Aug 24, 2019, 4:29 am
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
Aug 24, 2019, 11:09 am
#707
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: UK
Programs: BA EC
Posts: 524
Aug 24, 2019, 11:18 am
#708
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: New York City
Programs: JGC
Posts: 445
I may be in a similar situation; I got an email saying my flight on the 8th (LHR-JFK 9:35am flight) is canceled, but on MMB it just shows in red text and You First agent confirmed the flight is still operating and that they had sent 'your flight was canceled' emails to everyone around the strike dates regardless of whether the flight was actually canceled or not. Was advised to keep checking the next few days for updates as more flights get canceled due to the strike.
Aug 24, 2019, 11:22 am
#709
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 517
Point of information - we rebooked our cancelled flight from the 9th to 12th sept yesterday, which was then classed as eligible for rebooking today, due to being at risk of disruption - So we’ve been allowed to cancel our newly rebooked flight for a full refund today.
The only problem is that no one at BA can say what the refund will be, because it’s a re-issued ticket and no one knows what it’s worth. Should I be hopeful that as we’d been moved to a 20tp ticket from a 5tp one, we could be looking at a much better refund than what we paid in the first place?
Also they are advising 15 working days for refund as opposed to the usual 5.
The only problem is that no one at BA can say what the refund will be, because it’s a re-issued ticket and no one knows what it’s worth. Should I be hopeful that as we’d been moved to a 20tp ticket from a 5tp one, we could be looking at a much better refund than what we paid in the first place?
Also they are advising 15 working days for refund as opposed to the usual 5.
Last edited by Joshm300; Aug 24, 2019 at 11:31 am
Aug 24, 2019, 11:31 am
#710
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Delta Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 197
I think I'm lucky.
I called Orbitz twice. Once around 5:30am EST. The agent had no idea. I had to end the call with her because I was boarding a flight.
A few hours later, I called Orbitz again. No wait. The agent seemed to be aware of the BA situation and found a ticket (took ~10 minutes), but then noticed I booked an Iberia marketed BA flight. So she had to call Iberia, but Iberia confirmed the flight. It was <30 minute phone call and I have my new tickets. (I asked for a flight on the 7th instead of the original date of the 8th, same routing, so not a complicated change.)
(Am getting more EQD too since the rebooked fare class is more expensive.)
Super lucky to not be on hold so long with BA. (I did try to call them multiple times, but could never get through.)
Good luck, everyone!
Aug 24, 2019, 11:34 am
#711
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Bronze, Accor Gold, Amex Plat, Hertz 5 Star, Global Entry
Posts: 119
What a ridiculous situation! Wasted all my morning rearranging flights for nothing! Certainly can't face calling up again to revert the changes, will stick with Vueling.
Anyone else hoping for another free year of status...
Anyone else hoping for another free year of status...
Aug 24, 2019, 11:35 am
#712
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,197
I'm really hoping that having sent the "your flight is actually running" mail that they'll be hesitant to cancel it again for any reason.
To be honest, I definitely expect some sort of gesture. I'm already considering moving my custom from now on.
The strike is not entirely their responsibility (long argument), but how they've handled it since absolutely is.
To be honest, I definitely expect some sort of gesture. I'm already considering moving my custom from now on.
The strike is not entirely their responsibility (long argument), but how they've handled it since absolutely is.
Aug 24, 2019, 11:37 am
#713
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Berkshire, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, VS Gold, HH Diamond, Accor Gold
Posts: 117
Same for me for my AMS-LHR-HKG flight on 12th Sep. Relieved, after having fretted all day having not been able to change it online nor get through to the Gold line.
Hope that those still affected are able to work things out quickly and smoothly.
Hope that those still affected are able to work things out quickly and smoothly.
Aug 24, 2019, 11:41 am
#714
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: DALLAS, TX
Programs: British Airways, Lufthansa, American Airlines, United Airlines, Hilton Honors
Posts: 25
Total mess. I also just received an email saying my flight was not cancelled (contrary to what their email said yesterday). Yet it still shows cancelled both on MMB and on ExpertFlyer.
I have now made alternative plans paying out of my pocket, counting on this flight to be refunded and on travel insurance paying for the rest.
I had originally booked the (supposedly) cancelled flight via Chase Ultimate Rewards and after about 2 hours on hold yesterday I am still waiting for them to figure out how to process my refund. Since this segment was marketed by Iberia, Chase/ Expedia needs some kind of approval from Iberia and were told it could only be done via email and it might take 48 hours. Not sure what to do at this point...
I have now made alternative plans paying out of my pocket, counting on this flight to be refunded and on travel insurance paying for the rest.
I had originally booked the (supposedly) cancelled flight via Chase Ultimate Rewards and after about 2 hours on hold yesterday I am still waiting for them to figure out how to process my refund. Since this segment was marketed by Iberia, Chase/ Expedia needs some kind of approval from Iberia and were told it could only be done via email and it might take 48 hours. Not sure what to do at this point...
Aug 24, 2019, 11:43 am
#715
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,924
With this obviously being done on the hoof, and being subject to human error (as we have already seen), not including unnecessary personal data in the communication is probably a good idea. Getting wrong cancellation emails is bad enough, but it bring addressed to someone else might be the straw that breaks the camel's back for already upset customers...
Aug 24, 2019, 11:46 am
#716
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: BA Exec Silver
Posts: 9
I just got this one too (and the same one for the LHR-GLA connection on the 11th)
We contacted you yesterday to advise you that your flight to London on 10 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.
But given the yvr-lhr leg is squarely on the strike date wondering if this is an error email lol.
We contacted you yesterday to advise you that your flight to London on 10 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.
But given the yvr-lhr leg is squarely on the strike date wondering if this is an error email lol.
BA's MMB shows the BOS-LHR has gone and the LHR-DUB is just in red. Just checked on AA site (001- ticket) and AA's MMB still showing all flights. I think I'll wait until the morning and call AA then.
Aug 24, 2019, 11:47 am
#717
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 46
Am I really cancelled?
I got a cancellation email just after taking off from Seattle to Anchorage, blah! My itinerary is as follows:
Anchorage to Seattle Sept 11
Seattle to LHR in club Sept 11
Sofitel Sept 12
LHR to Seattle in first Sept 24
Seattle to Anchorage Sept 24
The BA sept 11 flight is red, but not crossed out. Moreover, the Sept 11 flight is still showing up as bookable. I tried calling BA in the U.K., India, Hong Kong, plus BA first help all calls did not go through, or I was disconnected.
CWS and others any ideas?
Anchorage to Seattle Sept 11
Seattle to LHR in club Sept 11
Sofitel Sept 12
LHR to Seattle in first Sept 24
Seattle to Anchorage Sept 24
The BA sept 11 flight is red, but not crossed out. Moreover, the Sept 11 flight is still showing up as bookable. I tried calling BA in the U.K., India, Hong Kong, plus BA first help all calls did not go through, or I was disconnected.
CWS and others any ideas?
Aug 24, 2019, 11:50 am
#719
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL (for now) and Lifetime Gold, Marriott fan thanks to Bonvoy Moments
Posts: 5,117
I got a cancellation email just after taking off from Seattle to Anchorage, blah! My itinerary is as follows:
Anchorage to Seattle Sept 11
Seattle to LHR in club Sept 11
Sofitel Sept 12
LHR to Seattle in first Sept 24
Seattle to Anchorage Sept 24
The BA sept 11 flight is red, but not crossed out. Moreover, the Sept 11 flight is still showing up as bookable. I tried calling BA in the U.K., India, Hong Kong, plus BA first help all calls did not go through, or I was disconnected.
CWS and others any ideas?
Anchorage to Seattle Sept 11
Seattle to LHR in club Sept 11
Sofitel Sept 12
LHR to Seattle in first Sept 24
Seattle to Anchorage Sept 24
The BA sept 11 flight is red, but not crossed out. Moreover, the Sept 11 flight is still showing up as bookable. I tried calling BA in the U.K., India, Hong Kong, plus BA first help all calls did not go through, or I was disconnected.
CWS and others any ideas?
Aug 24, 2019, 11:50 am
#720
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: 63,976
Thanks for the reply - finally got through but they said they had to send my request to the refunds team to calculate a partial refund. My breakdown is as follows:
$710.68 original booking, 2x round trip WT
$384.00 proactive upgrade for outbound from WT > WTP (unaffected flight)
$630.40 return flight change, +$30.40 in fare difference, $550.00 change fee (2x $275.00), $50.00 service center call fee
$274.50 + 26,000 AVIOS upgrade return flight from WT to WTP.
By my calculation the entirety of the last two lines should be refunded, and a portion of the original fare. ~$1,100 + 26,000 AVIOS.
$710.68 original booking, 2x round trip WT
$384.00 proactive upgrade for outbound from WT > WTP (unaffected flight)
$630.40 return flight change, +$30.40 in fare difference, $550.00 change fee (2x $275.00), $50.00 service center call fee
$274.50 + 26,000 AVIOS upgrade return flight from WT to WTP.
By my calculation the entirety of the last two lines should be refunded, and a portion of the original fare. ~$1,100 + 26,000 AVIOS.
The $274 and Avios are clearly repayable, and I guess around $200 of the first line too (difficult to be sure since APD is higher in WTP than WT). The change fee and service fee I suspect isn't refundable, but I really don't know. The fare difference should be repayable though. That brings us to a potential refund of about $500 plus 26k Avios.
I am wondering whether it makes more sense to cancel the whole booking, since then I imagine you get a full refund of everything, and can start again. But to be honest there is quite a lot of money in this, so I think you need to talk to an knowledgeable agent in some detail about this since I hesitate to give advice here.
It would be good to update us with the outcome, since this would help others. It may take a while though!