What you need to know about the BA strike as cabin crew announce two more weeks of action

British Airways staff have begun a fortnight of strikes - and announced 14 days more in August – potentially throwing the travel plans of thousands of UK families into disarray. 

Around one fifth of the airline's cabin crew, all members of the Mixed Fleet, have today started a 14-day walk-out, which continues until (and including) August 1. Unite, the union, has now said that industrial action will resume on August 2 and continue until August 15. Today is the 46th day of strike action.

While BA's contingency plans, which include the leasing of aircraft from other carriers, have so far minimised disruption, the new dates cover the peak school holiday period, when thousands of families will be jetting off for their summer break. 

Why are BA staff striking?

The strike action is the result of an ongoing and increasingly bitter pay dispute between the airline and its Mixed Fleet crew. Each new flight attendant hired since 2010 has fallen into this category, and, in a bid to cut costs so that BA can compete with its budget rivals, they do not enjoy the same pay and perks as other staff. 

Some claim to earn less than £18,000 a year (BA says all new flight attendants earn at least £21,000 based on pay, allowances and bonuses), while one female cabin crew member told The Independent last month that conditions were "like working for North Korean airlines".

Since the last Mixed Fleet strike, in January, an agreement on pay had actually been reached. New walk-outs are down to what Unite describes as "sanctions" against the 1,400 cabin crew who took industrial action six months ago – and those that strike in future. The union accused the airline of drawing up a "blacklist" to impose punishments on striking cabin crew, including cutting bonus payments and removing staff travel concessions. 

The announcement of another strike "underlines the determination of our members in their fight for better pay and against British Airways’ bullying behaviour," said Unite’s national officer, Oliver Richardson. "Rather than spending millions on ‘wet’ leasing aircraft to defend its low pay and bullying behaviour, it’s time British Airways started talking about resolving this dispute which will further tarnish its brand."

What is the impact on BA's services?

Limited. BA said: "All British Airways customers will be able to fly to their destinations despite further industrial action." This means that only a handful of flights - if any - will be cancelled, with "a very small number" of Heathrow services "merged". Passengers will be re-routed or re-booked on to a different flight – or offered a refund. 

It added that customers should ensure their contact details on their booking are correct in case they need to be contacted: "Affected customers are being notified of their new flight details with as much notice as possible."

A BA spokesman said: "As during Unite's previous industrial action, we will ensure all our customers reach their destinations. Instead of calling further completely unnecessary strikes, Unite should allow its members a vote on the pay deal we reached two months ago."

Am I entitled to a refund if my flight is cancelled?

Yes. European Union regulations require airlines to offer you either a full refund of the unused parts of your tickets, or to re-route you to your destination, as soon as possible. It may also allow you to rebook your flights for a later date at no extra cost.

Will I get compensation?

Airlines are not liable to pay the additional cash compensation set out by EU regulations because they are not directly responsible for the disruption.

What should I do if I am stranded abroad?

EU regulations make it clear that, when a flight with an EU airline or from an EU airport is cancelled, an airline is liable to pay for the cost of a hotel and subsistence for all those stranded as a result, until a replacement flight is provided. Should your airline advise you to buy your own food and accommodation, keep all receipts, and keep such costs to a reasonable minimum, before making a claim when you get back to Britain.

What about package holidays?

Those passengers on package holidays who are stranded in a destination should be looked after by their tour operator, and the operator is legally obliged to get them home. Customers will usually be allowed to stay in their original hotel, or will be moved to one of a similar standard on a half-board or all-inclusive basis. The exact situation will depend on the operator’s booking terms and conditions.

My flight has been cancelled - can I cancel my accommodation?

If you have booked a hotel, a villa or other accommodation independently of your travel arrangements (ie not as part of a package holiday) your contract is directly with the hotel or villa and you are responsible for any cancellation. If you can’t get there, you will have to do your best to persuade them to give you a refund or rebook for a later date – but they are not obliged to do this and you may lose money.

Am I covered by my travel insurance?

Your policy may pay out a small amount for very long delays (usually over 12 hours), but not usually enough to pay for more than a meal or two. A few policies have cover for a "consequential loss", such as a hotel booking made independently. You will need to check the terms and conditions which apply to your policy directly with your insurer.