easyJet, the UK ’s largest and best value airline, has sold half of its available flights from the UK over the BA strike dates since action was first proposed.

When the initial strike announcement was made easyJet had more than half a million seats available across strike days, since then and following the start of three five-day BA cabin crew walk-outs, flights have been selling fast – with just 250,000 now left over the same period.

The initial five-day walk out of BA staff, which began at midnight last night and will be followed by two more five-day strikes from 30th May and 3rd June, is proving the final straw for BA passengers. easyJet is urging those affected that haven’t already done so to consider their options now to avoid disappointment.

In addition to this, easyJet has pledged free speedy boarding to BA Gold Card holders travelling with easyJet on strike days. Passengers will also benefit from easyJet’s promise of no weight limit on hand baggage, the option to change to an earlier flight home for free if required, low fares to main airports not out of town airfields, and free online check-in.

Paul Simmons, easyJet’s UK general manager, comments: “The prospect of three five-day BA strikes must be creating further uncertainty and disruption to BA passenger’s holiday and business arrangements.

“As always, our aim is to accommodate BA passengers wherever possible, but they must take action to book alternative flights now as they are selling fast.

“We will also extend a special welcome to disgruntled BA Gold Card holders by giving them complimentary Speedy Boarding. As the UK’s largest airline, we feel a responsibility to help.”

To take advantage of the speedy boarding offer, BA Gold card holders who are booked to travel with easyJet on BA strike days just need to present their BA Executive Club Gold Card at the Speedy Boarding Plus Check in desk and again at the boarding gate.