British Airways strike declared illegal

The strike may have been declared illegal, but the matter is "far from settled". Here's everything you need to know if you have a holiday booked with British Airways...

I'm off on honeymoon next week. After all the planning and stress of the wedding itself, the bit I've been looking forward to most - two weeks in the heat, with an endless supply of rum and cokes - is within touching distance.

And we are flying with British Airways...

There may be trouble ahead

As you will no doubt be aware, British Airways' cabin crew planned to go on strike between the 22 December and 2 January next year. However, a judge has ruled today that the strike was illegal, as the cabin crew's union Unite had not correctly balloted its members on the strike action.

Despite this, strikes may still go ahead at some point, as the union's joint secretaries told the BBC the dispute was 'far from settled'.

So, if you've booked a flight with British Airways which will take place at some point over the next few weeks or months, the threat remains. Where do you stand - and what can you do to minimise your problems?

What have BA said?

As soon as the strike was announced, British Airways confirmed that anybody who has booked a flight with them to travel between the affected dates (and 48 hours either side) can rebook their flight to the same destination to any alternative dates within the next 12 months at no extra charge.

The good news is, if you've already rebooked, British Airways is unlikely to charge you now the strikes have been called off.

And if you haven't rebooked, your flight is now likely to go ahead.

Going with a rival

The problem will come for people who have already rebooked with a rival airline. After the strike was announced, a number of airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and bmi, confirmed they will be putting on additional flights, or using larger planes, over the affected period to help customers who have been left high and dry.

However, these flights were not exactly frugal. A return flight to New York with Virgin for example, setting out on 27 December and returning 3 January, would have cost you £906.10!

Ouch!

What does your travel insurance cover?

If the strkes had gone ahead, there were differences between the insurers about who would be covered. Some said that if you bought your policy after the 2nd November then you wouldn't be covered.

The reason that date is significant is that is the day Unite, the union involved, announced British Airways staff would be considering their options regarding a possible strike. And the Association of British Insurers reckons any travel customers should have expected strikes to be likely, therefore nullifying any cancellation cover included in your travel insurance policy.

Other insurers said they would coveranyone who purchased travel insurance before 14 December, as this was when the strike was announced. Those insurers include esure, the AA, Virgin Money, Direct Line, Churchill, LV= and Halifax Insurance.

This is where things take an unfortunate twist. If you have been pro-active and booked an alternative flight, you've actually wasted your money, as insurers won't shell out for something that hasn't happened. If the strikes had gone ahead, they would have covered the difference between the refund from BA and the cost of your new tickets.

However, because the strikes are now off, it's unlikely they will pay up. If you've been affected, it's best to contact your travel insurer and find out what their policy is now the strikes have been ruled illegal and where you stand!

When will the strikes go ahead?

At this point, who knows? The union will have re-ballot its members, and may find it difficult to get enough votes for a strike.

Also, talks with management may address these concerns, so there is hope that this will all blow over.

Still, I would also advise against booking British Airways for any flights in the near future. If the strikes do happen, an insurer could reasonably turn round and say that you should have expected that a strike might happen, and so refuse to pay up.

The lesson to learn

Frankly, I think it's an utter disgrace that some travel insurance firms refused to cover affected passengers in the first place.

When I book a flight, I don't also do some research on just how happy staff are at that airline. It's just yet another excuse for insurance firms to avoid paying out, and it's out of order.

However, I know for a fact that when the time comes for me to book my next flight, even if it's not with BA, I will be extra vigilant in ensuring there is no risk of industrial action which might scupper my plans. If there are, I'll simply book with another airline.

It may end up costing a bit more, but if it saves on some of the worry, then it's worth it. It also reinforces why you should sort out your travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday - if you leave it too long, you may end up denying yourself cover.

Good luck!

Compare travel insurance at lovemoney.com

Get help from lovemoney.com

If you are in the process of getting ready for a holiday, then there are heaps of ways lovemoney.com can make your life a bit easier!

First of all, why not take advantage of the hints and tips in our goal: Have a cheap holiday

Next, check out our video: The best way to get your holiday cash

And finally if you have any questions regarding travel issues, see if one of your fellow lovemoney.com readers can help in our Q&A section.

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