SEATTLE — The first-ever pilots strike for British Airways is sending ripple effects worldwide, including right here in Seattle.
Chopper 7 flying over SeaTac Airport shows 2 British Airways planes on the Tarmac, staying put for now.
That's bad news for British tourist, Maria Kavecs, who just wrapped up her holiday cruise in Alaska.
“It would mean I have to stay here for two days but there’s no support from the people here at the airport which is disappointing,” said Kavecs. "You would think they could give taxi vouchers to get to hotel or meal vouchers.”
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Kavecs was supposed to fly home to London's Heathrow Airport on Monday. She's now one of 165,000 passengers around the world affected by this two day strike where the pilots are demanding higher pay.
But the airline says it's already offered more than an 11 percent increase.
Passengers from Seattle, like Mary Hrbacek, are also stuck in London.
“It is frustrating because when you have plans, you have everything all set and then all of a sudden it is like having the carpet pulled out from under your feet,” said Hrbacek.
British Airways normally operates two daily flights daily out of Seatac.
Airlines staff told KIRO 7 flights will resume as normal Tuesday but all seats will likely be full.
They also said they can only rebook tickets, but can't give refunds. That's something travelers have to contact the airlines directly on the phone or online.
If by the end of this 48-hour strike, no deal is reached the pilots are set to walk out again Sept. 27.
Cox Media Group
