British Airways has unveiled new functionality for the mobile version of its website allowing customers to change their booking to another flight.
Until now users could check-in, search and book flights, check arrival and departure times via BA2go.com, the site most mobile browsers automatically direct to when visitors access the airline online.
But the airline, through its mobile partner Usablenet and just as details of industrial action was confirmed by disgruntled trade union members last week, has launched a new tool which will allow existing passengers to change their scheduled booking.
Usablenet says the timing of the launch of new tools against the backdrop of what could be hugely damaging strikes is purely coincidental.
As it stands, BA cabin crew are scheduled to walk out on March 20, 21, 22 and March 27, 28, 29, 30 over cost-cutting measures imposed by the airline in November 2009.
The strike has turned increasingly bitter in recent weeks with trade union officials and BA chief executive Willie Walsh, as well as members of the UK government (including prime minister Gordon Brown), trading verbal blows through the media and on social networks such as Twitter.
British Airways says the first strike this weekend will affect around 40% of passengers with tickets. The airline has cancelled 1,100 of 1,950 flights over the three days.
Passengers using London Heathrow are expected to be hit worse than those through London Gatwick, the airline's two major hubs for services in the UK.
British Airways has created a dedicated part of the main BA.com site to notify passengers which services are affected this weekend.
Details about which services will be affected during the second strike have yet to be announced.
Usablenet has worked with BA throughout the development of the mobile version of its site. The US-based company also works with American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, US Airways, Starwood, Hilton and Marriott on their mobile sites.