London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR), the United Kingdom’s busiest travel hub, is bracing for a fresh wave of strikes as more than 2,000 security officers prepare to stage multiple walkouts across the summer.
Security officers will strike during select days from June 24 through Aug. 27, which will likely affect travel at Heathrow almost every weekend this summer.
The strikes will affect terminals 3 and 5, and it’s anticipated that they’ll cause serious disruption for passengers arriving at and departing the airport.
Strikes are currently set for the following dates this summer:
- June: 24-25, 28-30.
- July: 14-16, 21-24 and 28-31.
- August: 4-7, 11-14, 18-20 and 24-27.
The strike dates will span several key travel periods, including the start of U.K school holidays, Eid al-Adha and the U.K. August bank holiday.
For those planning trips that include air travel through London, it’s important to prepare for disruptions the strikes may cause.
Previous strikes only affected Heathrow’s Terminal 5, thanks to contingency measures in place. Terminal 3 workers plan to join upcoming strikes, which could increase the possibility of long lines and potential flight cancellations.
Currently, no airlines have confirmed any flight cancellations, but the situation remains uncertain.
The strikes at Heathrow were prompted by a pay dispute between the airport and members of the Unite union. So far, during negotiations, workers have rejected a below-inflation pay increase of 10.1%, citing the higher inflation rate of 11.4%, raising concerns that the U.K.’s current cost of living has outpaced their wages.
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“This is an incredibly wealthy company, which this summer is anticipating bumper profits and an executive pay bonanza,” Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said. “It’s also expected to pay out huge dividends to shareholders, yet its workers can barely make ends meet and are paid far less than workers at other airports.”
Heathrow Airport officials have expressed their commitment to minimizing disruption during the strikes.
“Unite has already tried and failed to disrupt the airport with unnecessary strikes on some of our busiest days, and we continue to build our plans to protect journeys during any future action,” a Heathrow Airport spokesperson said. “The simple fact remains that the majority of colleagues do not support Unite’s strikes. There is a two-year inflation-beating pay rise ready for colleagues if only Unite would allow them to have a say”.
Passengers affected by flight cancellations due to staff strikes may be entitled to compensation, provided they receive less than two weeks’ notice of any disruption.
However, when flight cancellations occur due to strikes by airport staff, Border Force or air traffic control, they are often classified as extraordinary circumstances. In this instance, you should check your insurance package to see how you are covered.
In such cases, affected passengers are entitled to refunds or alternative flights, but compensation claims may not be applicable.
Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here’s what you should do next
What to do if you’re flying from Heathrow this summer
Check your flight before traveling
Opt in for updates with your airline in the week and days before you’re due to fly. Flights can be canceled at short notice, but airlines will usually inform passengers as soon as possible via email, text or app.
If you’re concerned about delays and cancellations on the day, Twitter can often provide great insight into what’s happening on the ground. It might not speed things up, but it can help you mentally prepare.
Travel from a different airport
If you haven’t booked your flights yet, try to avoid Heathrow around these dates. Other London alternatives are London Gatwick Airport (LGW), London Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (LTN) and London City Airport (LCY).
Give yourself plenty of time
Anticipate long lines on these dates and give yourself plenty of time to check in and get through security. However, don’t turn up too early, as this can increase overcrowding. If you’re flying long-haul, give yourself three to four hours of headway.
Prepare for security
With long wait times expected during strike days, you can help things run smoother if you’re prepared for security checkpoints in advance. Be ready to remove laptops and other electrical items from your carry-on bags and remove any liquids over 3.4 ounces. Also, pack your toiletries and liquids in a clear plastic bag. Don’t be the one person holding everything up during an already tense time.
Bottom line
The summer strikes by security staff at Heathrow Airport may pose a challenge for those traveling during this period.
With the potential for long lines at security checkpoints and the potential for flight cancellations, passengers are advised to stay informed about the strikes and make necessary arrangements accordingly.
Despite facing previous strikes, Heathrow Airport is determined to ensure minimal disruption. Let’s hope ongoing negotiations with the Unite union lead to a swift resolution.