As Border Force staff announce strike action over Christmas, Go.Compare urges travellers to check their travel insurance
Heathrow baggage handlers, Eurostar security staff and rail workers are all taking action this December
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union has today (7th December) announced that Border Force staff at UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Cardiff, will strike between December 23rd and December 31st.
Border Force staff are those that check passports at the airports and ports. PCS members will also strike at the port of Newhaven on the same dates.
Go.Compare Travel is reminding those planning on going abroad this Christmas to check their travel insurance before they leave for their holiday to ensure they are properly protected should the industrial action affect their travel plans.
Ceri McMillan, spokesperson for Go.Compare travel, said: “We always recommend that people buy travel insurance as soon as they book a holiday or flight for situations just like this – as buying insurance after a strike has been called will mean that you won’t be covered.
“If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to the strikes, then your airline is your first port of call as they have a duty to look after you, including finding you an alternative flight within 24 hours and compensating you under the rules set by the Civil Aviation Authority.
“Some travel insurance policies may cover delays caused by strikes, but that cover might depend on what your airline does, the length of time of the delays and the policy that you have taken out. For instance, some policies may cover delays of up to 12 hours while others would only cover you if you have been delayed for 24 hours or more.
“You might also be able to get compensation from your travel insurance policy for costs associated with missed connections due to the strike action, but again that will depend on how the airline you are flying with compensated you as they should refund the flight costs.
“Travel insurance policies and the levels of cover they provide vary significantly, in fact some specifically exclude cover for strikes, which is why it’s so important for you to check the details of your policy before you buy and fly to ensure that you know what you are covered for.
Ceri added: “If you are due to fly from the affected airports during the time of the strike, contact your package holiday provider or airline straight away and ask for their advice. They may offer you an alternative flight, alternative travel dates or even a refund, so make sure you contact them as soon as possible.”
For more information about travel disruption cover, please visit: https://www.gocompare.com/travel-insurance/guide/travel-disruption-cover/
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For further information please contact:
Lynsey Walden or Kath Chadwick at Go.compare on lynsey.walden@gocompare.com or kathryn.chadwick@gocompare.com.
Keep up-to-date with GoCompare on Twitter; @GoCompare
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Lynsey Walden
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