THOUSANDS of holidaymakers could face travel issues after British Airways workers based at Heathrow voted to strike in a dispute over pay.
The Unite and GMB unions have warned that holidaymakers face a summer of strikes.
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British Airways workers, including check-in staff, will now decide on strike dates, which the union said were likely to be held during the peak summer holiday period.
Here’s what it means if you’re due to travel with BA.
What’s happening?
BA staff are striking over pay and have warned of a summer of disruption.
The strikes will affect workers based at Heathrow, but could have a knock-on effect to customers elsewhere.
It’s the latest in a string of problems faced by holidaymakers, who have already seen thousands of TUI and Easyjet flights cancelled.
Customers have complained of long delays and queues in airports, while some have had to cancel trips altogether.
EasyJet announced it will cancel more than 200 flights this summer and police had to step in and tell Tui passengers their flight was cancelled after eight-hour delays on one chaotic day.
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Even those not heading abroad have faced problems as train strikes this week have brought the national rail network at a standstill.
A British Airways spokesperson said: “We’re extremely disappointed with the result and that the unions have chosen to take this course of action.
“Despite the extremely challenging environment and losses of more than £4billion, we made an offer of a 10% payment which was accepted by the majority of other colleagues.
“We are fully committed to work together to find a solution, because to deliver for our customers and rebuild our business we have to work as a team.
“We will of course keep our customers updated about what this means for them as the situation evolves.”
Can I get a refund or compensation?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to get a refund or compensation.
If you have travel insurance, you should check with your provider what you could get back.
Most passengers will also be protected by so-called Denied Boarding regulations.
Under these, you should be offered a full refund for a cancelled flight or a seat on the next available flight or one at another time.
If you’re left waiting at an airport because of a cancellation, you should be given a food voucher or overnight accommodation and transfers where necessary.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “Passengers must not be made to bear the brunt of these strikes.
“British Airways should make the necessary arrangements to avoid a raft of hugely disruptive last-minute cancellations.”
He added that BA should reroute customers as soon as possible using other carriers if necessary, and communicate these rights to customers.
Boland said: “We know this requirement is not always being met, so the government and Civil Aviation Authority must intervene where airlines are playing fast and loose with the rules.”
How do I get my money back?
British Airways has a webpage with details of your rebook and refund options.
It says you can claim a refund if your flight has been cancelled.
If you booked through a travel agent or tour operator, you will need to contact them directly.
If you booked a BA package including a flight as well as hotel, car hire, a transfer or experience you should be able to rebook to an alternative flight on the same date as your original at no extra charge.
You could alternatively rebook to travel on different dates, or cancel your booking and claim a refund.
You can also contact BA by calling 0344 493 0787 and selection option 1 between 6am and 8pm.
Don’t be tempted to cancel your flights before speaking to BA or your travel agent or tour operator, or you might not get any money back.
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