Brits face more travel chaos with weeks of airport strikes this summer
HOLIDAYMAKERS are facing further travel chaos this month due to more airport walkouts.
Border Force staff at London Heathrow have confirmed that they are to go on strike on May 31, June 1 and 2.
The strike action, taking place during the school half term holidays, is due to protest over changes to their working conditions.
And The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said staff in terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 would also refuse to work overtime for three weeks from June 4.
The strike action is against Britain’s interior ministry which has changed their roster system.
As many as 500 will walk out during the strike.
The PSC union’s general secretary Fran Heathcote said they were “keen to resolve the dispute”.
However they added: “The Home Office has said it is ‘open to discuss’ a resolution but it only responded to our request for a meeting after we threatened further action.
“Until it comes back with changes to the roster that will benefit our members then the dispute will continue.”
However, London Heathrow has previously said it has contingency plans in place for any strike action, and can avoid any impact to passenger journeys.
A Heathrow spokesperson said they had been able to “successfully manage” previous strikes with little disruption.
About 300 border force staff staged a four-day walkout at the end of April and in early May.
It’s not the only strike that could soon cause problems for holidaymakers.
EasyJet pilots have rejected a recent pay increase, threatening to walk out if their demands are not met.
Captains of ten years earn £163,589, with proposed deals hitting £200,000 by next year.
Senior first officers were offered another £20,000 while first officers’ annual pay would be around £75,446.
But the offer was turned down in a ballot with both the Balpa union and easyJet bosses being forced to renegotiate.
And more than 100 flights have already been cancelled later this year, due to airspace restrictions in place.
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
EasyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air passengers are being affected.
Thankfully there are no train strikes currently being planned in the UK.