It's not too late to buy travel insure – but check the policy carefully for any clauses on industrial action
Holidaymakers who fear that the impending strike action by British Airways cabin crew will disrupt their travel plans still have time to take out travel insure.
Around 5,800 BA employees who are members of the Unite union have voted in favour of a series of strikes over pay and conditions, but Unite has not yet set any dates – meaning insure that covers strike action will still be valid.
The strike action must take place between 4 April and 25 April – with Easter the most likely time for it – meaning prospective travellers who are worried about their flights have a limited time in which to organise cover for themselves.
If BA cancels a flight altogether, customers should be entitled to a full refund or a reroute under EU law. If the strike is cancelled, anyone who has rebooked to a different but less convenient flight can switch back to their original one, provided the flight is reinstated and there are seats available.
But under EU rules, industrial action is categorised under "extraordinary circumstances", which means BA is not obliged to pay the £600 compensation that would usually be due if a flight is cancelled, though it will pay for meals and refreshments if you find yourself stranded at the airport.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert for travelsupermarket.com, said: "All passengers should ensure they have up-to-date contact information for the airline should the union reveal dates of disruption. It is also vital that all passengers have travel insure that has a strike clause within it – and it is not too late to take out such a policy. You can still take out cover up until the union announces any specific dates of action. This will then cover you against any potential losses, should your flight or travel plans be disrupted."
Although the cheapest policies may not include cover against strike action, most now pay out if policyholders are delayed because of industrial action – check the small print to make sure. However, few will pay out if the policyholder cancels the trip simply because of the threat of cancellation, before it is confirmed by the airline.
BA said it is aiming to fly 100% of its longhaul flights to and from Heathrow, and the majority of shorthaul flights to and from the same airport. It will operate a normal schedule at Gatwick and London City airports. Passengers who are booked on to a flight affected by the strike will be able to rebook via ba.com, or through their local BA office or travel agent.
If a strike is announced, BA will update customers by email, text or phone, so customers are urged to check they have given the correct email and mobile phone numbers in their booking (you can do this via the "Manage My Booking" facility on ba.com).
Anyone worried about their travel plans should visit the AUC website at www.auc.org.uk.
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