Aito has blasted Unite cabin crew members for going on strike when they have secure jobs that are the envy of hundreds of people in the travel industry.

(What are your views of the March strike dates? Let us know by emailing ttgletters@ttglive.com, or leave a comment at the end of this story.)

John Tangney, the association’s aviation committee chairman, said the long term effect of the strike would be more job losses as passengers moved to airlines other than British Airways.

And he called on the Unite members to remember it was BA passengers who paid the airline employees’ wages.

“Nobody will have much sympathy for the cabin crew, passengers will migrate to other airlines and the long-term result is that jobs will suffer; it’s a downward spiral for all concerned,” he said.

“Does the Unite trade union not realise we’ve just been though one of the worst recessions in living memory?

“At least its members currently have jobs, unlike many in the travel industry. There are many hundreds of people who would love to be in the shoes of its members with a secure job.”

Aito said customers planning a trip in March should book with a specialist tour operator who would take responsibility if things went wrong.

Meanwhile Heathrow’s second largest airline, BMI, said it was looking at flying larger aircraft and extra frequencies to cater for BA passengers.

“In addition, BA Silver and Gold Executive card holders flying with BMI will be offered access to the BMI lounges including The Great British lounge, BMI’s flagship international lounge at Heathrow,” said a spokesman.