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
Sep 3, 2019, 4:33 am
#1156
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: 63,793
Thanks c-w-s, this forum has been invaluable over the past few weeks. Happy to have joined, and will look to contribute where I can (rather than just ask questions). Between potential strikes, LGW long-haul fleet issues and weather this has been a pretty stressful couple of weeks hah.
Sep 3, 2019, 4:35 am
#1157
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,945
I used the online Complaint/Claim form to put in a claim for the cost of the difference between the flights, which was about €150 for two passengers, and received an email from BA Customer Relations last night agreeing to pay this. So I guess a partial win for me, unfortunately I have to fly with Jet 2 to Stansted, but at least I'm not paying any more for the privilege.
ps I hope you enjoy Jess Glyne played repeatedly!!
Sep 3, 2019, 4:54 am
#1158
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,346
Sep 3, 2019, 8:31 am
#1159
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle.
Posts: 1,448
Am I right in thinking in BA rebooked a flight onto VS (for example) you could ask for Original route credit from BA, but also whack a FC number into the VS booking you could double bubble?
Sep 3, 2019, 9:20 am
#1161
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SEA, YVR
Programs: Alaska MVPG, Flying Blue Gold, BA Silver, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 568
It appears that my flight is still scheduled to operate (YVR-LHR on 9/10 then LHR-GLA on 9/11). Will have to wait and see whether it actually does...
Sep 3, 2019, 9:42 am
#1163
Join Date: Apr 2016
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, IHG Spire, AMEX Plat
Posts: 606
Sep 3, 2019, 9:44 am
#1164
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,945
it would apply here as well
Sep 3, 2019, 10:03 am
#1165
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: QDF
Programs: AA EXP (2MM), Marriott Tit
Posts: 1,036
Are 27 Sept (and related) cancellations posted?
I am scheduled to fly VIE-LHR on 28 Sept, departing at 07:45. Given the departure time, it seems very probable that this flight's aircraft normally flies LHR-VIE during the prior evening and overnights at VIE. Of course, that would be on the 27th, so it won't operate if the strike does occur on that date. The flight shows as "at risk," but not canceled on BA.com.
If cancellations for the 27th have been posted, I would take this as a sign that BA are planning to leave the aircraft from the flight on 26 September at VIE all day on the 27th, and the flight is likely to operate as scheduled.
If cancellations for the latter strike date have not yet been posted, however, I'm a lot less optimistic ...
If cancellations for the 27th have been posted, I would take this as a sign that BA are planning to leave the aircraft from the flight on 26 September at VIE all day on the 27th, and the flight is likely to operate as scheduled.
If cancellations for the latter strike date have not yet been posted, however, I'm a lot less optimistic ...
Sep 3, 2019, 10:15 am
#1166
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
If cancellations for the 27th have been posted, I would take this as a sign that BA are planning to leave the aircraft from the flight on 26 September at VIE all day on the 27th, and the flight is likely to operate as scheduled.
If cancellations for the latter strike date have not yet been posted, however, I'm a lot less optimistic ...
If cancellations for the latter strike date have not yet been posted, however, I'm a lot less optimistic ...
Sep 3, 2019, 10:28 am
#1167
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle.
Posts: 1,448
[QUOTE=KARFA;31485854]correct, you can double dip if your rebooked flight is non-oneworld. if your rebooked flight is oneworld you can only credit to one oneworld FFP.
Small plus I guess.... If this drags on in October and hits my US trip (MAN-LHR-YYZ-DFW, AUS-LHR-MAN) then ill try for VS reroute, ask for the original TPs (400) and try and nail a VS gold status match all at once... Would miss the A350 CS though... I might be over thinking this, lol
Small plus I guess.... If this drags on in October and hits my US trip (MAN-LHR-YYZ-DFW, AUS-LHR-MAN) then ill try for VS reroute, ask for the original TPs (400) and try and nail a VS gold status match all at once... Would miss the A350 CS though... I might be over thinking this, lol
Sep 3, 2019, 10:30 am
#1168
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: BA Gold, VS Gold, IHG Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle.
Posts: 1,448
I am scheduled to fly VIE-LHR on 28 Sept, departing at 07:45. Given the departure time, it seems very probable that this flight's aircraft normally flies LHR-VIE during the prior evening and overnights at VIE. Of course, that would be on the 27th, so it won't operate if the strike does occur on that date. The flight shows as "at risk," but not canceled on BA.com.
If cancellations for the 27th have been posted, I would take this as a sign that BA are planning to leave the aircraft from the flight on 26 September at VIE all day on the 27th, and the flight is likely to operate as scheduled.
If cancellations for the latter strike date have not yet been posted, however, I'm a lot less optimistic ...
If cancellations for the 27th have been posted, I would take this as a sign that BA are planning to leave the aircraft from the flight on 26 September at VIE all day on the 27th, and the flight is likely to operate as scheduled.
If cancellations for the latter strike date have not yet been posted, however, I'm a lot less optimistic ...
Sep 4, 2019, 7:30 am
#1169
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: AA - EXP
Posts: 233
Two interesting data points from the last 24 hours...
Had a flight today in BCN-LHR, returning 9/10. Finally got through to BA yesterday. They told me explicitly that if I canceled my 9/10 flight before taking my flight today it would result in zero refund. Canceling after ‘probably will get a full refund’. Will see how that goes!
On the flight had a chat with one of the pilots and asked how the strikes looking. He smiled and told me to ‘watch this space’ and suggested it was ‘50/50’. Probably just a line that mitigates people getting pissy.
Hope this is somewhat useful!
Had a flight today in BCN-LHR, returning 9/10. Finally got through to BA yesterday. They told me explicitly that if I canceled my 9/10 flight before taking my flight today it would result in zero refund. Canceling after ‘probably will get a full refund’. Will see how that goes!
On the flight had a chat with one of the pilots and asked how the strikes looking. He smiled and told me to ‘watch this space’ and suggested it was ‘50/50’. Probably just a line that mitigates people getting pissy.
Hope this is somewhat useful!
Sep 4, 2019, 1:18 pm
#1170
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 52
Cancellation of Flight on 7th Sep
Had an e-mail an hour ago to say my flight to EWR on the 7th in CW was cancelled, but they had booked me onto an earlier fligh to JFK. Then noticed that it was WTP, not happy. Went online and saw that there were two J seats available on the new flight. Got onto CS and was answered in 15 mins and they have changed me to J on the new flight, were they trying to pull a fast one (my original booking was I fare class, now J with extra Avios).
My question is as I have a hotel booked at Newark Airport, are BA responsible to fund my transport from JFK to EWR? After the change I received a text message again telling me my flight had been cancelled and giving details of the new flight but also saying "Travelling to or from a different point may incur additional expenses BA will not cover."
My question is as I have a hotel booked at Newark Airport, are BA responsible to fund my transport from JFK to EWR? After the change I received a text message again telling me my flight had been cancelled and giving details of the new flight but also saying "Travelling to or from a different point may incur additional expenses BA will not cover."