UAE residents vent anger at BA strike action over Christmas

Dubai: UAE residents have voiced their anger at the decision by British Airways (BA) cabin crew to strike over Christmas.

Hundreds of travellers weree on Tuesday frantically trying to rebook on other airlines following the announcement that the BA strike action will take place from December 22 until January 2.

Related story: Q&A on what to do if you have BA flights booked

James Holmes, a 28-year-old corporate communications manager from Essex, said he was "livid" after rebooking with Qatar Airways for his flight home to London Heathrow on December 23. The new flights take significantly longer because they have a layover in Doha.

Holmes said: "I know British Airways has a lot of problems but other departments within the company have accepted structural changes and pay cuts without severe repercussions for travellers; I don't see why cabin crew should be any different.

"The fact they have timed the strike to coincide with Christmas shows they hope to cause maximum disruption. I believe you get what you pay for so next time I will spend a few extra dirhams and travel with another airline.

"My fiance and I have moved our British Airways flight to March and rebooked with Qatar Airways for Christmas, which has cost almost Dh6,000 for us both. We have actually been relatively fortunate because we planned to go home in March anyway but I have other friends who have not been so lucky."

12-day walkout  planned

BA cabin crew are planning to stage the 12-day walkout after a ballot of 12,500 workers resulted in 92 per cent backing strike action.

Colin Paterson, a 33-year-old surveyor from London, said: "I really don't know what to do. I am booked to fly on Christmas morning and this has messed up my plans. It's all very well offering refunds but all other flights are a lot more expensive now.

"Either way this will probably cost me money and the cost is only going to go up. I don't know if I can afford to wait and see if my flight is operating. It could double the cost.

"I think its really selfish of BA staff to hold everyone to ransom. I don't blame the airline as costs need to be cut but it could ruin my Christmas."

Jenni Duncan, a 24-year-old dancer from Scotland, said she was relieved after nearly booking her Christmas flight with BA.

She said: "I booked my flight home with Emirates a few months ago. But I so nearly booked with BA because they were about Dh1,000 cheaper at the time.

"The only reason I decided to pay more and book with Emirates is because I did not want to face the hassle of a layover at Heathrow airport on my way home to Scotland. If I had booked BA I think I would be crying now."