flying with B.A next week!

[JACKSDAD]

Hi there,
We're really starting to panic, as next Sunday(3rd) we are meant to be flying from gatwick with B.A. Now there is talk of strikes at Gatwick, we don't know if we will get there!.
Anyone else in the same boat?
Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Danauk]

I was wondering the same thing. We are flying from Gatwick as well but not until the 17th. Hopefully things will be sorted by then. I hope you get to go on your holiday on time.

 

[RachaelC]

I believe the potential strikes are likely to affect Heathrow (at least, that's all that has been publicised).

If you are concerned then I would suggest contacting BA on 0845 773 3377 and hopefully they can put your mind at rest.

Also, if BA know that their staff are going to strike then they will hopefully be able to make alternative arrangements regarding check-in procedure. The strikes last weekend were unusual in the fact that staff just walked out without notice.

Rachael

 

[Hilary]

We are due to fly out to Vancouver from Heathrow with BA this Friday (25th).

I've been keeping an eye on the BA website and checking the same flight numbers as ours, and the last two days they have gone on time (at the beginning of the week they were running up to eight hours late!), so I'm keeping optimistic.

As I understand it, any future industrial action will go ahead only if a ballot of members wish to strike, and there will be 7 days advance notice given. As Rachel said, last weekend's action was unofficial and took everyone by surprise. With 7 day's notice BA should be able to manage things much better, although it would undoubtedly cause major disruptions.

Fingers crossed for all of you (and me!) who might be affected by this, but try to remain positive - there's nothing we can do, so why worry when it might never happen?

 

[Bug Juice II]

No need to panic at the moment, just watch the news.

From what I have heard from various sources. Flights in the next few weeks should be OK. The next action will be ballotted strikes.

There is not only real ill feeling with ground check in staff, those who face the wrath of all of the passengers not booked in their allocated seats and deal with delayed flights. So be careful ! But also with other ground staff, that is engineers and baggage handlers who's pay and conditions has been reduced.

Cabin crew also, who accepted reductions in crew after 9/11. These reductions are still in place and further reductions planned.

I am in no doubt that the BA top brass are aware of this and will be planning to reduce the affect on passengers to a minimum. Hopefully also talking to the unions.


C

 

[Minniespal]

Hope everything is sorted by the time you go.

We are flying with BA but not until 24th October.

 

[SEVANS2208]

I think you'll be ok. Apparently the next lot of strike action won't be until the bank holiday weekend (23-25 August)

 

[WDWfan uk]

I really hope that you are unaffected.

I heard the same thing as Hilary - a strike will only happen after a ballot of members and if they vote for industrial action, there will be 7 days advance notice given.

The only issue affecting passengers at the moment was that the walk-out has caused a big problem with luggage. They have a huge back-log of luggage in a container waiting to be reunited with it's owners, but the report said they'd have that sorted out soon.

 

[Scottish_Maleficent]

Hope it all goes well for you - fingers crossed!!

Cath

 

[JACKSDAD]

many thanks guys for the words.
We are meant to return on the 24/25th so if they strike then we will be stuck in WDW!!!! Clouds and silver linings spring to mind!