British Airways on Strike Next Week - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**LiveFreeorDie** · 01-26-2007, 05:41 AM

I hope we do not have Travelpunks caught up in this:

BA said yesterday that it will cancel hundreds of flights next week because of the planned walkout by cabin crew in a dispute over sick leave and pay.

The move followed the breakdown of talks overnight between the airline and the union, meaning an initial 48-hour stoppage probably will take place starting Tuesday. Hopes had been raised Wednesday that a settlement could be reached after the union called off the first day of a planned three-day stoppage set to start Monday.

BA said it won't operate any passenger flights from its Heathrow base or from Gatwick on Tuesday and Wednesday. About 550 BA flights typically arrive and leave Heathrow daily, with another 160 domestic and European flights at Gatwick, a spokesman said.

BA said it remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement before Tuesday but wanted to give customers early warning of its flying schedule so they can seek alternative travel arrangements.

**florencia9699** · 01-26-2007, 07:08 AM

Oh, man... I swear, if that happened to me as I'm about to board my flight after 7 years of looking forward to this trip.... heads WILL roll!

A month ago AirMadrid claimed banckrupcy.... fortunately I hadn't bought my ticket just yet... that company was one of my number one choices!!

**MeTurk** · 01-26-2007, 08:02 AM

It might not be the only one either the unions say they will strike again during the summer unless their demands are met.

BA have seen to it that all passengers are either refunded or booked on other airlines, I think the company looked after their passengers really well.

**BigE** · 01-26-2007, 08:04 AM

I almost bought a ticket from BA for my next trip. I would guess the strike would be over by then.

**omisan** · 01-26-2007, 11:14 AM

Longhaul flights into London on Tuesday should still operate.
Longhaul flights into London on Tuesday may be cut off.

All shorthaul flights for Tuesday and Wednesday originating/ending in LHR and LGW are canceled. All longhaul flights originating in LHR and LGW are canceled, as well.

So if you're flying into London from outside of Europe, you're OK