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British Airways announces flight schedule for final strike period | 03:20 PM GMT, June 4, 2010

As communicated earlier via CWT Hot News, Unite, the union representing the majority of British Airways (BA) cabin crew recently announced a series of strike dates. Between now and June 9, 2010, BA’s Heathrow longhaul schedule will increase to over 80 percent of flights, and its Heathrow shorthaul schedule will include 60 percent of flights.

The carrier has now finalized its flight schedule for the final strike period, June 5 through June 9. As previously communicated, all flights into/out of London Gatwick Airport and London City Airport will continue to operate normally.

For travel up to June 4, 2010
CWT travelers with travel scheduled during this time should check the status of their flight before arriving at the airport.

For travel between June 5-9, 2010
BA has now confirmed its flight schedule for flights into and out of London Heathrow June 5-9, 2010. CWT travelers with travel scheduled during this time period are encouraged to check the status of their flight before arriving at the airport.

Rebooking
CWT passengers with a flight that is still operating but 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. If a reservation includes a BA flight outside of the strike dates, or includes a flight from London City or any longhaul flight operating to/from London Gatwick or one operated by BA’s franchise, codeshare or alliance partners, passengers will be able to change these flights at the same time.

Cancellation policy
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. Any additional costs to/from the alternative airport will be at the passenger’s expense, or
• Cancel the booking and obtain a refund to the original form of payment.

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

Due to the possibility of 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.