Anybody Travelling BA This Christmas?

[Big Boy]

Do we have any Forum members who were planning to fly BA this Christmas?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8411214.stm

If you were, what alternatives are available at this late stage?

[STEVE G]

You would hope they would resolve that before it actually happens as it would cause a lot of bad feelings.
I'm now glad I decided to save a couple of hundred pounds by flying on Jet. I used them in the summer and they were pretty good considering the price, and I like curry!

[Big Boy]

I hope your right Steve. If they don't, its going to be absolute chaos, with very little chance of an alternative ......................... but don't worry, they'll let you exchange your 'premium' priced tickets for a cheaper flight sometime next year.

What about those who have already flown, but due to return on Boxing Day for example? Stranded in Thailand for another 10 days, no money, hotels full etc.

How do you explain to your boss that he needs to open the factory over Christmas because you need the time off at some other time of year?

[STEVE G]

Yes, it would be a similar sort of chaos to when BKK was closed.

[Big Boy]

Similar, but instead of being confined to Thailand, it'll be worldwide.

[PeteC]

With something like this the damage has already been done both to the traveling public and to BA. Their union has succeeded in killing Christmas for many.

If me, I would bite the bullet and cancel now to avoid major disappointment later, or quickly research alternative airlines and holiday destinations although as BB says, probably too late.

" Kids, we're not going to the beach this Christmas. How about a quick ferry to Norway instead to watch the aurora, see reindeer and keep an eye out for Santa?" Pete

[STEVE G]

To be honest, these cabin crews need to get in touch with the real world.
My old job in the airline industry disappeared months ago with the recession, along with many others and these lot can't even see the need to make cut-backs.

[komfortablynumb]

I notice the drivers aren't going on strike.
So i could take my own sandwiches.
If they could just teach me how to shut/open the doors.

BA charges too much for travelling.
The national airline it may be, but that doesn't excuse there lack of competiveness.
I seriously wonder how good the management team are.

Doesn't this all sound a bit like "The winter of miscontent" of 1978/9.

Dustbin men last time, cabin crew this time.
And a change of goverment in the spring.
You got to love politics.

[redzonerocker]

Doesn't this all sound a bit like "The winter of miscontent" of 1978/9.

Dustbin men last time, cabin crew this time.
And a change of goverment in the spring.
You got to love politics.

not really
this is all about a group of people, who as stevie g says, 'need to get in touch with the real world'

in the current tough economic times their reasoning seems a bit trivial

it seems it's all about 2 points,

A/ money , despite the fact that they are the highest paid cabin crews in the uk, almost double of most other airlines

& B/ that they are having staff reduced (by one!!) on long haul flights which still leaves them with more crew per flight than most other airlines

the union rep i saw interviewed earlier was a complete t**t & as the members voted for action with 92% in favour, the majority of them must be a bunch of t**ts too.

i can't really see the connection with politics.
to me, it's just a bunch of greedy, whinging t*****rs,who instead of spoiling millions of peoples xmas with their pathetic griping & actions, should be grateful they still have jobs, and decent, well paid ones too!!!!!!

[caller]

Actually RZR, I can't agree with you - it takes two sides to tango and I think there are some serious issues with BA's senior management. Doesn't mean I think this proposed action is right in any way, shape or form, but I also think there is a link to politics, just as I believe their are similarities to the late 70's - there has been an extended binmans strike in Leeds and other places - now concluded. If you have a weak and weakened Govt and the UK does, then these things happen.

[STEVE G]

BA deperately need to cut costs as they're presently losing around 50 million pounds a month and have a 3.7 billion pension fund deficit.
Faced with a situation like that, these actions do seem irresponsible.
No wonder the UK is about the last developed nation still in recession if companies can't adapt to new market conditions.

[redzonerocker]

Actually RZR, I can't agree with you - it takes two sides to tango and I think there are some serious issues with BA's senior management.

there are issues in all areas of senior management, most blatantly, to many managers
the reasons for the strike action & the circumstances are trivial & unneccessary.
no real comparison to the binman's strike considering working conditions & salaries

If you have a weak and weakened Govt and the UK does, then these things happen.

so the government are at fault for a bunch of trolley dollies striking for more pay despite being the best paid in their field ?
& having to have one less dolly on a flight to rio?
they really do need a reality check
unlike many of the previous strikers, i doubt they'll get much sympathy or support from the general public

[Big Boy]

BA charges too much for travelling.
The national airline it may be, but that doesn't excuse there lack of competiveness.

2 of my last 4 trips to Thailand have been with BA. I do not travel with expensive airlines - I shop around for the most competetive. The last time my wife & I travelled with them, our total return fare was about £660 including tax for 2 people. The nearest el-cheapo airline at the time was about £900 return.

The competetive fares are available, but you've got to be quick because of their popularity.

Having said that, I hated my first trip with them, but the second was excellent.

[caller]

so the government are at fault for a bunch of trolley dollies striking for more pay despite being the best paid in their field ?|

No-one takes a decision to strike in the current climate lightly. I'm not supporting what they are doing and I said as much in my first post. But you cannot treat this as an isolated action. There are many folk out there that have fears about their futures. Clearly management and the unions have not been able to agree in this instance and I believe that the Union action is as much about a collective response to what a lot know is heading their way. Roll over on this and they will all capitulate.

Strong Govt. would be be exerting an influence, basically knocking heads together behind the scenes for the common good. Weak Govt. doesn't have the clout and a Govt. a few months away from an election, in the situation the pm and his govt. is in, cannot call the shots.

And with respect to BB's last post, when did anyone find BA or their associates the most viable option to fly with? I can tell you when I did, April/May 2005 - when I flew London - Japan - Oz - Thailand. Since then, better deals elsewhere have always been available (not that I always used them).

[Big Boy]

And with respect to BB's last post, when did anyone find BA or their associates the most viable option to fly with? I can tell you when I did, April/May 2005 - when I flew London - Japan - Oz - Thailand. Since then, better deals elsewhere have always been available (not that I always used them).

That's easy - my last vist to Thailand - Apr'08. £660(ish - can't remember exactly, for 2 people).

Agree, they're usually expensive, but the cheapies are there if you look hard enough.