British Airways: The union for BA cabin crew members has set strike dates: a 3-day strike is set to begin March 20 and a 4-day strike will begin March 27.

The airline, naturally, says it is “disappointed”; earlier, it outlined some of its plans in the event of a strike. If you are scheduled to fly during these announced strike periods, contact BA now – they have posted a lot of details and contact info on their website.

American Airlines: Nothing is imminent, but flight attendants will meet with the National Mediation Board next week “to request release from mediation, and plan to take a strike vote in early April” per the Wall St. Journal.

 Does that mean there will be a strike? Good question, and the short answer is – nobody knows. Terry Maxon at the Dallas Morning News has been covering the situation closely and said, it all comes down to the members of the government’s National Mediation Board (NMB): “They alone will decide if contract talks have gone as far as they can and that the negotiations have reached an impasse.

The reporter added, “I think one could conclude that this will be a test case for the Obama administration and the current NMB board.”

Watch the news, watch this space – and check American’s website for updates.