British Airways strike: How to deal with disrupted air travel plans

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British Airways strike: How to deal with disrupted air travel plans Airline labor actions can wreck your summer vacation planning, and the ongoing battle between British Airways and the Unite union representing the carrier's cabin crews shows no sign of abating any time soon. For those already booked on BA, it's imperative you examine all your options. The current walkout runs through Wednesday the 9th, but further disruption throughout the summer months is a real possibility. Currently, BA says all flights into and out of London's Gatwick Airport and London City Airport will operate normally. But about 20% of long-haul operations to and from London's Heathrow Airport—including dozens of transatlantic flights to and from the United States—remain in doubt through at least this Wednesday, and possibly after that date. Here are some tips on coping: • U.S. passengers should review BA's Cabin Crew Strike FAQs. • If you've  already made reservations, determine if your itinerary is affected. If your flight is listed as cancelled, then you should review BA's options for rebooking or obtaining a refund. Travel dates are critical, since BA will allow rebookings on "affected strike dates," but original fare rules will apply for those seeking to change itineraries on other dates. • If you're traveling on one of BA's code-sharing and/or marketing partners, such as fellow oneworld alliance member American Airlines, check that carrier's information on  rebookings and refunds. American's information is available here.  The good news that is passenger rights rules established by the European Union provide a level of clarity to such proceedings, while similar situations with U.S. carriers have left many American flyers in the dark. Last December, when a British Airways strike threatened holiday travel in the U.K., the European Commission launched a publicity campaign assuring travelers they still had rights in the event of such a labor action. These included "the right to information about the cause and duration of the incident and on what the company is doing to remedy the situation," as well as the right to assistance and re-routing. What if this drama were unfolding on American soil? Well, most U.S. carriers consider labor actions as "force majeure" occurrences, akin to Acts of God such as natural disasters. Translation: Domestic airlines are much more restrictive in offering assistance in situations they deem beyond their control. More on these issues in future postings.—William J. McGee

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Submitted @ 2010-06-08