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What is going to happen during the BA strikes and how affects you

Saturday 20 Mar 2010 8:08pm

Some answers you might need in respect to compensations, refunds and other cancelled flights. Spanning a total of 7 days, from March 20-22 and March 27-30, over 30,000 people are proposed to be affected due to the British Airways walkouts. During these strike days, will all flights of British Airways be cancelled?No. Only a total of 1,100 flights will be laid off mostly affecting those originating out of Heathrow. Saturday, Sunday and Monday will see domestic services as well as nearly 70% of all flights that were to take place to different destinations in Europe such as Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris affected due to the emergency. Out of the total of 1,950 flights that were to take off during the first segment of the strike, only 850 will travel as per schedule. Most flights, such as those to destinations like Buenos Aires and São Paulo in South America as well as to Mexico City are cancelled. In fact, almost 50% of all flights to JFK Airport are disrupted by the strike. Even African courtiers have not been spared by BA with Lagos and Johannesburg also cancelled. In spite of all these cancellations, the BA website maintains that all long haul services originating from Gatwick would not be affected at all and that most of its short haul services from West Sussex should also continue as per schedule. Daily flights from London, including those heading to New York should remain unaffected. Is there any likelihood of the strikes being reversed?In spite of political pressure to resolve the issue, the BA management as well as the Unite union are still at loggerheads over the negotiations. While it is possible there might be a last ditch effort by both side to find a resolution, it is advisable that you have a backup solution in place as precaution. During the strike period, can I still make a booking should I need to?Yes. It is still possible to go ahead and make a reservation during the strike. However, since most flights are already full, it is unlikely you would be able to find a seat. What happens if my flight is cancelled?According to the BA website, should you be scheduled to travel during the strike period, i. e. between 20-22 March and 27 - 30 March, you would have to either seek a refund or try to reschedule your flight for another date. If however, your flight is schedule for the in-between period during 23 -26 March, you will be able to rebook your flight. What are my options if I am scheduled to fly as part of a package holiday?Assuming that you have booked your holiday package through an online or other high street travel agent, you are eligible to be protected under the Package Holiday Regulations Act. However, you will be qualified for this protection if and only if, you have paid the cost of the flight as part of the overall holiday package. Your travel agent will be responsible in case of any cancellation of a flight and should provide you with a complete refund or an alternate connecting flight. What if my flight is postponed?Although BA cannot be held responsible or liable should any of its fight be delayed or cancelled, as a passenger you will be entitled to receive some compensation voucher or other refund such as that of costs of the accommodation, cost of meals and other expenses. The overall costs of such expenses will be set as per the European regulations 261/04. If I have travel insurance, will I be covered for all expense including costs of the flight due to the cancellations?This

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