Hundreds of British Airways customers in Bermuda are each to receive thousands of bonus air miles after their holiday plans were last week thrown into uncertainty by the prospect of a strike by cabin crew.

The company said yesterday the move was to say "thank you" for the patience and support of customers due to fly over the 12 days of the strike, which was cancelled after being declared illegal by a judge last Thursday.

The gift will apply to BA Executive Club members travelling between December 22 and January 2.

Those travelling in First, Club World or Club Europe will receive 25,000 bonus BA miles. Members in World Traveller, World Traveller Plus or Euro Traveller will be awarded 10,000 bonus BA miles.

Bonus BA miles will also be awarded to Executive Club members travelling on redemption tickets.

For customers in Bermuda who are not yet enrolled, but wish to take advantage of the award, they must enroll in the Executive Club prior to travel.

Simon Talling-Smith, BA's executive vice-president Americas, said: "We understand the anxiety that our valued customers were feeling over the possibility of a strike, especially given the time of year.

"We hope our Executive Club members accept this as a simple gesture of goodwill and wish our valued customers a very happy holiday and a happy New Year."

Customers who wish to enroll in British Airways' Executive Club to qualify for this offer should visit the airline's web site at www.ba.com/goodwill.

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