British Airways' cabin crews will strike over the holiday season, their union said yesterday.

Unite members voted to strike for 12 days, starting next Tuesday, December 22.

The union says the decision is the result of new working arrangements. In November BA reduced the number of cabin crew on long haul flights from 15 to 14 and introduced a two-year pay freeze.

BA says the moves were brought on as the airline faced the "most difficult year in the history of the aviation industry".

The company posted a $346 million loss for the six-month period ending in September.

The decision to strike could affect hundreds of Bermuda residents. The airline operates the only direct flight from the Island to the United Kingdom, offering service six days a week to Gatwick Airport.

BA spokesperson Sallie Singleton yesterday said ticket holders need not panic yet.

"They (the cabin crew) don't need to do this sort of thing," she said. "It is extremely distressing for travellers and staff around the world.

"Everything is still pretty fluid at the moment. There is still a week to go and time for more negotiations so things are not set in stone yet."

According to Unite, 12,500 cabin crew participated in the ballot, with 92.5 percent voting in favour of industrial action.

One of many residents whose holiday plans may be affected by the strike contacted The Royal Gazette yesterday.

She asked not to be identified "I am one of many potentially affected by these strikes and am very unhappy about it.

"It is my first Christmas home in years and now it is in jeopardy. The cabin staff need to realise that in the time of a global economic crisis, they should be happy just to have a job. They will have no public sympathy or support."

Carl Paiva, head of travel company C Travel said: "Unfortunately some travellers may have to book alternative routes through the United States or Canada at a higher rate. But even that may be hard to do because many airlines will be fully booked for the holidays."