British Airways passengers are facing more travel chaos this summer after airline staff have voted in favour of strikes.
Last week, hundreds of members of unions GMB and Unite, which included check-in and ground staff at Heathrow Airport - voted for industrial action due to disputes over pay with the airline.
Although the strike dates haven't yet been confirmed, the unions are required to give British Airways at least two weeks' notice so they won't take place until at least July.
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Last week a spokesperson for British Airways said of the vote for industrial action: "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 £4bn, 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."
If the strikes do go ahead, it will inevitably mean disruptions for holidaymakers. But what are your refund rights if you end up facing delays or flight cancellations because of strike action?
We've put together a guide on everything you need to know below.
Your rights if a flight is delayed due to strikes
Because it's British Airways workers who would be involved in the strikes, the airline is unlikely to be able to claim extraordinary circumstances.
If your flight faces delays due to the industrial action, you may be entitled to compensation depending on both the length of the delay, and the length of your flight.
The Civil Aviation Authority says that you are entitled to compensation for the following:
- Short-haul flight of under 1,500km - £220 if you wait more than two hours
- Medium-haul flight of 1,500km – 3,500km - £350 if you wait more than three hours
- Long-haul flight of over 3,500km £520 if you wait more than four hours (if it's under four hours then you may be entitled to £260)
When your flight is delayed, your airline should provide you with vouchers for food and drink, or accommodation if this required. (This can include booking a hotel and arranging transportation).
Your rights if a flight is cancelled due to strikes
If your flight is cancelled by an airline, you are entitled to a refund. You may be offered alternatives such as rebooking, an alternative flight or vouchers; you can choose whichever works for you, but if it's the refund you want, you are entitled to it.
Because it is British Airways workers who would be involved in the strike action, it's unlikely that the airline can claim extraordinary circumstances.
You can get more information about your refund and compensation rights on citizensadvice.org.uk and caa.co.uk.
