I'll get to Britain okay, flying out on Wednesday but the return part on 30/12 is worrying me.

However, the BA website says they'll re-do timetables and let customers know ASAP how they're working round this. Although my kneejerk reaction on hearing the news was 'rebook with Air France', I'm going to wait and see on this one. I don't blame BA for it happening and would be glad if they take the opportunity to put it right.

Am I right in thinking they just can't fly without a legal minimum of cabin crew, that it's safety as much as whether passengers get a drink and a biccie in-flight?

'Cos I could do the arm movements for the pre-flight safety announcement if they could provide a recorded soundtrack