Irish holidaymakers have been warned as several airport strikes have been announced across Europe.
Thousands of families will be jetting off to sunnier climes as schools close for the summer. However, passengers could face major disruptions as wave of industrial and civil unrest spreads across Europe.
Passengers have been urged to check their travel insurance cover for strikes and protests to avoid disappointment. Here is a full list of upcoming strikes in Europe:
England
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A number of strikes have been planned by security staff at London Heathrow Airport. Workers will stage walkouts from June 28 which are expected to last until the end of August.
The dates include:
- June 28, 29, and 30
- July 14 to 16, 21 to 24, and 28 to 31
- August 4 to 7, 11 to 14, 18 to 20, and 24 to 27
Furthermore, staff at Birmingham Airport could strike over pay in July.
Italy
A huge number of strikes have been planned across various public transport services in Italy. Trains, ferries, and metro services could face massive disruptions.
The protests will start from midnight on July 6 until the beginning of service on July 7. They will begin again from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm to midnight.
Baggage and air traffic control staff at airports will be taking part in a 24-hour walkout on June 20. Additionally, air traffic controllers will be going on strike on July 15.
Spain
Spanish Union of Airline Pilots (Sepla) is calling for strikes against Air Europa which is expected to happen sometime between June 19 and July 2.
Sweden
The Swedish Transport Workers' Union will be staging walkouts by security staff at Bromma Stockholm Airport and Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport from July 3. These strikes could continue on July 5 and 7 if no agreement is reached.
Here are top ten travel insurance tips by Peopl Insurance to avoid disappointment on your holiday abroad:
- Prepare: Take your cover out at the time of booking the holiday. A huge percentage of travel insurance claims are made for cancellation in advance of the departure date.
- Buy an excess waiver if you have the option to do so as this will prevent you from being hit with an excess (the first part of a claim you must pay for yourself) should you make a claim.
- Mind your possessions: if you are careless with your personal possessions, you might find it less straightforward should you need to make a claim. For example, don’t leave your wallet on your sun lounger at the beach while you go off for a stroll.
- Check if your travel insurance will cover you if you miss your flight as a result of lengthy airport security queues and you end up cancelling your holiday as a result. Travel insurance policies often don’t offer cover here.
- Be aware that you will usually not be covered for any claim which arises as a result of a strike, industrial action or extreme weather event which began (or, in the case of strikes or industrial action, for which an officially stated intent had been given) on or prior to the date of booking your trip and/or travel insurance.
- Cruise Cover: Standard travel insurance might not cover you in full if going on a cruise.
- Check the minimum amount of time that your trip must be delayed by for you to be eligible for cover for travel delay (typically at least 12 hours) or holiday abandonment (typically at least 24 hours) as a result of strikes. This will be outlined in your travel insurance policy.
- Always check the exclusions in your policy as cover which you expect is included may well not be. Know the exceptions to any exclusions on your policy too.
- Those embarking on long haul trips should be sure to have good cover for missed connecting flights as well as for any medical expenses incurred if they become sick or injured abroad. The bill for medical expenses in some international countries could run into the tens of thousands and you will not be able to rely on the European Health Insurance Card if travelling outside the EU or European Economic Area.
- Follow correct claims procedure – always notify your insurer as soon as possible in the event of a claim. You will be expected to take certain steps in some cases – for example, if your possessions are stolen, then you should report it to the local police, or if you have to cancel a trip due to ill health, then a medical report might be necessary.
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