BA have planned for the strikes

British Airways have said that they have planned for the strikes and would do everything it could to operate as many flights as possible during any disruption. BA have said that flights from London City Airport would not be affected, 70% of flights from Gatwick should be operational.

British airways will refund or make alternative arrangements

BA has confirmed that they will refund or make alternative arrangements for affected passengers.

While that is encouraging, they do not take into consideration of the inconvenience for customers. Some customers will have paid for accommodation that is not refundable and what about passengers who have a visa to travel for a specific time period.

Fears for the future of British Airways

I do not want our national airline to go out of business, and I don’t want to scaremonger, but I fear for their future. If I looking to book a flight within the next month or two I would not be looking to book with British Airways because of the fear of future strikes.

Realistically, we do not know if the strikes will even go ahead, let’s hope not.

Information from British Airways

If you have any questions or thoughts add them in the comments form below and I’ll post more information soon.

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Consumer Blog.

BA strikes announced – British Airways strike advice

Full body scanners are vital

I think any use of technology to make air travel safer is vital and let’s be honest it’s better than full body pat downs, but what I do not agree with is passenger profiling. In other words passengers who are of a certain nationality will be more likely to have to jump through hoops to get through airport security.

Passengers should not be treated as possible terrorists just because of their race, ethnic background.

Expect additional airport security

Reports suggest that London Heathrow will be introducing new full body scanners within the next three weeks. I do think that it will be some time before all of Britain’s airports to be using them. Expect additional airport security though and make sure you leave plenty of time to get through.

Over the coming week’s travellers, especially those travelling to the US can expect a larger proportion of passengers will be searched by hand and airport staff have been trained to observe suspicious passengers. Airlines are asking passengers to check their website to find the latest updates.

Your thoughts on full body scanners

So what do you think about the introduction of full body scanners? Have you travelled recently and had any problems? What is your opinion on air passenger profiling? I really hope that common sense prevails and we do not adopt the security measures that our friends over the pond have to put up with.

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Consumer Blog.

Air passenger profiling not the solution for airport security

Booked a package holiday

This information is available on the FlyGlobeSpan website but to confirm, consumers who have booked a package holiday with The Globespan Group plc are probably going to be protected under ATOL, so you need to visit the Civil Aviation Authority website for further information.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published information for consumers affected.

Booked flight-only

The GlobeSpan website states that consumers who have booked a flight through Flyglobespan are unlikely to be covered by the ATOL scheme. You should be able to claim through your credit card company under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974..

Those unfortunate to be stranded abroad and have booked the flight direct with FlyGlobespan will have to make arrangements to return home. Check your travel insurance policy document to see if it includes airline failure insurance.

Add your questions and thoughts

I will update this page soon but if you have been affected by the administration of Globespan (Flyglobespan) please leave any questions in the comment section below and I will try and answer them or one of the readers will assist.

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Consumer Blog.

FlyGlobespan flies into administration

If you have any questions please scroll down this page and leave them in the comments section.

Yesterday it was confirmed that British Airways cabin crew are to stage a 12-day strike over the Christmas period. It is reported that over 1 million passengers will be affected over what is probably one of the busiest times of the year.

The BA strikes will take place from 22 December 2009 to 2 January 2010. If you have been affected by the strikes then please leave your questions and I will endeavour to help get them answered. I will update this post later today with more information.

British Airways strike updates

17 December

Good news that for now the BA 12-day strikes have been cancelled. I suspect we’ll find out over the coming weeks when (if) the strikes will go ahead next month. Reports suggest that the unions will go back to a ballot with their members and then announce further strikes. Watch this space.

16 December

Customers who are booked to travel between 22 December 2009 and 2 January 2010 and for 48 hours on either side of those dates who would like to take their flight at a different time can change to another BA flight departing in the next twelve months at no charge.

15 December

British Airways have advised passengers to check their contact details through ‘my booking’ as BA will be informing affected customers directly if they have your e-mail address or by SMS text if they have your mobile phone number.

I will keep updating this post as I have more information. You can also read comments left by readers and other passengers in the comments section.

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Consumer Blog.

BA strike advice and information

Making flying greener

While my main gripe is that the revenue generated from air passenger duty has never gone to help make flying more greener. I will continue to take my holiday abroad. Why? Well, there are a lot of reasons but primarily when I go on holiday I want a change of scenery and some sunshine would be nice too.

Maybe I am the reason why the government continues to hike up Air Passenger Duty.

Bailing out greedy banks

It would be nice to see the airlines and travel industry being more proactive and giving solid facts to the government why it is not a good idea to increase flight taxes, but the part of me knows that will just fall on deaf ears as the money is bailing out greedy banks.

Why can’t the airline and travel industry come together as a group, is this too much to ask for?

Air passenger duty increases

Flying in an economy seat, within Europe you will have to pay £11; flying to the USA will cost £45. For those flying to South Africa or Australia will pay £50 or £55. The group that will be hit the hardest are families who already have to put up with the ridiculous price hikes during the school holidays.

Flight tax poll says we’ll stay at home

Travelmole reported on a poll today from the World Travel Market which said that 52% would reduce their overseas breaks out of the 1,030 people polled. I would like to know what you think; are you going to stop travelling abroad or reduce the amount of flights you make each year.

Those of you who might fly into the UK, is the increase in flight taxes putting you off visiting.

This post was syndicated from the Travel Rants Consumer Blog.

Flight taxes rise again but are consumers really bothered