BRITS are being warned of two huge travel strikes taking place this weekend, affecting six major airports.
Both Heathrow Airport’s border staff and airport ground staff across Portugal are to walk out tomorrow.
The Heathrow Airport strike is set to last until September 3.
They will then work-to-rule and refuse to work overtime until September 22.
Passengers have been warned that there could be “serious disruption” as well as long queues at passport control in terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.
The strike involves 650 members of the PCS union, who are spread out across the airport’s four terminals.
The union’s general secretary Fran Heathcote has warned it will “likely to cause serious disruption to travellers using Heathrow”.
The strike comes due to a disagreement over a change to roster arrangements, saying the “lack of flexibility” has already forced 160 staff members to leave.
However, Home Office spokesperson have downplayed the chaos, saying there would be “robust plans in place to minimise disruption”.
Passengers heading to Heathrow during this time have been advised to use e-gates if they’re able to.
They have also recommended that travellers “check the latest advice from operators before travel”.
It’s not the only strike set to affect Brits travelling this weekend.
Ground staff across airports in Portugal are also set to walk out.
The strike action starts tomorrow, and will last until September 1.
Porto and Lisbon are expected to be the worst-affected, with the union guaranteeing that there will be delays and “numerous flight cancellations”.
However, the strike notice covers all national airports, which also includes Faro Airport, serving the Algarve, Funchal Airport in Madeira and and Ponta Delgada Airport in the Azores, TTG reports.
Portuguese Transport Workers’ Union, Sttamp has warned that this will cause “severe constraints” at airports across the country.
Sttamp has advised passengers with trips scheduled for the days of the strike to confirm their travel with the airline they are set to fly with before heading to the airport.
The walkouts have been called in protest against “the existence of base salaries below the national minimum wage”.
While the majority of flights affected will be with TAP Air Portugal, airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, British Airways and Vueling also operate flights to and from Portugal.
An easyJet spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “As our ground handler in Portugal isn’t impacted by the strike action we are currently planning to operate our schedule as planned but would always advise all customers to check the status of their flights on Flight Tracker at easyJet.com for the latest updates.”
Sun Travel has contacted Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air and Vueling for comment.
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
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 “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.
Meanwhile, this is why you spend so long waiting for your luggage after a flight.
And these airport security mistakes cause huge queues for passengers.
