Welcome to our world of private luxury travel...

British Airways is going to the high court in an attempt to block the walk out by cabin crew staff that is set to disrupt the Christmas travel plans of one million passengers. The British flag carrier is seeking an injunction against the action, which is planned for 12 days from December 22, after claiming the strike ballot was illegal. A legal hearing in the UK is set for today with BA chief executive Willie Walsh stressing the airline is “absolutely determined to do whatever we can to protect our customers from this appalling, unjustified decision”. The development came as Qantas said it will have sufficient capacity to cater for passengers booked on BA codeshare flights between Australia and the UK. For other BA passengers, Qantas will allow changes to bookings without penalty and on some routes, provide opportunities to fly with other carriers. According to Britain’s Guardian newspaper, BA’s legal argument rests on the balloting of cabin crew who have already accepted voluntary redundancy. Many may have taken part in the ballot while they were awaiting BA’s response to their redundancy applications. Should the strike action proceed, it will deal a massive PR blow for the airline. Virgin Atlantic meanwhile has jumped on BA’s woes by taking out provocative adverts, declaring “at least there’s one British airline you can count on this Xmas.” “It’s a shame that British Airways has soured the holiday plans of many,” communications manager Nick Larkworthy said. “But rest assured, Virgin Atlantic, Britain’s flag carrier, is ready and waiting to assist with last minute bookings.”