, Saudia, Gulf, Qantas, Tradewind Aviation, Interjet, LATAM, Air France, KLM, Air New Zealand, Philippine Airlines, EVA Air, Kenya Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Baltic, Air Atlantic, Croatia and Vueling. Between LHR/MAN and SIN only for Economy passengers, Singapore Airlines is allowed. Between LON and SOF only, Bulgaria is allowed. Between London and Newcastle, Leeds and Edinburgh BA can rebook via the LNER rail company. Suspended then but now allowed: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian
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): here
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.[/left]
Help Desk: practical assistance for those affected by strikes on 9, 10, 27 Sep
#677
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle.
Posts: 1,448
I'll ping a DM to the Twitter team with some new dates and await them to sort it, really it's a case of take the train on those dates and move the flights to an upcoming trip so no big deal for me.
Certainly not enough of a big deal to call up and hold or, perhaps more importantly, taking a call queue slot of someone who really needs help.
#678
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Glasgow, UK
Programs: Seigneur des Tarifs Utils First Class Mucci with Honours :) - BA GGL / CCR
Posts: 1,551
Currently KBP - LHR - GLA on 9th September all flights in the itinerary are fully cancelled.
There are 4 of us travelling together with hotels / tours booked etc and on fixed leave dates.
There is no other oneworld airline that serves Kiev so this feels like its going nowhere, Any advice before I call GGL Back?
There are 4 of us travelling together with hotels / tours booked etc and on fixed leave dates.
There is no other oneworld airline that serves Kiev so this feels like its going nowhere, Any advice before I call GGL Back?
No, only some airlines, I'm sure you have read the wiki. But I have FANTASTIC news for you - you can fly on Vueling on one of their longest services to Barcelona and on from there to Glasgow, you lucky people. It's not a daily service so it's the 8th or 11th but there is availability. There's also Qatar but I think that may be ruled out, unfortunately.
[Later on they may relent over e.g. Lufthansa connections, if you had been able to wait out the dispute it would be quite a hefty hotel bill].
[Later on they may relent over e.g. Lufthansa connections, if you had been able to wait out the dispute it would be quite a hefty hotel bill].
#679
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,197
My wife tried over 200 times before I told her to just give up. Thankfully I found out we weren't actually cancelled shortly after.
#680
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Nottingham, England
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 968
I can see plenty of hotels below £200 that night, so it wouldn't surprise me if you are capped at £200. Legally they have to pay the hotel fee under EC261 (see wiki and posts above) and there isn't actually a cap mentioned in the Regulation. But personally I think you're on sticky wicket if you go to a knowingly expensive hotel to avoid the 15 minute task of transferring from one hotel to another. After all BA would be within their rights to book you into a Hampton Inn at Henderson, for which the current airline rate is $72! Another way to look at it is that BA are giving you a hefty subsidy to increase your holiday by an extra day.
So when do I put in a claim, now or after the stay?
BTW "15 minute task of transferring from one hotel to another. " On what planet. Ourselves and 4 suitcases to hotel A, stand in checkin line for say 20 minutes, get to room, unpack what we would need for that first night, repack next morning check out at 11am. Then have to wait around till 4pm to checkin to hotel B. Stand in checkin for say 20 minutes or so.
#681
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Lincolnshire
Programs: BAEC Bronze, IHG Priority Club Platinum, SPG, Tufty Club
Posts: 217
That was my first thought (I'm a cynic). So I've taken a screen shot today of my 'cancelled' but 'operating' flight on 11th September. And 13 days before I'm going to do the same. It's either cancelled or operating they can't have it both ways.
#682
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: 63,809
ba.com/delay
On what planet.
#684
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,021
Got as far as speaking to someone on the gold line (cancelled return flight BGI to LGW on 9 Sept), they could only offer changing the return to 7th or 13th. Asked for the outward to be changed to a week before and she goes off to consult and then the line gets cut off before she returns.
i was assuming that they would happily change the outward to match a rescheduled return, sighs.
now starting again with the music on hold.
i was assuming that they would happily change the outward to match a rescheduled return, sighs.
now starting again with the music on hold.
as a data point, I asked about retrieving original booking if the strike is off; call centre have instruction that the flight is cancelled and may not be reinstating all flights.
thanks for all help and support.
#685
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: 63,809
#686
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 73
Just received from BA:-
"Following the announcement that the pilots’ union BALPA has issued dates for industrial action, we’ve been reviewing our flight schedule and operation.
We contacted you yesterday to advise you that your flight to xxxxxxxxx on 08 September 2019 was cancelled. We’re pleased to update you that your flight will now be operating as originally planned. We’re sorry for any inconvenience or concern this caused.
You can view your booking, and print a confirmation, in MMB(link removed by me)"
"Following the announcement that the pilots’ union BALPA has issued dates for industrial action, we’ve been reviewing our flight schedule and operation.
We contacted you yesterday to advise you that your flight to xxxxxxxxx on 08 September 2019 was cancelled. We’re pleased to update you that your flight will now be operating as originally planned. We’re sorry for any inconvenience or concern this caused.
You can view your booking, and print a confirmation, in MMB(link removed by me)"
#688
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: UK (currently)
Programs: BA Gold (and many other greater and lesser distinctions)
Posts: 7,208
They have finally got around to letting us know that last nights cancellation email for 8 Sept was a mistake. What a dreadful mess and hoawmany people will they have scared witless for no reason.
Following the announcement that the pilots’ union BALPA has issued dates for industrial action, we’ve been reviewing our flight schedule and operation.
We contacted you yesterday to advise you that your flight to London on 08 September 2019 was cancelled. We’re pleased to update you that your flight will now be operating as originally planned. We’re sorry for any inconvenience or concern this caused.
Following the announcement that the pilots’ union BALPA has issued dates for industrial action, we’ve been reviewing our flight schedule and operation.
We contacted you yesterday to advise you that your flight to London on 08 September 2019 was cancelled. We’re pleased to update you that your flight will now be operating as originally planned. We’re sorry for any inconvenience or concern this caused.
#689
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: BA Exec Club - Gold
Posts: 171
Data Point / Update:
Regarding some people yesterday being concerned they had received e-mails in error cancelling flights, I’ve just received the following:
Regarding some people yesterday being concerned they had received e-mails in error cancelling flights, I’ve just received the following:
“Dear Customer,
Following the announcement that the pilots’ union BALPA has issued dates for industrial action, we’ve been reviewing our flight schedule and operation.
We contacted you yesterday to advise you that your flight to London on 08 September 2019 was cancelled. We’re pleased to update you that your flight will now be operating as originally planned. We’re sorry for any inconvenience or concern this caused.
You can view your booking, and print a confirmation, in Manage My Booking.
If you’ve changed your travel plans and wish to fly on a different date, please contact us on 0800 727 800 from within the UK, or +44 (0)203 250 0145 from outside the UK. If you’ve booked via a travel agent, please contact them to discuss arrangements for your booking.
We’re sorry for any inconvenience this temporary change may have caused you, and we look forward to welcoming you on board.
British Airways”
Following the announcement that the pilots’ union BALPA has issued dates for industrial action, we’ve been reviewing our flight schedule and operation.
We contacted you yesterday to advise you that your flight to London on 08 September 2019 was cancelled. We’re pleased to update you that your flight will now be operating as originally planned. We’re sorry for any inconvenience or concern this caused.
You can view your booking, and print a confirmation, in Manage My Booking.
If you’ve changed your travel plans and wish to fly on a different date, please contact us on 0800 727 800 from within the UK, or +44 (0)203 250 0145 from outside the UK. If you’ve booked via a travel agent, please contact them to discuss arrangements for your booking.
We’re sorry for any inconvenience this temporary change may have caused you, and we look forward to welcoming you on board.
British Airways”
#690
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: BA Exec Club - Gold
Posts: 171
Data Point / Update:
Regarding some people yesterday being concerned they had received e-mails in error cancelling flights, I’ve just received the following:
Regarding some people yesterday being concerned they had received e-mails in error cancelling flights, I’ve just received the following:
“Dear Customer,
Following the announcement that the pilots’ union BALPA has issued dates for industrial action, we’ve been reviewing our flight schedule and operation.
We contacted you yesterday to advise you that your flight to London on 08 September 2019 was cancelled. We’re pleased to update you that your flight will now be operating as originally planned. We’re sorry for any inconvenience or concern this caused.
You can view your booking, and print a confirmation, in Manage My Booking.
If you’ve changed your travel plans and wish to fly on a different date, please contact us on 0800 727 800 from within the UK, or +44 (0)203 250 0145 from outside the UK. If you’ve booked via a travel agent, please contact them to discuss arrangements for your booking.
We’re sorry for any inconvenience this temporary change may have caused you, and we look forward to welcoming you on board.
British Airways”
Following the announcement that the pilots’ union BALPA has issued dates for industrial action, we’ve been reviewing our flight schedule and operation.
We contacted you yesterday to advise you that your flight to London on 08 September 2019 was cancelled. We’re pleased to update you that your flight will now be operating as originally planned. We’re sorry for any inconvenience or concern this caused.
You can view your booking, and print a confirmation, in Manage My Booking.
If you’ve changed your travel plans and wish to fly on a different date, please contact us on 0800 727 800 from within the UK, or +44 (0)203 250 0145 from outside the UK. If you’ve booked via a travel agent, please contact them to discuss arrangements for your booking.
We’re sorry for any inconvenience this temporary change may have caused you, and we look forward to welcoming you on board.
British Airways”