We’re becoming all too familiar with strikes impacting our daily lives – and the coming industrial action could throw a wrench into your spring break plans, too.
A new wave of strikes has been announced, with more than 300 border officers expected to strike by the end of April. It is the latest development in a series of strikes impacting travel in Britain, which has the potential to cause disruption.
Railway strikes by Aslef, the train drivers’ union, have also been announced for early May.
Here we round up the travel strikes in Britain and Europe in the coming months and advise what to do if your plans are thrown into disarray. This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest information, but please note that some strikes are announced without notice.
Travel disruption this spring
Britain
Railroad strikes
Aslef members in Britain are planning a series of railway strikes in early May. The action is the latest in a long-running pay dispute between staff, operators and the Ministry of Transport.
Train drivers at c2c, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express and South Western Railway will all strike on Tuesday 7 May.
It will be followed by a 24-hour strike at Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains on Wednesday, May 8. The following day LNER, Northern and TransPennine Express will experience disruption.
Passengers are advised to check train company websites before traveling and be warned: services may be affected on the day after a strike, in addition to the strike day itself. While there are strikes at UK operators contracted through the DfT, cross-border services to Scotland and Wales could also be affected.
Border Force strikes at Heathrow Airport
More than 300 British Border Police officers at Heathrow – Britain’s busiest airport – will strike from April 29 to May 2.
According to the PCS union, officers are taking action to challenge changes to the shift pattern. More than 90 percent of members voted to leave, with the union’s general secretary Fran Heathcote saying: “The Home Office must do everything it can to retain experienced, trained staff – and not lose them by the introduction of an unworkable new scheduling system.”
In response, the Home Office has pledged to reduce the impact on holidaymakers, promising ‘robust plans to minimize delays’. It is not yet known how the strikes will be managed, but as a precaution, please allow extra time at the airport and check the latest advice from your airline.
What to do if your travel plans are affected by strikes
“There can be no excuse for airlines being quick and loose to comply with their legal obligations when flights are delayed or cancelled,” says travel writer Jo Rhodes. “Time and time again, passengers have missed out on being diverted via competing airlines or receiving assistance because airlines have not kept their end of the bargain.” Travelers are advised to ‘prepare for disruption to their journey’.
Before you travel, check if there are any strikes at your destination and plan accordingly. For example, local train strikes can cause problems when traveling from the airport upon arrival.
Below we outline your rights for the main modes of transport. Here’s our comprehensive guide with all the advice you need this summer.
To flee
If your flight is delayed or canceled due to strikes, contact your airline immediately. Airlines are obliged to provide assistance, such as food and drink or accommodation, in the event of major delays due to strikes. Most will try to place you on another flight, if space permits.
For flights that are canceled entirely, whether you are entitled to compensation depends on whether the strike is considered something the airline can reasonably control. For example, in the case of European air traffic control strikes, this would not be seen as the airline’s responsibility. However, those who have booked package holidays may benefit from protection from rules imposed by the tour operator or travel industry bodies.
More generally, under UK and European law, you are only entitled to a refund if your airline informs you that your flight has been canceled within 14 days of the scheduled departure date.
Rhodes warns holidaymakers to check insurance policies carefully. “This summer will be one of the busiest in recent memory, and it is essential that airlines and airports work together to keep travelers informed of potential issues.”
“Make sure you have travel insurance from the date you book your holiday and check the policy carefully to make sure it covers you in the event of a strike.”
Unfortunately for travelers who have yet to make a purchase, once industrial action is announced (even without exact dates), travelers will not be able to purchase strike coverage.
For more information on what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled, read our comprehensive guide here.
Trains and Eurostar services
If you have purchased a presale ticket and the train is moved or canceled due to strike action, you are entitled to a change or refund.
The refund process varies depending on each operator, but most have a simple delayed refund system. Make sure you contact the seller where you purchased the ticket.
As for the Eurostar, if your train is canceled or announced as delayed by more than 60 minutes before departure, you can reschedule your journey to another date or exchange your ticket for an e-voucher, which you can use to redeem later book again in the year or request a refund. Those whose trains are delayed after departure are entitled to a partial refund, depending on the length of the delay. More information can be found here.
Ferries
According to trade body Abta, if your ferry is expected to be delayed or canceled, you should be provided with free snacks, meals and refreshments in proportion to the waiting time. Refreshments must be provided even if the reason for cancellation is bad weather (which is believed to be beyond the company’s control).
If your ferry company cancels your service due to strike action, it must offer the choice of an alternative or a refund.
You are entitled to compensation of 25 percent of the ticket price for that part of the relevant journey, if your service upon arrival is delayed by at least:
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one hour for a four-hour journey
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two hours for a journey between four and eight hours
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three hours for a journey between eight and 24 hours
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six hours for a journey of more than 24 hours
If the delay lasts longer than double the indicated time, compensation must amount to 50% of the ticket price. The ferry operator must pay the compensation within one month after submitting a substantiated claim for compensation. Passengers should note that no compensation is due if the delay is caused by weather conditions endangering the safe operation of the ferry or by extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances that have prevented sailing.
This piece is regularly updated with the latest strike news.