Travel insurance lessens airport misery

Holidaymakers are facing the prospect of chaos at UK airports during the busy summer peak due to a series of threatened strikes by airline and airport workers, but at least those who buy travel insurance before any industrial action is confirmed may be able to claim compensation.

A 24-hour strike by 1 200 immigration officers is due to take place on Wednesday after their union, the PCS, failed to reach an agreement with the UK Border Agency over working conditions.

The walkout which will be confirmed by union officials on Tuesday threatens to cause mayhem at airports across the country, including long delays for passengers arriving back in the UK.

In addition the Immigration Service Union (ISU) is poised to ballot its 4,000 immigration officer members on industrial action next week. Both the ISU and PCS are unhappy about the way customs and immigration controls are being merged into one body.

Passengers also face the prospect this summer of a strike by British Airways baggage handlers and check-in staff who have rejected a wide range of cost-cutting proposals put forward by the beleaguered airline. Both sides are expected to resume negotiations later this week.

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