More generally, under UK and EU law, you’re only entitled to a refund if your carrier informs you your flight is cancelled less than 14 days from the date you’re due to fly.
Rhodes warns holidaymakers to check insurance policies carefully. “This summer is set to be one of the busiest in recent history, and it’s essential that airlines and airports work together to keep travellers updated of any potential issues.”
“Make sure you have travel insurance from the date you book your holiday and check the policy carefully to ensure it covers you in the event of strike action.”
Unfortunately for travellers yet to purchase, once industrial action has been announced (even without exact dates) travellers would not be able to buy cover for strikes.
For more information on what to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled, read our comprehensive guide here.
Trains and Eurostar services
If you have purchased an advance ticket and the train is rescheduled or cancelled due to strike action, you are entitled to a change or refund.
The refund process depends on each operator, but most have a straightforward “delay repay” system. Be sure to contact the retailer you purchased the ticket from.
As for Eurostar, if your train has been cancelled or announced as delayed before departure by more than 60 minutes, you can reschedule your trip for another date or swap your ticket for an e-voucher, which you can use to rebook later in the year or claim a cash refund. Those whose trains are delayed after departure are entitled to partial refunds, depending on the length of the delay. Find more information here.
Ferries
According to the trade body Abta, if your ferry is expected to be delayed or cancelled, you should be provided with free snacks, meals and refreshments in relation to the waiting time. Refreshments should be provided even if the reason for the cancellation is bad weather (considered out of the company’s control).
When your ferry operator cancels your service due to strike action, it should offer the choice of an alternative or a refund.
You are entitled to compensation of 25 per cent of your ticket price, for that part of the affected journey, if your service is delayed in arrival by at least:
- one hour for a journey of four hours
- two hours for a journey between four and eight hours
- three hours for a journey between eight and 24 hours
- six hours for a journey of more than 24 hours
If the delay exceeds double the time set out, the compensation should be 50 per of the ticket price. The ferry operator must pay compensation within one month of the submission of a substantiated claim for compensation. Passengers should note that compensation isn’t payable where the delay was caused by weather conditions endangering the safe operation of the ferry or by extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances that hindered the sailing.
This piece is kept regularly updated with the latest strike news.