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British Airways strike could make your Christmas holidays more expensive as other airlines raise prices


BRITS could find their Christmas holidays much more expensive this year thanks to the British Airways pilot strike.

If further strike action takes place this year, it could result in passengers rebooking on other airlines – meaning pricier tickets.

 British Airways passengers could find their Christmas holidays more expensive

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British Airways passengers could find their Christmas holidays more expensiveCredit: AFP or licensors

British Airways pilots, who are currently on strike for the second day today which has affected over 200,000 passengers, have threatened go on strike again up until Christmas.

The current strike started yesterday and will also take place on September 27.

Passengers fearing for their holiday plans and choosing to rebook their flights with other airlines could be forced to pay more.

This is because prices fluctuate when there is higher demand and often cost more due to less seat availability.

If pilots also strike during the Christmas holidays, it could be bad news for families heading abroad during the festive season.


FLIGHT FIGHT British Airways strikes: What to do if your flight was cancelled or if you’ve rebooked after being wrongly emailed


According to the Telegraph, a flight from Glasgow to Amsterdam when travelling with easyJet would cost just £57 outside of strike action – yet cost £284 during strike action this week.

Another example found a flight from London to Nice costing as much as £1,272 when travelling this week, and just £58 later in the month.

Steve Double MP, who sits on the transport committee warned Brits to “book now” if planning a Christmas trip, and to “consider rebooking” if travelling with British Airways, according to the newspaper.

British Airways pilots, represented by British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA), originally confirmed that they would go on strike in July.

Following the confirmation of strike action in September, BALPA also warned that more dates could be announced between now and January, forcing more uncertainly on the airline’s passengers.

What to do if affected by the BA strikes

The airline says customers have been offered refunds, the chance to re-book or travel with another airline.

BA advises that you can rebook your flight for another time in the next 355 days.

British Airways’ customers services can be reached on 0800 727 800 for passengers who booked directly with the airline.

For Brits who are struggling to get through to the airline via phone, they can try the British Airways portal instead.

Travellers on CityFlyer routes, as well as SUN-AIR and Comair flights will not be affected.

A statement from BALPA explained that it is the first time they have gone on strike.

They explained in a previous statement: “Over several days of ACAS talks BALPA put forward a number of packages that we believe would have resolved this dispute without a strike, and which we could have recommended to our members for acceptance prior to strike action.

“BA did not accept any of these packages, and it is clear following discussions with members over the last few days that BA’s most recent offer will not gain the support of anywhere near a majority of its pilots.

“In these circumstances, with a 93 per cent vote in favour of taking industrial action, and with no prospect of any further meaningful talks, we have no choice but to call this action.

“Our ballot is valid until January, and more dates may be announced until such time as this matter is resolved.”

Disgruntled British Airways passengers slammed the airline on social media after 850 flights were cancelled yesterday.

Many called BA a ‘disgrace’ following the biggest shutdown for the airline in history.

Sun Online Travel has contacted British Airways and easyJet for comment.





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