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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Milo Boyd

EuroTunnel says its services won't be impacted by strikes over Christmas

Eurotunnel services will not be affected by strikes over Christmas, its owners have said.

While airports and domestic rail companies are being targeted by striking workers over the festive period, rail lines in and out of the country are largely unaffected.

A strike by PCS union Border Force workers will not impact international rail terminals, such as St Pancras.

They are instead focused on airports and one port, Ellesmere.

The one piece of industrial action would could have an impact on the Eurostar service is a strike of security staff employed at London St Pancras International on December 16, 18, 22 and 23, organised by the RMT Union.

Le Shuttle will continue to run as normal this Christmas (AFP/Getty Images)

Le Shuttle services - which run from Folkestone, Kent to Calais - will continue to run as normal, unaffected by strikes.

You can book a trip with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle from £82 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) each way for a Short Stay Saver ticket, which is valid for five calendar days.

From £269 per vehicle you can buy a Flexiplus ticket, which means you can turn up any time and get on the next available train.

You also get access to the club lounge.

If you do find yourself getting caught up in one of the strikes due to impact the transport sector this Christmas, then it's important to know your rights and what to do.

Your first point of call should be the airline or your tour operator who can advise you as to whether your trip is likely to be affected.

Unfortunately, if you face delays or cancellations it's unlikely you'll get compensation because the airlines will be able to claim 'extraordinary circumstances', ie events outside of their control.

It's worth checking your travel insurance policy too, in case you can claim on your policy to get some money back if your plans are scuppered.

The primary test of whether you are entitled to compensation is whether the strike is considered to be outside of the airline's control to prevent.

In the case of the Border Force industrial action, it is unlikely that those impacted will be able to claim any cash, as the striking workers are employed by the Home Office and not the airline.

However it's worth noting that if the airline cancels your flight for a different reason - such as staff shortages - that they can directly impact, then you may be able to claim a refund.

You can find out more on the Civil Aviation Authority's website.

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