British Airways passengers face disruption to flights over Christmas and the New Year after cabin crew voted overwhelmingly in favour of strikes.

Unite said its members backed walkouts by 4-1, giving the green light to strikes that could begin as early as December 21.

The pay dispute involves cabin crew who have joined the airline since 2010, with Unite claiming they earn less than other staff. Turnout in the ballot was 60 per cent.

Unite said it was consulting reps over potential strike dates, with the union compelled to give BA seven days notice of strikes.

It comes as Britain remains in the grip of a walkout by Southern Rail staff that has caused travel chaos for hundreds of thousands of commuters.