IF you are heading to Portugal next week to enjoy the Algarve’s beaches or explore Lisbon or Porto, be prepared for major travel disruption.
Cabin crew, rail workers and staff are all set to strike on Wednesday causing nationwide chaos.
Reports suggest that 500 flights are at risk of being cancelled due to strike action Credit: Alamy
Public transport like the Metro, ferries and buses will be affected too Credit: Alamy
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Industrial action is scheduled to take place next week on June 3 with walkouts planned across the whole of .
At airports, more than 500 flights are at risk of being cancelled due to the general strike, according to The Resident .
300 of these flights are operated by TAP Air Portugal, as well as other Portugalia and SATA services.
The upcoming strike will not only affect flights, but other methods of too from trains to ferries, buses and metros.
So if you’re planning on hopping on the Lisbon – you might have to find other arrangements.
Due to the sheer volume of staff strikes, it’s thought that the delays could impact travel on the following days, too.
Portugal has already had reports of travel chaos due to the EES entry requirements for Brits which has left to get through some airports.
One travel blogger posted on Instagram : “Last week a family I advised landed in Lisbon and stood in line for 6 hours and 40 minutes. Their toddler slept on a suitcase. They missed their transfer to the Algarve.
“EES (the EU’s new biometric entry system) is now live. Faro processes 7x more traffic than its capacity. Luggage handlers are striking April through June. And the airport you choose to land in will define your first 24 hours in Portugal.”
The flight time between the UK and Lisbon is up to three hours, so some British are standing in the airport for longer than they’re on the plane.
Brits heading to Portugal could face major disruption next week Credit: Alamy Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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