British Airways Strikes

British Airway passengers faced another day of travel disruption and flight cancellations, after members of the British Airline Pilots Association voted to walk out over a pay dispute.

Almost 1,700 flights were cancelled over the 48-hour walk out period and 195,000 passengers were asked to stay at home rather than travel to the airport.

Why are the pilot’s on strike?

It comes after British Airways lost its case in the Court of Appeal to prevent the strike. This is the first time in BA history, that pilots have acted against the company.

The long running dispute came to a head after BA’s offer of a 11.5% pay increase over three years was refused by the pilot’s union.

Union bosses have stated that pilots have previously taken large pay cuts and reductions in pension benefits when the company wasn’t performing, on the promise that they would be rewarded once the company was back in the black. Pilots are claiming that a more realistic share of BA’s billions is justified.

BA has called the strikes ‘reckless’ claiming that this will not only negatively impact thousands of customers, but that it damages the brand name of British Airways.

What rights do passengers have?

BA is offering affected customers full refunds or alternative dates for travel, even if it’s with an alternative airline.

Customers should also consider other costs such as airport parking, BA has said that it will look at other reasonable costs, so be sure to keep any receipts.

If you have suffered out of pocket expenses like hotels and accommodation, you are directed to your travel insurer to see if you are eligible for a claim.

Both BA and the unions, have claimed to be keen to continue with constructive talks, although a resolution seems unlikely at present. There are plans for further strikes on 27 September, if negotiations should fail.