Airline reacts to strike risk

IT may be a bumpy ride this week for British Airways customers because of a threatened strike by cabin crews Tuesday and Wednesday.

After negotiations with the union broke down last week, the airline began canceling flights.

Even if last-minute talks avert the strike, fliers should expect several days of disrupted schedules, British Airways spokesman John Lampl said.

The airline runs two round trips per day between LAX and London’s Heathrow Airport. On Tuesday, these flights will operate outbound from LAX but not inbound, Lampl said; on Wednesday, no flights will operate. Afterward, service will be gradually restored.

British Airways is waiving change penalties. For details on rebooking, call (800) 247-9297 or visit www.ba.com.

-- Jane Engle

Disney to sail from L.A.

IT’S a big world after all as Disney gears up for 12 weeklong cruises from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera next year.

Disney Magic’s cruises will stop at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta starting May 25, 2008; the last sailing is Aug. 10, 2008.

Jason Lasecki, public relations director, said changes on the ship include a new giant poolside movie screen and an expanded spa and fitness center (adults only).

Disney also plans two 15-night repositioning cruises via the Panama Canal -- May 10 and Aug. 17, 2008 -- that start and end, respectively, in Florida.

The L.A.-Mexico cruise starts at $1,599 per person; $1,699 per person for the Panama Canal. Booking begins Wednesday. Info: (800) 951-3532; disneycruise.disney.go.com

-- Mary Forgione

United miles: Use them fast

IN a change of policy, United frequent fliers who don’t earn or redeem miles for 18 months will lose their miles, the company said. The previous deadline was three years. Miles in Mileage Plus accounts that will have been inactive since July 1 will expire Dec. 31.

Airline policies on mileage vary. As of Tuesday, the expiration deadline for miles was two years for Southwest and three years for American. Typically, customers don’t have to fly to keep their accounts active; credit-card and retail partner purchases, for instance, also count.

-- Jane Engle

Globe ban is

no snow job

SOME folks call them snow globes; others elevate them to snow domes. But whatever you call the glass or plastic water-filled orbs that produce “snow” when shaken, don’t plan on packing one in your airline carry-on bag anytime soon.

Snow globes recently made the Transportation Security Administration’s “permitted and prohibited items” list for violating the 3-ounce liquid limit the agency set in August.

“I don’t think it ever became an issue until Christmastime,” spokesman Nico Melendez said.

The solution for trinket lovers? Put it in your checked luggage, Melendez said.

-- Mary Forgione