Airline strike warning for Brits with hundreds of flights facing cancellation
BRITS have been warned about flight disruption this weekend, due to different strikes taking place at several airports in the same popular holiday destination.
Anyone flying to Rome, Milan, Florence and Pisa on Saturday, September 7 could be affected by walkouts being carried out by staff from two airlines and air traffic controllers (ATC).
Cabin crew and pilots at Italy’s key carrier, ITA Airways and budget airline Wizz Air, which flies from ten UK airports, are planning to strike between 1pm and 5pm local time.
To make matters worse, ATC staff at Rome’s Fiumicino airport as well as ground handling staff at Pisa International, Florence International and Milan Malpensa are set to strike across the same four-hour window.
Similar strikes affected passengers earlier this year and could do so again this weekend.
Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor warned those travelling to Italy this weekend to be prepared for delays.
He said: “Earlier this year, Wizz Air pilots and cabin crew striked resulting in huge numbers of Wizz flights being disrupted across a single day.
“It’s likely that passengers flying to the airports affected by this set of strike action will face disruption to their journeys in the form of delayed and cancelled flights.“
It’s not just those flying to and from Italy who could be affected either.
Anton continued: “In addition, anyone flying with Wizz or ITA Airways from other airports should ready themselves for disruption to their journeys.
“A potential knock-on of these delays is flights to non-Italian destinations missing their departure slot and having to take off later.”
Anton also advised passengers to learn their rights just in case their flights are cancelled or delayed.
The rules include getting compensation, money for food and drink and alternative transport.
He added: “In the event of airline crew striking as opposed to, for example, a national strike, passengers may be entitled to up to £520 each, this is relative to the length of the delay and the distance.
“Airlines are also obliged to arrange alternative transportation to your intended destination, this can be a flight with another airline.
“If you have a long wait at the airport, the airline must provide you with refreshments proportional to the waiting time and, where applicable, overnight accommodation.
“If your flight is delayed more than five hours, you can cancel your flight and claim back the ticket price.
“Finally, you can use a flight compensation calculator to figure out how much you might be owed.”
Sun Travel has contacted Wizz Air for comment.
Flight compensation rules
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 how to avoid getting stuck in long airport queues.
And this is how you can skip airport lines on morning flights.