A consumer rights expert has issued important advice on what you can do if your travel plans are affected by strike action.
Whether it be bus strikes, rail strikes or airline strikes, there has been much disruption to travel over the last few weeks, but the ECHO previously reported more industrial action is set to take place on a number of dates in August.
Last month, a national train strike caused travel chaos across the country, with many services cancelled or severely disrupted. It comes as the Arriva bus strike heads into its third week as rows over pay continue.
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There are also talks of strikes within airlines, which could affect travel plans this summer. Writing for the Mirror, Martyn James has issued advice on your rights to compensation should you be affected.
Airlines
If your flight has been delayed or cancelled as a result of airline staff going on strike, then you are entitled to compensation by law, Mr James explained in his latest column. But what you are entitled to depends on the delay and flight distance.
- The flight must be delayed by over three hours and is counted from the time the flight is meant to arrive, not take off. Arrival will also count as from when the plane doors are opened.
- The flight must take off from the UK or European Union or be from an airline based in these areas. Connected flights count too, even if you switch to a non-EU airline half way through your trip.
- The issue must be within the control of the airline, storms and bad weather will not be grounds for compensation. You should be able to claim back from strikes and staffing issues.
- If your flight is cancelled up to 14 days before departure, then the airline must get you on another flight as soon as possible. Compensation rules still apply.
Trains
Mr James says that if you have paid for advanced tickets you should be able to get a refund, but each company has their own policy. You should check the terms and conditions for each website. You should also be able to claim a refund for season or flexi-season tickets.
Royal Mail
Mr James wrote you can claim for compensation under certain circumstances for lost, damaged or delayed items, though the rules are more geared towards parcels than letters. It also depends on the postal service paid for and delivery rates but more information can be found on the Royal Mail website.
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