We are booked to fly to London via British Airways and they are talking about possible strike action in August. What happens? My trip cancellation/interuption insurance covers insolvency but not strike cancellations. I could get a refund of the flight cost on my credit card (if the airline doesn't actually provide the service I paid for), but all the other costs (room deposits, Rail Passes, etc) would not be covered!!!!
I called the British Airways number in North America and was told that if there was a strike that BA would make arrangements at their cost to get us on another carrier, but is that true? Would it be the same day?
I am in such a state right now because this trip is for our family of four and is the trip we have been dreaming of for years.
So...what actually happens if an airline goes on strike? Will I still get to fly or will I have to buy new tickets at the full fare price and then get a refund of the price I paid in February?
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
Usually Helen, you are provided travel on another airline. It's messy if your travel is in the first day or two of the strike, after that it get slowly better, but it's pretty much common practice.
I would get what they said about the strike in writing. (re-accommodating you).
I would also not reserve any rooms or hotels that require a deposit if you have any to go.
Most times, hotels, etc are good about giving refunds for things like - as long as forewarned in advance.
We had a similar situation, when AS we purchased our flights... SAS announced they were closing that route at an "unknown future time". I felt great. =\
But we made it OK!!! And had a wonderful trip.
I guess, a Europe trip just isn't a Europe trip, without threat of a strike. It's just part of the whole, 'experience'.
Posted by
vancouver, bc, canada
421 posts
I am flying in October.
I am sure that they will sort something out before a strike. The airline has enough financial problems right now and a strike would just make it worse for them.
Posted by
Freedonia
14987 posts
First, Helen, stop worrying....you have no control over what happens at BA. And the anticipatory anxiety you're giving yourself will make you sick.
Chris is right. BA will do what it can to put you on another airline. However, that doesn't mean it will be at the same time but they're pretty good at it and other carriers will work with them. (BA has to pay those carriers so it's in the other carrier's best interest to be of service.) I wouldn't be surprised to see other airlines offer to honor BA's tickets.
If you have deposits at hotels the first night or so, you might want to get in touch with them when you are sure there is going to be strike. Not now, closer to the strike action in August. The hotel will probably work with you.
More than likely, as was mentioned, something will be done to prevent the strike. It's the last thing BA needs right now.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, BC, Canada
21 posts
Thanks everyone.
If I were travelling alone, I would just relax and deal with it.
Because we are flying with two children (8 & 9), we have been more concerned than usual. It is hard enough flying with kids for nine hours without adding more delays, etc., etc.,
Thanks again for helping me stop worrying!