May 17, 2010 - British Airways-UNITE Strikes

Background

UNITE, the trade union that represents the majority of the British Airways (BA) cabin crew, has announced its intention to take strike action on the following dates:

• 18 to 22 May
• 24 to 28 May
• 30 May to 3 June
• 5 to 9 June

BA claims that it will operate many flights normally during those dates.

Potential Implications

Several GLS students are travelling through London to their program sites during the planned date of the strikes. If the strikes go on as planned, their travel could be disrupted and they could arrive late to the program start date.

 

GLS Actions

(1) GLS programs will not be affected and will start on their regularly scheduled start date.

(2) GLS is informing all students who might be travelling during those days (Summer 2010 students) about this development and recommending that students review their flight plans and make alternative arrangements with BA or other airlines as appropriate and possible.

(3) For students who inform GLS that they will no longer be arriving on the scheduled pickup date, GLS will help the students make airport transfer arrangements and/or suggest accommodation arrangements (for students who might arrive before the program start date). These arrangements will be at the student’s expense and should be taken into account when making alternative travel arrangements.

Q&A Section

Q: I am flying on one of these dates with British Airways. What shall I do?

A: If you are flying on any of these dates with a British Airways flight, you should first check with BA website on whether your flight will be affected by the strike: https://www.britishairways.com/travel/strike-ballot-3/public/en_gb

BA claims that they will operate all flights from London City and Gatwick airports, and a substantial part of their flights from Heathrow airport.

BA is offering passengers the option to change their booking or to cancel their flight (refunds are given to refundable tickets only).

Q: Which programs are affected?

A: We expect this might affect students on the Cyprus, Barcelona and Paris summer programs if they have made flight arrangements to arrive to their program site via British Airways.

Q: Should I cancel my BA flight and book with another airline? Do I have a refundable ticket?

A: You should contact the travel agent/office from which you purchased your BA ticket to find out if it is refundable. If so, we recommend that you cancel the BA flight and book with another airline.

If you do not have a refundable ticket, then you should see if you can rebook your flight on a different day that is not affected by strikes.

Q: I am flying through a London airport to a program site on another airline. Is my flight going to be affected?

A: No. All other airlines are flying normally to/from London. You should however expect long lines and potential minor delays.

Q: Which other airlines fly to Europe?

A: Here is a list of Airlines that fly to/from/within Europe:

British Airways

Air France
Alitalia
American Airlines
Olympic Airlines
Aegean Airlines
Monarch Air
Malev
Cyprus Airways
Lufthansa
KLM
Emirates
Air France
Delta
Austrian Airlines
Czech Airlines
Aeroflot
Tarom
Gulf Air
Egypt Air
MEA
LOT
Royal Jordanian

Q: What do I have to do if I change my flight?

A: if you change your flight you need to notify GLS so we make the necessary arrangements for your pick up.

Q: What happens if I do not notify GLS of changes to my flight itinerary on time?

A: GLS will not be able to make arrangements and you will be responsible for finding your way from the airport to your housing. You should have your housing address with you and the means to pay for the type of transportation you choose (for example, cash in Euros).

Q: What happens if I cannot arrive on the scheduled pickup date?

A: Please inform GLS and your local Program Coordinator and we will help you make other arrangements. You will be responsible for these charges (taxi, etc.).

Q: Can GLS help me with flight arrangements?

A: It remains the student’s responsibility to make flight arrangements to arrive to the program sites.

In Conclusion

1) Check your flight with British Airways if you are flying with them

2) Notify GLS of any changes