Global

British Airways cabin crew union wins strike appeal | 05:20 PM GMT, May 20, 2010

As communicated today via CWT Alert, Unite, the union representing British Airways’ (BA) cabin crew, won an appeal against a High Court injunction earlier this week blocking the union’s first announced strike period.

A spokesperson for the union has confirmed that no action will be taken this week, but that if an agreement cannot be reached, the strike could begin with the previously announced strike period of May 18-22.

In response, BA has implemented its contingency plans and will operate all flights to/from London City Airport and London Gatwick Airport. As the carrier works to restore service, it asks that only those passengers with confirmed travel reservations arrive at the airport.

For travel up to May 23, 2010
Some previously canceled flights to/from London Heathrow Airport are being reinstated.

BA’s Arrival and Departure information is current. CWT passengers are encouraged to monitor this site for up-to-the-minute information on all flights for today and up to 10 days in advance.

For travel between May 24-29, 2010
BA has confirmed its flight schedule for ALL flights to/from London Heathrow during this period. Again, CWT travelers should refer to BA’s Arrival and Departure information for the most current information.

Rebooking for potential strike periods up to May 23 and May 24-29
In the event of flight cancellations due to the strike, passengers will be able to:
• Rebook on another BA flight on the same route within 355 days of the original date of travel at no extra charge, subject to availability, or
• Rebook on another BA flight to/from the nearest alternative airport (example: if booked to/from Boston, passengers could rebook to/from Philadelphia or New York) at no extra charge, subject to availability, or
• Rebook onto an agreed alternative airline, subject to availability, or
• Cancel the booking and obtain a refund to the original form of payment.

Important items to note:
• All changes must be made prior to the departure of the original flight.
• Per BA’s stipulation, tickets issues after May 10 are not covered by these guidelines.

Passengers who claim a full refund and then discover the originally booked flight will operate normally and want to rebook the original flight will be treated as a new passenger and can only purchase the new ticket at the current available fare.

Passengers who wish to rebook on a flight outside of the strike period and then discover the originally booked flight will operate are allowed to rebook back onto the original flight at no extra cost, subject to availability. Refunds will only apply if the fare rules allow.

For travel between May 30-June 4, 2010
BA plans to operate a substantial part of its longhaul schedule along with a number of flights to every destination across its shorthaul network. According to the carrier’s website, all flights operating to/from London Heathrow during this time period will be confirmed on Wednesday, May 26. Any changes to bookings on these flights are also subject to the original fare rules. Current details on flights the carrier will operate through subsidiary, franchise, codeshare and alliance flights, for this potential strike period have been announced.

For travel between June 5-9, 2010
BA plans to operate a substantial part of its longhaul schedule along with a number of flights to every destination across its shorthaul network. According to the carrier’s website, all flights operating to/from London Heathrow during this time period will be confirmed on Monday, May 31. Any changes to bookings on these flights are also subject to the original fare rules. Current details on flights the carrier will operate through subsidiary, franchise, codeshare and alliance flights for this potential strike period have been announced.

Rebooking for potential strike periods May 30-June 4 and June 5-9
CWT passengers with a flight booked on any London Heathrow flight during these time periods who wish to change travel plans can:
• Rebook on another BA flight on the same route within 355 days of the original date of travel at no extra charge, subject to availability. Refunds are not allowed unless the fare rules allow.

Important items to note:
• All changes must be made prior to the departure of the original flight.
• Per BA’s stipulation, tickets issues after May 10 are not covered by these guidelines.

CWT passengers with a travel reservation on a BA flight outside of these dates, a flight to/from London City or London Gatwick or one operated by a franchise, codeshare or alliance partner can make changes these flights at the same time.

Due to the potential for continued changes to BA’s flight schedules, CWT recommends that passengers monitor the carrier’s website at www.ba.com for the most current information and flight schedules and refer to the carrier’s Frequently Asked Questions link for additional details.

CWT will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional information as appropriate.

If you have any questions about the information contained in this Hot News, please contact your CWT representative.