BA strike - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

luckybluesman · 10-11-2009, 03:48 AM

Although I am not an alarmist I am beginning to worry about the possiblility of a British Airways strike around Christmas. I have booked and paid for travel on Nov. 30, 2009 and Dec. 12, 2009. My TA booked the flights for me. Should I contact them? The cost of the tickets are non-refundable. I do not have travel insurance. Do I still have time to purchase insurance that would cover the strike or would this be considered a pre-existing condition? Thank you in advance for your time. Lee

*Lars* · 10-11-2009, 05:00 AM

First, I would purchase travel incurance ASAP regardless of a possible strike or not.
You should contact your TA and see if they can offer you another flight.
If not you MIGHT have to book another flight to Barelona yourself.

patsea · 10-11-2009, 08:01 AM

To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure that's a pre-existing condition but insurance is very complicated. There are also products you can buy up to 3 days pre-cruise and maybe even closer as I'm not familiar with every insurance policy out there. Go to insuremytrip.com and read the policies and if necessary, call them to find out.

Cruise Planner · 10-11-2009, 10:48 AM

As Pat has alluded to, you need to check the policy very carefully. Most policies will not cover events that have already been announced. For example; if you buy the travel insurance after a hurricane has been named and your trip is cancelled because of that hurricane, you will normally not be covered by most policies.

The other thing you need to be careful about is making the mistake of purchasing travel protection instead of travel insurance - there is a big difference. Those who sell travel protection are not covered by insurance laws.

Best advice, don't assume. Read the policy very carefully and don't just read the synopsis Talk to the agent or the insurance company directly to find out about your specific situation to make sure you're not just wasting your money.

Pete

luckybluesman · 10-11-2009, 01:33 PM

OK, I'll look into this some more. My TA in UK could not offer me insurance because I live in Sweden. I guess the best thing is to ask about coverage in the event of a strike. Thanks to all of you for your responses. Lee

CruiseHelper · 10-11-2009, 06:41 PM

In regards to past airline strikes, other carriers might accept your tickets, in the event of the strike, as long as that have what is called an "interline" agreement with BA. I would contact the ageny that you purchased your ticket thru and have them verify with BA what arrangements have been made in the event of a strike. Since this has been a well publicized event, I would think that they have began to consider the possibilities. I hope that all works out of you. HAPPY TRAVELS

smitty · 10-13-2009, 05:28 PM

HI LEE, first the good news. it is now highly unlikely that B.A. will take industrial action,it's an ongoing situation, but there's a lot of posturing on both sides,
if your route is stockholm-london-barcelona, it's not a difficult airline switch, and B.A. have an agreement with both iberia and aer lingus, so you 'aint got a real problem.

luckybluesman · 10-14-2009, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitty

HI LEE, first the good news. it is now highly unlikely that B.A. will take industrial action,it's an ongoing situation, but there's a lot of posturing on both sides,
if your route is stockholm-london-barcelona, it's not a difficult airline switch, and B.A. have an agreement with both iberia and aer lingus, so you 'aint got a real problem.

I agree with your post. I have talked with my TA and she says they will be watching this situation as my departure date nears. My home insurance will cover some expenses if I have a problem and my VISA will help if I get stranded at the airport.

Iberia is the only other flight that will get me to the ship on time, but there is a direct SAS flight from Stockholm to BCN which would only cost about $150 if we need a back up plan. I feel a more prepared for any problems caused by a strike and will just keep an eye on the business news on TV. Thanks so much for your reply. Lee