Brits travelling over the Christmas period are set to face unprecedented travel chaos with 18 days of strikes planned which includes the likes of Border Force, rail workers and more.
The impact on the train network, airports and ports is odds on to be significant, with lengthy delays and cancellations very likely through into the start of next year.
Many people cannot avoid travelling over the next fortnight due to family or work commitments, so staying away from the transport network is impossible.
We've taken a look at everything from your refund rights for cancelled flights and trains, what to do if your bags get lost at airports, and experts' travel tips when heading out is unavoidable.
Check out our guide below...
When are the strikes taking place?
There are a number of different strikes running from now until the start of January, with some days hit by multiple unions staging walk-outs.
We previously compiled a full list of all of the transport strikes that are taking place, with most still confirmed to go ahead.
The only change is security staff at Eurostar will no longer be going on strike, as the company Mitie, for which they operate, made an improved pay offer of over 10% and an uplift of nearly 30 per cent for the lowest paid, RMT union has said.
What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled because of strikes?
When Border Force go on strike from December 23, there's a high chance that some flights will be delayed or cancelled.
In the worst case scenario, some airports could close, according to the organisation's chief operating officer Steve Dann.
If you do find yourself unable to travel because of the strikes, your airline is legally obliged to get you on an alternative flight or give you a refund.
Beyond that, strike action is generally considered outside of airlines' control, meaning the chance of getting any compensation is slim - regardless of how significant the disruption.
What can I do if my bags are delayed or lost during the travel chaos?
First things first, contact your airline (rather than the airport) as soon as possible to note that the luggage is missing.
You may also be asked to complete a lost baggage report describing the model, make, and the colour of your baggage.
When you do speak to someone from the airline, ask them to forward your luggage to you, either at your home or to your holiday destinations accommodation, as soon as possible.
To keep a check on the delivery of your baggage, exchange contact details with the airline and ask for a tracking number to be granted
If your luggage is lost then you may be able to have your checked baggage fees refunded, and if it's delayed or missing, the airline has 21 days to find it and get it to you.
If you’re stuck without your luggage for a number of days, it’s likely that you’re going to have to buy things such as clothing, toiletries, and other essentials to keep you going until you get it back, so hold onto receipts.
Cody Candee, CEO and founder of Bounce, added: “Different insurance policies will have different coverage; be sure to check whether your travel insurance covers lost luggage or not.
"If not, it may even be worth checking your homeowner’s insurance, or the credit card you used to book the flight, as these sometimes have lost luggage benefits too."
How can I reduce the risks of being swept up in travel chaos?
Naveen Dittakavi, founder and CEO of Next Vacay, says that preparation is key.
"Make sure that you arrive at the airport at the advised earlier time of your airline - giving you enough time to tackle the queues," he warns.
"If you do miss your flight by no fault of your own, you need to tell the airline ASAP so they can re-book you on another flight.
"Remember to bring evidence of the time you turned up at the airport - such as a parking ticket - as this could be crucial to receive a refund if there are no alternative flights."
If you do find yourself bumped off a flight or train and desperately needing to get across the country, we've compiled a list of alternative means of transport.
Airlines are the best place to go for up to date information about cancelled or delayed flights.
Naveen suggests downloading the app so you can keep an eye on your flight status before you set off for the airport.
He says: " Should your airline cancel your upcoming flight a few days or weeks before your trip, try to re-book a flight as early in the morning as you can as further delays and cancellations often rise and affect later flights."
As difficult as it may be, staying calm is key.
Naveen explains: "If you’re already at the airport once the flight is canceled, the best thing you can do is stay calm - you are protected against many things that might go wrong.
"There are plenty of options that can make a big difference in approaching a cancelled flight - from preparing alternative options when waiting to speak to staff, to calling up your carrier."
What are my refund rights for trains that are delayed or cancelled due to strikes?
The RMT union's rail members are striking over the coming two weeks, and cancellations are delays are very likely.
If your train is delayed due to the strikes, you are legally entitled to “Delay Repay” compensation.
How much you get depends on how many minutes you were delayed due to the train disruption.
If you were delayed 15-29 minutes, you can claim 25 per cent of the price of a single ticket and 12.5 per cent on a return ticket.
Make sure you keep your tickets and details of how long you were held up for, as you may be required to submit them at a later date.
