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Strikes, Delays and Lost Luggage: How to Survive Air Travel This Summer

With the travel season in full swing, we compiled a guide to help you navigate the year’s most hectic time in the skies.

By The New York Times

With summer on the horizon, experts are renewing their annual alarm to brace for the busiest travel season of the year — and they are expecting more passengers than ever to fly.

The surge comes against a troubled landscape for air travelers. Complaints against the airlines have never been higher. Strikes threaten to disrupt several major cities in Europe. And experts say that the air traffic system in the United States is not well equipped to handle the heavy consumer demand.

To help, we’ve put together this guide to identify the pain points and provide the advice you need to navigate smoothly even when the going gets rough.

Airfares: As Costs Rise, Flexibility Is Key

Even as inflation shows signs of slowing, airfares remain high, up nearly 10 percent in April compared with the same period in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Coming out of the pandemic, fewer flights, a shortage of airline workers and higher fuel costs, have helped push prices up. And consumers, eager to travel, haven’t revolted sufficiently to persuade carriers to bring them down.

But the picture can be confusing — and changeable.

According to the travel booking app Hopper, current prices on domestic airfares are well below last year right now, but are expected to rise through June when summer airfares typically peak. Hopper predicts the peak for a domestic round-trip booking will reach $328, better than the $400 last June but still 4 percent higher than the same period in 2019.

International fares, where available flights lag demand, are a bleaker story: Hopper expects tickets abroad this summer to be at a five-year high, up 32 percent to Europe compared with last summer (or $1,188 on average). Flights to Asia are up 17 percent (averaging $1,890) compared to last summer; that’s 67 percent more than in 2019.

What’s a traveler to do to keep from being fleeced? Keep an open mind.

“It’s about being flexible on one of the parameters of booking,” said Laura Lindsay, a global travel trends expert at Skyscanner , an airfare search site. “If you are flexible on when or where you want to go and even how you want to go, perhaps flying out of one airport and returning to a different one or on a different carrier, there’s a deal. If you’re rigid, you’ll be fenced into a more expensive fare.”

When you fly can be easiest to adjust. Skyscanner lets users look at prices for a route within a month’s time, letting them find the lowest fares. Google Flights sends price alerts for good fares on any dates on a specified route, and Kayak allows searches using flexible dates.

When it comes to where to go, consider 2023 a summer of spontaneity.

“Let the deal dictate the destination if you can,” said Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate , a personal finance website. “So often people get their hearts set on a place and that limits their options. If you don’t care which beach, shop around.”

If you haven’t booked summer flights, do it now. Hopper generally recommends monitoring domestic fares three to four months in advance of travel — many search engines will track specified routes — and buying one to two months out. In summer, it says the best deals are often available three to four months in advance.

Another potential money saver, a practice called skiplagging, allows fliers to book a ticket with an intermediate stop in their intended destination and then skip the final leg of their trip, which can sometimes be cheaper than flying direct. The website Skiplagged assembles available deals based on your preferred airport. For example, it recently flagged a flight from San Francisco to Jacksonville, Fla., with a stop in Miami for $134. A direct flight between San Francisco and Miami was $158. The method, which the airlines hate, requires fliers to book outbound and return tickets separately and forgo checked bags.

Alternatively, look for airfare and hotel packages assembled for less than the sum of their parts. The online travel agency Priceline said its packages save an average of $240 per booking. JetBlue Vacations , a branch of the airline, said its hotel and airfare deals are better than booking separately 90 percent of the time. Shoppers can use the “Best Vacation Finder” tool to compare offers in a variety of beach destinations, mountain getaways and cities.

Finally, don’t overlook points accrued by flying or spending on credit cards as payment.

“It’s all the more important now,” Mr. Rossman said, noting that many consumers amassed stockpiles of points during the pandemic, caches at risk of devaluation by airlines, which can change the requirements at will, charging 60,000 points for a flight that was 50,000 yesterday. “Providers are recovering from the pandemic, and they want paid customers, not freebies.”

Delays and Cancellations: Know Your Rights

The Federal Aviation Administration says that weather is the leading cause of flight delays . But last summer, most delays were man-made, according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics . From June to August last year, 8 percent of all flights were delayed because of the airlines and about 5 percent of all flights were delayed because of issues with the national aviation system , which includes air traffic control problems. Less than 1 percent of all flights were delayed because of weather, B.T.S. data shows.

The F.A.A. has recently taken steps to pre-empt potential chaos this summer. It is allowing airlines, including Delta, United and American , to operate fewer flights and instead use larger aircraft that can accommodate more passengers.

The change will help “mitigate the risk of encountering delays and cancellations,” said Michael McCormick, an assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a former F.A.A. control tower operator.

The agency has also announced 169 new routes along the East Coast that it said are more direct.

But that doesn’t mean things won’t fall apart, and knowing your rights is key.

Airlines in the U.S. are not required to compensate travelers for delays and cancellations. But all 10 major carriers will rebook passengers on another flight if the situation was under the airline’s control and will pay for meals when travelers have waited for three hours or more.

The Department of Transportation tracks delays and lays out refund and cancellation policies for controllable circumstances on its airline customer service dashboard .

Airlines might soon be required to offer cash payments , meals and hotel accommodations for carrier-caused slowdowns of three hours or more, if a rule recently proposed by President Biden and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg takes effect.

Travel advisers recommended considering trip insurance, which usually covers flight delays, and checking credit card policies on reimbursements for travel mishaps. Monitoring airline apps and opting in for text updates is also a good idea, they said. And if your flight is delayed, best to stay close to the gate .

If you’ve reached frequent flier status or purchased premium tickets or priority status, there is a priority line at the check-in counter, or a phone number, where service will be faster, said James Ferrara, the founder of InteleTravel , a global travel adviser network.

Many airlines offer robust and speedy customer service through Twitter. But it’s not the only way to reach them. Call the airline’s international phone line, which won’t be as slammed in a slowdown, said Scott Keyes, the founder of Going.com , a website that sends alerts for travel deals. Delta also has a dedicated hotline for travelers with flights within the next 48 hours, Mr. Keyes added.

Self-rebooking online or through the airline’s app has also gotten easier, experts said.

Mr. McCormick advised travelers to have a backup plan should flights go awry and to select flights “wisely” by assessing your options for connecting flights. He advises avoiding routes that require you to change planes in airports where summer weather like thunderstorms and hurricanes routinely causes cancellations and delays. “Pick different flights,” he said.

One general rule of thumb for summer travel is to book flights departing before 3 p.m., Mr. Ferrara said, adding that cancellations and delays tend to occur later in the day. It’s also always an option to stay home on the holidays, when cancellations and delays tend to cluster, Mr. Ferrara said, or “consider driving.”

If possible, get a nonstop flight and don’t check a bag, Mr. Keyes said.

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Airports: Plan Ahead and Check Your Timing

During last summer’s travel boom, the chief executive of Heathrow Airport in London asked airlines to stop selling tickets because of staffing shortages. Amsterdam Schiphol set a capacity cap. London Gatwick cut back on flights for July and August. Air Canada reduced its number of flights by about 15 percent.

What should travelers expect for summer 2023? And where are they most likely to run into delays and cancellations?

The flight tracking website FlightAware may offer some clues: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2022, the U.S. airports with the highest number of delays and cancellations, in order, were: Newark Liberty International Airport, La Guardia Airport and Kennedy Airport in New York; Reagan National in Washington; Miami International; Orlando International; Boston Logan International; and Charlotte Douglas International, in Charlotte, N.C.

In Newark and Orlando, the worst for delays last summer, nearly 35 percent of flights departing from those airports didn’t arrive at their destinations on time. Newark also held the title for most cancellations last summer, with nearly 9 percent of flights scratched entirely.

Globally, the worst percentage of delays and cancellations, in order, were at the international airports in Toronto, Sydney, Jakarta, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich and London (both Gatwick and Heathrow). Toronto Pearson stood out from the pack , with more than half of the departing flights delayed, and 7 percent of its departures canceled.

Whether these airports will again be the culprits of outsize travel misery is difficult to know. Some are taking preventive measures to try to head off the summer surge.

At Toronto Pearson, limits are being placed on the number of flights arriving and departing from the airport this summer, and improvements like contactless check-in and bolstered staffing are being put in place. Amsterdam Schiphol has no plans for a summer cap, nor does Heathrow.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration published a note saying that there would be increased delays in the Northeast this summer compared with 2022, and so the agency is loosening restrictions on airlines operating in Washington, D.C., and New York to mitigate disruptions.

But there are some strategies that passengers can use to increase the chance of pain-free travel. For one, avoiding the airports with the highest levels of delays and cancellations last summer may be a good idea. And flying nonstop eliminates the risk of something going wrong with the connection. But since the worst airports are also some of the biggest hubs for major airlines, it’s not always realistic to avoid them, and depending on where you are flying from, you may be forced to connect.

But passengers can avoid traveling at peak times, such as when long-haul flights arrive, which can cause overcrowding. Most overnight long-haul flights from the United States to Europe arrive at their destination cities between 6 a.m. and noon local time. The Customs and Border Protection wait times website can give a sense of the busiest times for international flights to arrive in the United States, so you can plan around them.

Booking the first flight of the day can also be a savvy move, because if the flight is canceled, you have a better chance of getting on another flight the same day. Building in some connection cushion time is an easy way to avoid headaches.

Staying apprised as to what complications the summer weather may bring can also help. In the past, the smoke from wildfires in the Western United States has affected airports in San Francisco, Denver, Seattle and Reno, Nev. The hurricane season can cause delays at Gulf Coast and Atlantic airports like Houston, New Orleans, Miami and Atlanta. Even the heat itself can cause problems: Last summer London’s Luton airport had to shut down after scorching temperatures caused the runway to buckle, and Phoenix has faced similar issues.

Security Lines: How to Speed Through

More travelers may mean longer lines at airport security and customs and immigration checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration said this week that it expects to screen 2.6 million passengers on Friday, which it predicts to be the busiest travel day of Memorial Day weekend. That’s more even than 2019, when 2.4 million travelers were screened.

In advance of the holiday, the agency said that it was taking measures to speed travelers through. Teenagers under 18 can now accompany parents or guardians who are enrolled in T.S.A. PreCheck through security when traveling on the same reservation; children 12 and under had previously been able to accompany their parents.

And the agency said its staffing levels were up because all its employees were getting a raise as of July 1. The promise of higher wages had made making recruiting efforts easier.

The agency says technology will also speed things up.

Now, at 16 U.S. airports, passengers no longer need to show their boarding passes to go through security, although they may need to show them at the gate. At these airports, travelers can swipe their identifying documents — a driver’s license or a passport, for example — in front of the security officer, and facial recognition technology will check for a match. Then an officer will check the ID before sending the passenger through.

New scanners that expedite security by allowing liquids and laptops to stay inside the bags are on the way as well, but “it’s going to be years before this becomes a reality,” said the T.S.A. press secretary, R. Carter Langston.

To speed your way, it can help to sign up for one of the programs offered by the government or Clear, a private company. But time is running out.

T.S.A.’s PreCheck program permits travelers departing from U.S. airports to go through screening without removing their shoes, belts or laptops, which can speed the process so significantly that in April, the T.S.A. said, 89 percent of PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in line. Many credit cards reimburse for PreCheck enrollment, which normally costs $78. And once approved, PreCheck lasts for five years. Although approval can be quick, it could take up to 60 days.

For $22 more, passengers can apply for Global Entry , which includes PreCheck, is also valid for five years and expedites entry into the U.S. from international destinations. Many credit cards also reimburse for Global Entry. The big drawback is that approval requires an interview, and the current average wait time is four to six months, Rhonda Lawson, a Customs and Border Protection public affairs specialist, said in an email. According to C.B.P., the number of travelers arriving at U.S. airports is almost 30 percent higher than last year.

If you can’t wait for PreCheck or Global Entry approval, the privately run Clear Plus offers a five-minute application and approval process. Members have their identities verified by Clear representatives and then are escorted to the front of security lines. Because users still undergo the airport’s physical screening, Clear offers maximum efficiency when used in tandem with PreCheck. Of course, the V.I.P. treatment comes at a cost: Clear runs $189 each year. But family members can be added for $60 each, and some credit cards and airlines offer discounts.

If you don’t want to pay for these programs, or don’t have the time to wait for approval, you’ve still got some digital resources at your disposal for predicting airport lines.

T.S.A. has its own app, MyTSA , that shows security wait times. Some commercial apps, like MiFlight and App in the Air , offer crowdsourced information on the current wait times at various airports.

If you’re re-entering the U.S. from abroad, the Global Entry passport-scanning kiosks now are paperless — no more receipts. Instead, your face will be scanned and then double-checked by a C.B.P. officer.

You’ll go through a similar process even without Global Entry. In the majority of U.S. airports, the passport-scanning kiosks are gone and instead a facial biometrics system is being used, said Ms. Lawson, adding that travelers can opt out and go through the traditional process by notifying a C.B.P. officer.

To get a sense of how long it might take to get through, consult the C.B.P.’s airport wait time website , which tracks the average and maximum wait times in immigration lines for both U.S. citizens and noncitizens. Although it doesn’t have real-time data, by checking the previous week’s waits on the same day and at the same time as your arrival, you can get a good sense of what kind of a line you could be facing.

Strikes in Europe: How to Plan Around Them

Ongoing labor actions continue to wreak havoc on major European transit hubs and may upend the plans of travelers this summer.

Tens of thousands of flights and trains have been delayed or canceled in recent months as workers across European cities walked out over pay disputes and labor conditions. France and Britain have been hit particularly badly, with prolonged strikes over peak holiday periods.

In part because of the labor actions, flight cancellations in Europe rose by 65 percent in March compared with the previous month, and are expected to rise further as demand increases into the summer season, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics firm.

For travelers in the process of booking their summer trips, travel experts advise checking if flights and hotel reservations coincide with planned labor actions. Heathrow Airport in London, where members of security staff have been striking for several days each month, keeps an updated calendar of planned disruptions. In Britain, the national rail service has posted planned train strike dates through June.

In France, trade unions have been staging regular nationwide protests against a bill introduced by President Emmanuel Macron to raise the country’s retirement age by two years. Violent clashes have broken out between demonstrators and the police, causing some tourist attractions to close. Air traffic controllers and workers at SNCF, the country’s national railway operator, have walked out several times this year, and the action is expected to continue in the coming months as lawmakers discuss the draft pension bill.

In Italy, baggage handlers, pilots and flight attendants have been striking regularly over pay; a nationwide strike has been planned for June 4 that will affect buses, trams and metro lines. Train strikes across Germany have also been causing widespread disruption.

The U.S. State Department advises travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for advisories about labor actions and other events in international destinations.

Even though the days for planned strikes are known in advance, travel agents are advising their clients to budget a few extra days in their itineraries in case they are affected by disruptions. Travelers should also familiarize themselves with their rights before embarking on their trips. Under European Union rules, travelers flying into, out of or within the bloc are eligible for a refund or a replacement flight if their flight is canceled or delayed for more than three hours. Travelers delayed overnight may also be entitled to reimbursement for personal costs, such as food and accommodations.

If informed about a cancellation less than 14 days before a scheduled departure date, passengers are entitled to up to $660 in compensation. The same rules apply to travelers to Britain.

“If your flight becomes disrupted due to an airline strike, airlines may owe you compensation ranging from $250 to $600 to make up for the inconvenience,” said Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a flight claim management firm based in Berlin.

The rules apply only when the workers taking action are employed by an airline, including pilots, cabin crew, airline engineers or others who work directly for the airline. Strikes by other airport staff, including air traffic control and security, are considered to be outside of the airline’s control.

Lost Luggage: New Tech, Trusted Tips

Jammed airports and planes this summer will inevitably mean more checked suitcases, duffels and backpacks that don’t show up at baggage claim.

Tight — some would even say unrealistic — flight schedules and continuing staffing shortages put pressure on luggage management systems, said Jamie Larounis, a travel industry analyst at Upgraded Points . Sometimes there just isn’t enough time to get luggage across a large airport and onto departing aircraft. “The slightest delay of a plane coming in can domino to the next because bags can’t get from one to the other,” Mr. Larounis said.

Airlines and airports are developing new technology to help those systems shepherd your bag through the conveyor belt maze quicker and more efficiently.

SITA, an air travel technology company whose WorldTracer system is in use at 2,200 airports globally, is teaming up on new initiatives. For example, it recently tested a system with Lufthansa to automatically reroute luggage that missed its flight onto the next available flight and let passengers know the new arrival time. That notification saves passengers from having to go speak to someone in the arrivals hall.

A system made by Siemens can read crumpled or partly obscured paper tags. It’s being used at several airports in the United States and internationally.

BAGTAG, a Dutch company that makes electronic luggage tags, is working with carriers like Alaska Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa and Swiss to phase out paper tags in favor of e-tags, which could help reduce mishandled luggage because they’re made of durable plastic and are less likely to be mangled or torn off.

Alaska Airlines is introducing electronic tags to a group of 2,500 fliers now and plans to make them available for sale this fall.

The good news is nearly everyone is eventually reunited with checked luggage. Last year, the vast majority made it back to their owners without a hitch. Out of the 470 million total bags checked on U.S. carriers in 2022, about six out of every 1,000 were mishandled (lost, damaged, delayed or stolen), according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. And only a tiny fraction of luggage is never reunited with its owner, according to SITA — about one in 2,250 bags.

So what can you do to leave the baggage carousel with a smile on your face this summer?

Arrive early so your checked bag has plenty of time to make it to the plane. Fly nonstop when possible, because every transfer increases the chance of a mishap. If you do need to change planes, don’t book a tight connection. And make sure any previous bag tags and stickers are taken off.

Carefully choose the type of bag you check (if possible, avoid the ubiquitous little black rolling bag, which can easily get mixed up at baggage claim) and festoon it with ribbons, stickers or other flair to make it easy to identify. Pay close attention at the check-in counter: Make sure the tag the agent attaches to your bag has the correct airport code. Never check medication, jewelry, or other essentials or valuables.

Take advantage of your airline’s smartphone app, which may offer luggage tracking capabilities. You can also place an Apple AirTag and a card with your contact information inside the bag to help trace it in the event it gets lost.

But say the worst happens and your baggage does not arrive as expected: Make sure you fill out the claim form before you leave the airport. The Department of Transportation website lists the rules that airlines must follow when baggage is delayed or goes missing, capping compensation at $3,800 per bag. Each airline has its own specific policies and procedures. Check their websites.

Lounges: How You Can Get Inside

The lines aren’t just growing at the gates. They’re also getting longer inside airport lounges, longtime havens from the masses clogging the terminals at peak times.

Whether they’re taking advantage of a perk of a high-end airline ticket, a credit card or a membership program, more fliers are gravitating to the lounges — and their free food, drink and Wi-Fi.

As lounges’ popularity has grown, regular users claim they aren’t the respites they used to be, often with longer waits to get in and changes to beloved luxuries. One example: replacing seating at the bar with a rope line for walk-up service.

“The whole vibe in these clubs has changed to get passengers through, give them drinks, swipe their credit cards and sell them premium products,” said Eric Goldmann of Atlanta, who works in health care sales and flies frequently. He cited top-shelf alcohol, usually not included among the free offerings, as an example.

Airline lounges originally became popular as perks for elite or frequent fliers, and legacy carriers including American, Delta and United still reward high-status fliers with access.

But the options have increased as third-party operations have joined the fray. Methods of entry have expanded, too: fly a lot, book a first or business class seat on some flights, sign up for a premium credit card, or pay for access.

Some credit cards include lounge access as a perk. The American Express Platinum Card , which costs $695 a year (and includes $400 of total hotel and airline fee credits), grants entry to its 15 Centurion Lounges in the United States, London and Hong Kong and more than 1,400 affiliated lounges worldwide.

Other premium credit cards have followed with their own lounges. Holders of the Venture X card from Capital One ($395 annual fee with $300 in travel credits) and up to two guests have access to the Capital One Lounge in Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

This month, JPMorgan Chase debuted its first Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club in Boston for holders of its Chase Sapphire Reserve card ($550 a year with benefits, including $300 in credits on travel purchases).

You can also gain access through a club consortium. Standard membership in Priority Pass , a network of 1,300 airport lounges, starts at $99 a year, with each visit costing $35 at that level. Other tiers include some or unlimited free visits. (Many premium credit cards include membership in Priority Pass.)

Plaza Premium Group, which operates lounges, hotels and restaurants in more than 70 airports worldwide, sells its PPL Pass Americas for $80. The pass entitles holders to two visits within 12 months to any of more than two dozen lounges in North, Central and South America, including locations in Dallas, Newark and Orlando, Fla.

Membership in the high-end travel club Fly Lyfe starts at $28 a month and offers access to more than 600 lounges globally at $35 a visit. The price goes up to about $50 a month for complimentary lounge access.

Among membership-free clubs, Escape Lounges charge $40 if a visit is booked online 24 hours in advance, $45 if not, at 15 clubs around the country. (Escape Lounges are free to American Express Platinum cardholders.) The Club charges $50 admission at its more than 20 lounges in U.S. airports and in London. And the website LoungeBuddy identifies pay-per-visit lounges around the world.

You can also buy your way into some airline lounges. American, for example, offers one-time passes for $59 or 5,900 AAdvantage miles.

So, once you’re in, who can accompany you? Rules vary. American allows immediate family (including children under 18) or up to two guests free. Delta and United have similar policies, but include children under 21.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Delta pilots protest working conditions ahead of July 4 weekend. Will it affect travel?

Delta Air Lines pilots picketed at the carrier's hubs around the country Thursday, saying they've been working record amounts of overtime this year and are frustrated with ongoing contract negotiations. 

What's happening?

Off-duty Delta pilots picketed at airports in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, New York, Seattle-Tacoma, and Salt Lake City.

Why are Delta's pilots protesting?

First officer David Adler, one of the   pilots protesting at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport said he and his colleagues have already worked more overtime this year than they did in all of 2018 and 2019 combined.

“Overtime is not a bad thing, but relying on it all the time is problematic," he said. “We’re short of pilots right now and if we get a little bit of a hiccup in the system, whether it’s due to saturation in the airspace, whether it’s due to weather or things like that, we don’t have the staff to go ahead and recoup.”

Adler emphasized, however, that Delta's passengers should continue to feel confident in the safety of air travel.

"Nobody cares about the safety of the airline, of the airplanes, of their crew members more than the Delta pilots,'' he said. "We will always operate in the most safe environment, always. If we’re not feeling well, we will not be flying the airplane."

Pilot shortage: Why this summer has been tough for air travelers

Secret travel spots: Was your favorite hidden vacation spot overexposed? Blame social media and pent-up demand

Will the protest affect July 4th travel?

Short answer: no. Delta says that the picketing pilots are not scheduled to fly while they're participating in the protest, and their demonstration should have no impact on flight schedules.

"Our goal remains to continue providing Delta pilots with an industry-leading overall contract with the best compensation based on pay, retirement, work rules, and profit sharing,'' Morgan Durrant, a Delta spokesperson, said in a statement. "We’re also committed to making sure the contract language supports our ability to run a world-class operation.'' 

But, pilots say, travelers should still be ready for issues during the holiday weekend. 

“What I would recommend to the holiday travelers is this: I would say, get to the airports earlier. I would say if you’re flying through a hub, give yourself a little bit of extra time flying through that hub," Adler said.

July 4 travel: Airlines warn passengers to prepare for issues

What about other cancellations?

Protests aside, it's been a rough summer for Delta, which has struggled as traveler demand has surged.

On Friday, Delta's CEO sent a message to the airline's frequent flyers acknowledging the issues and pledging a return to reliability.

"I know many of you may have experienced disruptions, sometimes significant, in your travels as we build our operation back from the depths of 2020 while accommodating a record level of demand," the letter said. "Things won't change overnight, but we're on a path towards a steady recovery. Steps we've taken include offering more flexibility for your travel plans and adjusting our summer schedule so that when challenges do occur, we can bounce back faster."

Delta announced a sweeping waiver for July 4 weekend that allows passengers to rebook travel without paying change fees or fare differences. And, the airline emphasized, it's working to speed up its hiring process to help smooth over some of the challenges. 

Weekend travel chaos expected as train drivers strike over pay

P arts of the country will have no rail services on Saturday because of the latest strike by train drivers, causing travel chaos for passengers including sports fans.

Members of Aslef at Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway and West Midlands Railway will walk out for 24 hours in their long-running dispute over pay and conditions.

Strikes against different English train operators started earlier this week and will continue on Monday, while a ban on overtime will last until Tuesday, also causing disruption to services.

Football fans attending many league games will be among those affected on Saturday, while the hospitality industry has warned that the ongoing industrial action is costing the sector tens of millions of pounds in lost income.

Industrial action is designed to be disruptive to passengers and it is extremely disappointing that the impact of this action means we are unable to operate any services this weekend

Avanti West Coast urged its customers not to travel on Saturday as there will be no services.

Managing director Andy Mellors said: “Our customers want to be out using our network and it is disappointing that we are once again asking them not to travel on a weekend.

“We understand their frustration and can only apologise for the disruption to their plans.

“We’d encourage those able to do so to take advantage of the ticket easement and change their day of travel. Alternatively, customers are entitled to a full fee-free refund.”

Football games affected on Avanti’s routes include Everton v Tottenham, Burnley v Fulham, Leyton Orient v Carlisle, West Brom v Birmingham City , Tranmere v Crewe and Salford v Wrexham.

West Midlands Railway (WMR) said the impact of the strike and overtime ban means none of its train services will run on Saturday or Sunday.

There will be an amended timetable on Monday and Tuesday, with services subject to short-notice amendment or cancellation.

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “Industrial action is designed to be disruptive to passengers and it is extremely disappointing that the impact of this action means we are unable to operate any services this weekend.

“Passengers holding tickets for travel for either Saturday or Sunday will be able to use them on an alternative day or claim a full refund. Information is available on our website.

“I also urge passengers travelling during the period of the overtime ban to check their journeys before setting out as services may be subject to short-notice cancellation. I also urge passengers not to rely on late services as last trains may be earlier than usual.”

There will be no East Midlands Railway services on Saturday.

The pay and conditions dispute started in the summer of 2022 and shows no sign of being resolved.

Aslef says drivers have not had a pay rise for almost five years, including a period where many worked through the pandemic.

Train companies say working conditions have to be updated, while the government is urging the union’s leadership to ballot their members on an offer made last year.

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Forty-eight hours of rail chaos is now under way. Travellers trying to reach the Eurovision Song Contest this Saturday and, next month, the FA Cup Final by train could find their trains cancelled by a series of strikes.

As the next round of national rail strikes begins, the dispute between rail unions, train operators and ministers appears deeper than ever.

In June 2022, the first national rail strikes since the 1980s began across Britain in a tangle of disputes about pay, job security and working arrangements have caused problems for tens of millions of train passengers. Stoppages have been called frequently, causing massive disruption and making advance travel planning difficult.

Across England – and on some lines in Scotland and Wales – tens of thousands of trains will be cancelled over the next 23 days.

Passengers heading for the final stages of the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool will be hit this weekend, while in later walkouts sports fans will find it hard to reach the FA Cup Final and Epsom Derby.

Strikes look likely to continue through the summer of 2023. While the government and the rail unions trade insults, passengers are facing months of uncertainty.

These are the key questions and answers about the disputes.

Who is striking?

All the railway staff who are taking industrial action over the next few weeks are members of the main unions: Aslef , representing train drivers, and the larger RMT , which represents other workers.

Both unions are involved in a long and bitter dispute with all the big train operators in England who are contracted by the Department for Transport (DfT).

In terms of the sheer number of passengers, the London commuter routes are the most significant. They include Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink, Greater Anglia and Southeastern.

Five intercity operators – Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, LNER and TransPennine Express – are also involved. (Unrelated to the strikes, TransPennine Express will be brought into public ownership on 28 May after continual large-scale cancellations.)

Three operators focusing on the Midlands and north of England are caught up in the dispute: Chiltern Railways, Northern Trains and West Midlands Trains.

When are they striking?

Aslef members will walk out on Friday 12 May, Wednesday 31 May and Saturday 3 June. To cause further disruption, Aslef has also banned “non-contractual overtime” on Saturday 13 May, from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 May inclusive, and on Thursday 1 June.

The RMT has called a strike by members working at 14 train operators on Saturday 13 May.

Since June 2022, the RMT has previously staged walkouts on 24 days, with Aslef stopping work on eight previous occasions.

Steve Montgomery, chair of the Rail Delivery Group, representing train operators, said: “While we are doing all we can to keep trains running, unfortunately there will be reduced train services across the network between Friday 12 May and Saturday 3 June.”

Will I be able to travel by rail this weekend?

It depends on the journey you want to make, and the day you want to make it. Aslef’s industrial action tends to cause more disruption than the RMT’s, now that Network Rail staff are no longer involved.

Typically, train operators cancel all or most trains on Aslef strike days, though LNER is likely to aim to run as many as 40 per cent of normal services on the East Coast main line, concentrating on the London King’s Cross-York-Newcastle-Edinburgh spine.

The RMT action on 13 May is likely to be patchier: most train operators will generally run a reduced service from around 7am to 6pm.

Travellers trying to reach the Eurovision Song Contest will find that Avanti West Coast, Northern and TransPennine Express are running no trains at all to and from Liverpool on 12 May. Their entire operation has been cancelled due to the drivers’ strike, though Merseyrail will be putting on extra services on its small and self-contained network.

On all strike days, passengers can expect a normal service on Transport for Wales and ScotRail, as well as Caledonian Sleeper, Grand Central, Heathrow Express, Hull Trains, the London Overground, Lumo and Merseyrail.

What about the later strikes?

At present only Aslef has called walkouts beyond this weekend.

The 3 June date coincides with the FA Cup Final between Manchester United and Manchester City, which will be staged at Wembley in northwest London. Normally tens of thousands of fans would be travelling by rail to the match. The drivers’ walkout on 3 June will also affect racegoers travelling to Epsom Derby.

What do the unions say?

Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, told The Independent : “These are government-led strikes, government-driven strikes, government-organised strikes.

“The proposal – of just four per cent – was clearly not designed to be accepted as inflation is still running north of 10 per cent and our members at these companies have not had an increase for four years.”

The RMT’s general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Throughout this dispute – which has gone on for over a year – the government has tied the hands of the railway companies and prevented them offering a fair deal.

“We are striking so that the employers and government can see the huge anger amongst rail workers is very real and they need to recognise that fact, face reality and make improved proposals.”

What do the train firms say?

Steve Montgomery, of the RMT, said: “The upcoming rail strikes called by the Aslef and RMT leadership will not only affect our passengers’ daily commute but will also impact those travelling from outside Liverpool and London to come to Eurovision and the FA Cup final, causing disappointment and frustration for those who have planned to attend.

“It will also further burden our people who have already lost thousands of pounds at a time of financial strain.

“We understand the impact of these strikes on individuals and businesses alike, and we can only apologise for this unnecessary and damaging disruption.”

What is the government’s view?

Ministers reject Aslef’s views and say train drivers are doing very well. A DfT spokesperson said: “In terms of pay, train drivers’ national average wage has increased by 39 per cent since 2011, compared to the national average of 23 per cent.

“The very fair pay offer would have seen their already well above average salaries increase from £60,055 to £65,000 by the end of the year.”

Addressing the RMT union, Mark Harper , the transport secretary, said: “I’m disappointed by the RMT’s decision to continue taking industrial action. Train companies put forward a fair and reasonable pay offer, which the RMT’s executive have refused to consult their members on, despite members working for Network Rail voting overwhelmingly to accept it earlier this year.

“The Rail Delivery Group’s best and final offer guarantees employees a fair and reasonable pay rise, while delivering the reforms needed to address the long-term challenges facing the industry.”

What happens next?

Neither side looks prepared to back down.

All parties will be watching intently to see how effective the weekend walk-outs prove to be. The government and the train operators are pinning hopes on an erosion of support for striking by union members.

If more than half the scheduled trains can run, ministers would conclude that support for strikes is eroding. But the rail unions believe that support for the strikes remains strong, and that eventually ministers will cave in and agree to unconditional pay rises.

Both unions say they are prepared to continue industrial action through the summer and into the winter; in a ballot of RMT members, 91 per cent of those who voted to continue the strike mandate.

The RMT leader Mick Lynch, said: “The huge anger amongst rail workers is very real and they need to recognise that fact, face reality and make improved proposals.”

When I asked Mick Whelan of Aslef whether train strikes could drag on through the summer, he said: “I believe so.”

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When is the next train strike? Dates and affected lines in June 2024

Rail unions are expected to announce more industrial action very soon

Disputes between trade unions and train companies in the UK have now been dragging on for two whole years, with rail workers taking action to protest poor pay and working conditions. So, it’s a surprise to absolutely no one that more train strikes are expected in the coming months. 

Following the ASLEF strikes in May – which saw train drivers at 16 operators across the UK walk out over three days – there is no further action planned on British train services. Yippee! Enjoy this glorious strike-free moment while it lasts. 

But don’t get your hopes up too high. The ASLEF union’s members previously voted to continue striking until at least August 2024, so we can expect more industrial action in the coming weeks and months. If a union wants to call a strike, it has to give at least two weeks’ notice. 

In better news, the RMT says that it has come to some sort of agreement with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) over pay and job security that has paused action by RMT members.

Here’s everything you need to know about upcoming industrial action on the UK’s rail network. 

RECOMMENDED: All you need to know about the train strikes in London . Heathrow Airport strikes 2024: full list of May and June dates and airlines affected .

When are the next train strike dates?

Following a ‘rolling programme’ of ASLEF strikes on May 7-9, no further strike action is planned. Savour this blissfully strike-free time. 

What train lines will be affected?  

When ASLEF workers go on a nationwide strike, these are the lines that are typically impacted. 

• Avanti West Coast
• CrossCountry
• East Midlands Railway
• Great Western Railway
• TransPennine Express
• Greater Anglia
• GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)
• Southeastern
• South Western Railway
• Chiltern Railways
• Northern Trains
• West Midlands Railway

How will rail travel be affected by the strikes?

During nationwide strikes, rail travel typically comes to a standstill all over the country. You can find out more about how services are affected on the National Rail website .

Often, disruption isn’t just on the day of a strike. There is usually also an impact on services in the afternoon and evening on the day before each strike, as well as on the morning of the day after. This is because trains and drivers are out of their planned positions as a result of the strikes. 

Do workers get paid when on strike?

UK law states that employers   do not have to pay   employees who take part in   industrial action. However, some unions keep some money aside to issue strikers with ‘strike pay’ while they occupy picket lines. For example, the RMT has the National Dispute Fund, which is supported by union membership payments as well as donations from members of the public.

W hen will the rail strikes end?

Unless a deal on pay, job security and working conditions is reached between unions and rail operators, it’s likely that strikes could continue for a long while yet. Back in February, ASLEF members voted to continue striking until at least August 2024. 

While the RMT reached a deal with the RDG at the end of 2023, this is only a temporary agreement until more discussions take place. 

Why are rail workers striking?

Different rail unions have been striking for different reasons – including job security and working conditions – but the overarching reason is a cut in real-terms pay.

Drivers at ASLEF have been walking out after what it called a ‘risible’ pay offer of four percent a year for two years,  as well as changes to working conditions. Some ASLEF drivers haven’t had a pay rise in five years. 

What’s the deal with working practices?

Due to changes in travelling habits following the pandemic, with fewer commuters and off-peak train travel, some bosses want to change previous ‘archaic’ working practices and to introduce new technology and run teams more efficiently. Unions fear this may lead to job cuts, and it’s one of the  most contentious issues in the dispute.

Can I get a refund if my train is cancelled?

According to National Rail, if your train is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled due to the industrial action, you will:

• Be entitled to a change or refund from the original retailer of your ticket •  Be able to use your ticket with another train company or an alternative route if it is available

Is the Eurostar affected by the train strikes?

Eurostar has said that strikes will not affect its timetable. However, if you’re getting a connecting journey within the UK, make sure that you check whether it is still running before you leave and allow extra time when travelling to and from London on strike days.

What do rail chiefs and unions have to say about the strikes?

ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan said: ‘It is now a year since we sat in a room with the train companies – and a year since we rejected the risible offer they made and which they admitted, privately, was designed to be rejected.’

Previously, Whelan said: ‘Many of our members have now not had a single penny increase to their pay in half a decade, during which inflation soared and with it the cost of living.

‘The government has now tried their old trick of changing the rules when they can’t win and brought in minimum service levels legislation. But this new law, as we told officials during the consultation period, won’t ease industrial strife. It will likely just make it worse.

‘There’s no excuse. The government and train operating companies must come to the table with a realistic offer so we can end this dispute and work together to ensure the future of our railways.’

Are there any other strikes to be aware of?

There are indeed.  Heathrow has recently been hit by strikes , and lots of industrial action is taking place in airports across Europe . 

Did you see the full list of high street stores closing in 2024 ?

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Weekend rail strikes: travel disrupted across Great Britain

Aslef train drivers’ set of strikes and work to rule is latest action in long-running pay dispute

Rail passengers face another weekend of cancelled and disrupted trains as services across the Midlands and intercity trains from London are halted by drivers’ strikes.

The latest in a week of rolling 24-hour strikes called by the Aslef union will stop all trains throughout Saturday on Avanti West Coast, East Midlands, West Midlands Railway and its sister service, London Northwestern. LNER services running on the east coast mainline have resumed after a one-day strike on Friday.

The accompanying overtime ban by train drivers across England is expected to have its biggest impact on Sunday, which is a contractually a rest day at some operators.

The two West Midlands operators and Chiltern will not run any trains on Sunday, while Avanti, Great Western and CrossCountry will all operate reduced timetables. In the southeast, Govia Thameslink Railway said it would run far fewer trains than normal on its Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern networks, and no services at all on some routes.

The last 24-hour strikes of the current wave come on Monday at CrossCountry, Chiltern and Great Western. Only the latter plans to operate any trains, a skeleton service ending by early evening.

Aslef’s set of strikes and work to rule is the latest industrial action in the long-running pay dispute across train companies contracted to the Department for Transport in England. While drivers in Scotland and Wales are not on strike, cross-border rail services will be disrupted.

Train operators said passengers should continue to check timetables before they travel . The overtime ban – which runs until the end of Tuesday – will make additional short-notice cancellations and disruption likely.

New powers to enforce minimum service levels by requiring some drivers to break strikes and work have not been used by train operators, despite government pressure. Many in the industry have deemed the laws unworkable.

Aslef has said it will continue to strike for a new pay deal, after the union rejected an 8% offer last spring. The rail firms and the government have urged Aslef to hold a union-wide referendum on its offer, which would be the first pay rise for many drivers in five years.

• Rail strikes
• Trade unions
• Industrial action
• Rail transport

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Are there train strikes this weekend dates for upcoming union action and the lines affected, union leaders have criticised network rail’s 'paltry' pay offers, and are seeking rises in line with inflation amid the cost of living crisis.

Rail strikes have caused significant travel disruption this summer , with unions locked in a long-running dispute with National Rail over pay and working conditions.

Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) action brought roughly 80 per cent of services to a halt last Wednesday, with some areas completely cut off.

And there was more disruption on Saturday when drivers who are part of the Aslef union walked out.

These strikes followed widespread action that caused travel chaos over three days at the end of June.

Union leaders have criticised Network Rail’s “paltry” pay offers, and are seeking rises in line with inflation amid the cost of living crisis.

More action is planned for August . Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming strikes .

Are there rail strikes this weekend?

There are no planned train strikes this weekend.

However, unions have planned strikes for:

• Saturday 13 August
• Thursday 18 August
• Saturday 20 August

The 13 August strike is organised by Aslef and includes train drivers at nine rail companies:

• Avanti West Coast
• CrossCountry
• Greater Anglia
• Great Western Railway
• Hull Trains
• London Overground
• Southeastern
• West Midlands Trains

The RMT has organised the strikes on 18 August and 20 August.

These major walkouts are expected to include 40,000 workers – around 20,000 from Network Rail, including signalling and track maintenance workers – and the remainder from 14 train operating companies.

This means the scale of disruption is likely to be similar to the debilitating walkouts in June, which involved 13 operators.

Here are the companies involved:

• Chiltern Railways
• East Midlands Railway
• Northern Trains
• South Eastern
• South Western Railway
• TransPennine Express
• GTR (including Gatwick Express)
• London Northwestern Railway

Why are workers striking?

Union leaders rejected Network Rail’s “paltry” offer of a 4 per cent pay rise, another two per cent next year and a further two per cent conditional on achieving “modernisation milestones”.

They instead demanded a rise in line with inflation, which stands at nearly 10 per cent.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said workers were “more determined than ever” to secure their demands.

He claimed Network Rail “have not made any improvement” on their previous pay offer and had “upped the ante” by threatening workers with compulsory redundancies.

“Network Rail are still seeking to make our members poorer when we have won in some cases double what they are offering, with other rail operators,” he added.

“The train operating companies remain stubborn and are refusing to make any new offer which deals with job security and pay.

“Strike action is the only course open to us to make both the rail industry and government understand that this dispute will continue for as long as it takes, until we get a negotiated settlement.”

Network Rail’s chief negotiator, Tim Shoveller, said the RMT had “walked away from ongoing and constructive talks” and had made it “abundantly clear that their political campaign is taking precedence over representing their members’ interests”.

More on Rail Strikes

When are the next Tube strikes?

Workers on London Underground are set to stage a 24-hour strike on Friday 19 August.

The RMT said the walkout has been prompted by Transport for London’s “refusal” to share details of a draft Government proposal for funding the transport system.

The union added that it is giving TfL until 2 August to give assurances on jobs, pensions and working conditions.

Mr Lynch said: “Our members will once again take to picket lines in this important dispute over pensions, jobs and conditions.

“They have been messed around by TfL and Mayor Sadiq Khan. And to add insult to injury, they have not seen the detail of this funding letter from government.

“Unless there can be assurances made about jobs, pensions and detrimental changes to working conditions, then our strike on 19 August will go ahead.”

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Train strikes: GWR's weekend travel warning as four days of disruption begins

The industrial action will affect GWR, CrossCountry and Chiltern Railways services

• 08:53, 3 FEB 2024
• Updated 09:01, 3 FEB 2024

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Train passengers in the West Country have been warned to make other travel arrangements amid industrial action called by unions. The Aslef union has called for strike action on Sunday (February 4) as well as Monday (February 5) which will have an impact on GWR, CrossCountry and Chiltern Railways services.

Passengers in Cornwall, Plymouth , Devon, Somerset and Bristol and those travelling further up country or to London will see services reduced or cancelled. More delays could also take place today (Saturday February 3), GWR has warned.

GWR said there could also be further delays into Tuesday (February 6) because of the short-notice industrial action. On Sunday February 4 there will be significant disruption to services and customers should travel on alternative days.

Read next: Major Torquay roadworks spark delay warning

Read next: Urgent call for action on new Devon speed limits

Meanwhile on Monday a reduced, revised timetable will operate across several train operators, including GWR. Many parts of the GWR network will have no service at all and trains that are running will only be operating for a limited period during the day.

On the days after strikes, services could also be affected by a limited number of short-notice cancellations and alterations. A spokesperson for GWR said: "If you intend to travel where trains are running, please check before you travel.

"Trains that are operating will be busier than usual because we will not be able to offer the normal service frequency. Other train operators are also affected by this action, so onward travel could also be affected. Where we can run services, they are expected to be extremely busy and we are not able to provide bus replacement services."

Travel advice

The following travel advice is in place:

Saturday February 3– Action short of a strike

A normal level of service will operate throughout the day, but there will be some short-notice alterations or cancellations.

Planned engineering work will affect services between Bristol Temple Meads and Weston-super-Mare.

Planned engineering work will affect services between Reading and North Camp.

Those travelling to the Principality Stadium for Wales v Scotland should check their journey before travelling. Trains immediately before and after the match are expected to be very busy.

Sunday February 4 – Action short of a strike

There will be significant disruption to services and customers are recommended to travel the day before or after Monday 5 February. Where trains can run, they will be extremely busy.

No trains will operate on long-distance routes between London Paddington and Bristol, South Wales and Exeter /Plymouth/Penzance.

Trains will also start later and finish earlier, and customers are advised to check the time of last trains. Bus replacement services are not able to be operated.

A limited service on Sunday will run only on the following routes between:

• London Paddington towards Didcot and Oxford
• London Paddington and Swindon
• London branch lines
• Reading and Basingstoke
• Reading and Newbury/Bedwyn
• Westbury and Swindon
• Cheltenham/Gloucester and Swindon
• Cardiff and Portsmouth
• Cardiff and Exeter St Davids via Weston-Super-Mare
• Bristol and Gloucester/Cheltenham/Worcester
• Bristol and Westbury/Weymouth
• Plymouth and Penzance
• Plymouth and Exeter
• Devon and Cornwall branch lines

Customers are advised to travel before the weekend or after Sunday. If you intend to travel where trains are running, please check before you travel as they will be busy and are likely to be disrupted.

The Night Riviera Sleeper service is cancelled.

Monday February 5 – Strike day

An extremely limited service will operate. There will be a reduced operating window; services will start at 07:00 and must be completed by around 19:00. If you intend to travel where trains are operating, please check both outward and return journeys.

A very limited service will run only on the following routes:

• London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads
• London Paddington and Oxford
• Reading and Redhill (AM/PM peak only)
• Reading and Newbury (AM/PM peak only)
• Westbury and Swindon (AM/PM peak)
• Cardiff and Bristol Temple Meads
• Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple (AM/PM peak only)
• Exeter St Davids and Exmouth (calling at Exeter Central, Digby and Topsham only)
• Plymouth and Gunnislake
• Penzance and St Ives

If you intend to travel on Monday 5 February, please check before you travel. Trains that are operating will be busier than usual because we will not be able to offer the normal service frequency.

Due to planned engineering work the Night Riviera Sleeper service is cancelled.

Tuesday February 6 – Action short of a strike

Trains will run as planned with some changes to service start-up and some planned cancellations. Please check before you travel.

The Night Riviera Sleeper service is cancelled due to pre-planned engineering work.

Refunds and date changes

GWR said that customers who purchased tickets but do not travel can claim a full refund or amend their ticket . Those who travel and are delayed may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more.

To help customers, tickets for strike days will be valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services, as per below:

• Tickets for Tuesday 30 January to Monday 5 February can be used to travel from Monday 29 January up to and including Wednesday 7 February

Season-ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme . Its refund policy remains in place. If you hold a return ticket, you can claim a refund of your unused full fare, even if only one leg of your journey is affected.

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Weekend travel chaos as another day of strikes leaves just a fifth of train network running

19 August 2022, 22:52 | Updated: 20 August 2022, 09:11

By Will Taylor

Another day of strikes will take place on Saturday as the dispute between rail unions and train companies shows no sign of stopping.

Listen to this article

Having vowed this week to keep going for as long as it takes, rail workers will again walk out on Saturday – hot on the heels of Thursday's strikes and Friday's public transport disruption in London.

Unions have accused the transport secretary Grant Shapps of blocking negotiations that would settle the long-running dispute over pay, conditions and jobs – and in their latest criticism suggested he was attempting "fire and rehire" policies.

Network Rail said about 20% of the rail network will be open on strike days, and a limited service will run on lines between 7.30am and 6.30pm. Disruption will knock-on into Sunday.

Mr Shapps and rail firms want unions to allow modernising reforms onto the railways, and suggested he could impose changes using "Section 188" powers as unions continue to refuse to buckle.

"What I do know and I can say for sure is if we can't get this settled in the way that we are proposing, which is, 'Please put the deal to your membership', then we will have to move to what is called a Section 188; it is a process of actually requiring these changes to go into place so it becomes mandated," he told Sky News.

"That is the direction that this is moving in now."

But one of the unions striking on Saturday, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), said Section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act requires employers to consult unions but not impose changes.

Read more: Mick Lynch: I never believed in the European Union

Such notice had been given out by Network Rail after it proposed to cut up to 1,900 jobs in the industry.

"Many of the changes being proposed require big changes to people's contracts of employment including rosters, more night shifts and working practices. These require agreement between unions and the employer. This is another reason we are on strike," said a spokesman.

Manuel Cortes, TSSA general secretary, said: "This is yet more desperate stuff from Shapps intended to distract from the real issues in the rail dispute. He's now actively advocating fire and rehire.

"Grant Shapps is touring TV studios spouting anti-worker nonsense when it's actually within his gift as Transport Secretary to resolve this dispute."

Mick Lynch, whose Rail, Maritime and Transport union members are among those striking, said: "Mr Shapps has no authority to issue Section 188 notifications as he is not the legal employer but now seems intent on forcing through fire and re-hire on rail workers despite previously claiming that he had nothing to do with negotiations between the employers and the unions.

Read more: Labour MPs defy Starmer again by joining striking rail workers as Corbyn shows up sporting black eye

"Despite his denials Mr Shapps has clearly been dictating how the train companies should conduct negotiations with RMT and now he's ordering them to fire and re-hire workers.

The Department for Transport previously said unions will not agree “a deal that will bring our railways into the 21st century” and added: "It's clear strikes are not the powerful tool they once were and union chiefs are no longer able to bring the country to a standstill as, unlike them, the world has changed and people simply work from home."

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Planning to cross the border? Here's what to know about the possible strike

As the clock ticks on toward a strike at the Canadian border, a union spokesperson says the group remains in negotiations with the government.

They have until 4 p.m. Friday to make a deal.

"If a deal is not reached, a strike will take place," Pierre St-Jacques, spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) union, wrote in an email to CTVNews.ca on Thursday.

More than 9,000 Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) members who work for the CBSA, including border guards, secured a strike mandate at the end of May, threatening to slow traffic through Canada's national entry points.

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The union says it wants "fair" wages comparable to other law enforcement agencies in Canada, changes to its workers' retirement plans, and "flexible" online and remote work options.

"We are still hopeful that we can reach an agreement to avoid strike action, but the window is closing if the government wants to avoid any potential delays at Canada’s borders," wrote St-Jacques.

Claire Fan, an economist with the Royal Bank of Canada in Toronto, said in an interview with CTV's News Channel on Thursday that she expects the potential strike to have a spillover impact. She says auto manufacturers could see the biggest economic hit. Tourism and restaurants could also be hurt if travellers call off their trips as the travel season starts to ramp up.

Up to 60 per cent of goods trade across the border between Canada and the United States was done with trucks in 2023, she noted.

Despite the potential economic impact of a strike, it wouldn't be a full shutdown of the border since 90 per cent of front-line border officers are considered essential workers and can't stop working during a strike. "That in itself is good news," Fan said. "It means goods will still be able to move across borders for the most part."

Instead, border workers may implement work-to-rule efforts, which could cause delays with vehicles taking longer to pass through the border, Fan said.

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In 2021, the union carried out a work-to-rule effort, slowing traffic into long lines of tourist and commercial vehicles waiting to cross. A deal was reached after an extended 36-hour negotiation.

"While the government fully respects the right of employees to gather and demonstrate lawfully, unlawful job action will not be tolerated," reads a Wednesday release from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

"Negotiation is a process of give and take. The government is prepared to make concessions, but there needs to be movement on both sides," it reads.

The latest GDP numbers indicate many businesses are holding more inventories in anticipation of potential disruptions to supply chains, among lessons they learned over the last few years, Fan added.

"Businesses are precautionarily holding inventories so potentially that could offset some of the impact," she said.

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Jim Cooper, CEO of Canarm Limited , a ventilation company with its headquarters in Brockville, Ont., is worried about the impact of a strike. "The border is a critical link to us being successful as a manufacturer in Canada," Cooper said in an interview with CTV News. "We've got product crossing the border every single day of week.

The association of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) estimates that about $3.1 billion in goods cross the Canadian border each day. Last year, cross border trade totalled $1.6 trillion, it says.

“We need the federal government to take a proactive approach to preventing these disruptions,” wrote CME president Denis Darby in a Wednesday news release.

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The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.

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'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral

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opinion | Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster

A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?

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opinion | Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike

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Stay Connected

Money blog: Holiday money - experts share tips on cash v card, where and when to buy currency and other hacks

Britons spend billions abroad every year - so we asked three experts for their tips on how to make your money go as far as possible on holiday. We'll be back with live updates on Monday - until then, share your holiday money tips with us below, and enjoy your weekend.

Saturday 15 June 2024 10:46, UK

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Ask a question or make a comment

By Brad Young and Katie Williams , from the Money team

UK residents spend billions of pounds abroad each year, but it can be difficult to know how to make sterling go as far as possible.

With summer fast approaching, so too are the opportunities to splash out on holidays, so the Money team spoke with three travel experts to find out when, where and how to pay abroad.

CREDIT CARD

"The cheapest way to spend overseas is often on plastic , if you've got the right plastic," said James Jones, head of consumer affairs at Experian.

"Using credit and debit cards can be a great way to get the very best exchange rates."

He said rates offered by currency exchange shops are usually "much less attractive" than those offered on some cards, which were much closer to the rates the banks use themselves.

Fees could wipe out any gains

But it's essential to be aware of things like non-sterling transaction fees, cash withdrawal fees and credit card interest.

So shop around for a card with travel rewards, Mr Jones said - and do this before your trip.  

"You probably need to give yourself, ideally, six weeks."

Extra protection

When you book a trip between £100 and £30,000, try and pay for some of it on a credit card to get "extra protection" under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, said Mr Jones.

That means the card provider is jointly responsible with the retailer if something goes wrong, such as arriving at a hotel only to find it has closed down.

If you are using a credit card, make sure you are can pay it off in full to avoid interest charges, said Sean Tipton from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

One trap you must not falling into

An increasingly common trap when paying with card (credit or debit) is being presented with the option to pay in the local currency or in pounds, said Mr Jones and Mr Tipton.

While paying in sterling might "seem like a wonderful convenience" you will ultimately be paying "quite a bit more for the purchase", Mr Jones said.

If you pay in pounds, the local retailer's bank sets the exchange rate, but if you pay in the local currency, your UK bank sets the rate.

DEBIT CARDS

"Some service providers don't apply fees for overseas use on their regular UK debit cards," says Moneyfacts - but you must always check as some incur big fees.

Alternatively, "some service providers offer specialist travel debit cards that don't impose non-sterling transaction fees and cash withdrawal fees".

PREPAID TRAVEL CARDS

If you're looking to avoid a credit check, prepaid cards can be loaded with multiple currencies and work like a debit card, without being connected to your bank.

"Typically, prepaid travel cards will offer competitive or even no charges for foreign usage, which can make them a cheaper alternative to using a normal credit or debit card while on holiday," says MoneyFacts.

One of the most popular prepaid cards, Revolut, uses its own exchange rates, which might not always be the best you can find - and while it is fee free on weekdays, there are charges at weekends, so do your research.

Also be aware - prepaid cards do not offer purchase protection like a credit card and aren't regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

"Don't rely solely on a card - it can backfire on you if you do," said Mr Tipton.

Some taxis only take cash, leaving you to face hefty charges withdrawing from an ATM.

In some countries, like Argentina, it can be difficult to get money out of ATMs without a local bank account, Mr Tipton said.

Mr Jones added: "If you're in a very remote part of the world that actually doesn’t have many ATMs and maybe where cash is king, then that might dictate what you need to do."

Where and when to get cash

"I'd strongly recommend [to] get some cash out in the UK," said Mr Tipton.

It can be difficult to find a bureau de change in some developing nations, and ATMs have "started introducing quite hefty charges" across the board, he said.

The exceptions are countries with really high inflation rates, where it may make more sense to get cash out when you arrive, he added.

When to exchange currency really depends on the destination, said Laura Plunkett, head of travel money at the Post Office.

"Exchange rates change frequently, so if you have time, do your homework and lock in a rate when it is good."

What is a good exchange rate for Europe?

Some 80% of British holidays abroad take place in the Eurozone, said Mr Tipton.

The rate has remained "fairly stable", but if you see the pound increasing in value that may be the time to buy a larger amount of Euros for a couple of years in advance, he added.

Mr Tipton said 1.2 to the pound is a "pretty healthy" time to buy, but "it is a bit of a lottery".

Every year the pound gets stronger against the South African rand, and the same in Argentina, where the peso is "unbelievably weak", Mr Tipton suggested.

In store or online?

"Most online suppliers will insist on a minimum order value that might be too high for some people, and you'll have to make sure that you're home for when it's delivered," said Ms Plunkett.

"But typically, rates are better online if that's an option for you."

As the election campaign continues, Rishi Sunak was likely hoping for signs of a strong economic bounceback this week to boost his efforts to win over voters.

But in what came as a blow to the prime minister, early official data released on Wednesday showed the UK economy has flatlined.

The Office for National Statistics said there was zero growth in April, after the economy recorded its fastest growth in two years from January to March.

Experts  blamed a negative impact from wet weather, knocking both retail sales and construction output - but despite the emphasis on the hit from rain, the numbers were still a setback for Mr Sunak's key election argument that the economy is improving after successive hits from the COVID pandemic followed by the cost of living crisis.

Read more here ...

The week also saw four major lenders hike their mortgage rates, with brokers declaring the market was "unseasonally bad" and its future was not looking bright 

Barclays  upped a number of deals by 0.15%, while  TSB  has increased rates across their residential and Buy to Let ranges by up to 0.35%. 

Smaller increases were announced by  Leeds Building   Society , including a 0.6% hike on selected residential products and a 0.20% rise on some shared ownership products. 

Clydesdale Bank  opted for similar increases, upping its 95% LTV Five Year Fee and other fee fixed rate deals by 0.20%. 

Taste testers have revealed which olive oils are worth spending your money on, as prices have soared in the past few years. 

Some premium olive oils cost as little as £2.50 for a 500ml bottle in 2022 - but now price tags have increased by up to 160%. 

Which? used a panel of four independent experts to blind-taste and rate seven premium extra virgin olive oils and five branded options. 

They picked out Aldi's Specially Selected Terra Di Bari Castel Del Monte Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml as a Which? Great Value product - meaning it offers great taste at a low price. 

The product, which is priced at £5.19, came third overall in the blind taste test. 

The consumer website also looked at how much olive oil prices have risen at supermarkets. 

The Money team dug into this in March and found bacterial disease, criminal gangs, changing weather patterns and Brexit were all to blame for the dramatic rises (you can read more on this below). 

Which? found the average price rise for premium own-brand olive oils was 57% between 2022 and 2024.

The highest increase was on Morrisons The Best Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml, which increased in price by 88% from £4.00 to £7.50. 

It also looked at price rises on branded olive oil over a three-year period. 

Napolina Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500ml) was previously priced at £2.50 at Ocado but jumped to £9.50 - more than a threefold increase. 

Meanwhile, Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500ml) at Asda more than doubled in price from £2.50 to £6.50 - a 160% increase.

Each week, we sift through hundreds of comments left by our readers in response to features and news in the Money blog. 

This week, you were most interested in cinema advert wait times, healthy bread, Taylor Swift ticket prices and working from home abroad. 

Let's start with  news reporter Narbeh Minassian 's feature last weekend on what time you should actually arrive at the cinema... 

Here's what you had to say:

Here's all you have to do - look at the time the movie ends according to the booking site; subtract the actual length of the movie and viola - the time the movie actually starts. Top article on cinema ads. So irritating and getting longer Paul

As regards adverts in cinemas - if you choose to skip them, have consideration for those who've sat waiting and don't want to see heads going past the screen or a herd of elephants marching up stairs after it's started. It's bad manners. Tlise

Not only parking fees are a consideration about timing, but also factoring in going to the toilet beforehand, as some films are very, very long these days, without adding on an extra half hour before one can reach the toilet! Carol

We also had this question on our regular health feature, which runs on Fridays. 

Is wholegrain seeded bread good for you or still high in sugar? Does sourdough come out better? Snips

By way of an answer, check out Sunna Van Kampen's piece for the Money blog earlier this year...

Now on to Taylor Swift - with some punters disappointed after paying just under £700 for a ticket only to find their view... somewhat obstructed. 

I've just seen the post regarding Taylor Swifts concerts in Edinburgh, with some prices going up to £680. In the current cost of living climate, why do companies still feel that it's OK to rip customers off with prices like that. MK Mark

Is it not about time that people stop being so deluded? The performer is only a singer, a human, making money to fund her expensive lifestyle while others are suffering. Stephen

Finally, a word on working from home... from Thailand. 

A glowing endorsement from one of our readers... 

I used to work in there in 2019. It's awesome to live and work there, weather is beautiful and money is good. As a foreigner from Britain you get special treatment everywhere you go, rent, food etc is all dirt cheap, you pretty much live like a king and £1 goes a long long way. Tom herns

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

Poundland has launched its rewards app in Scotland today - and Sky News understands it will be rolled out across the whole UK by the end of the year. 

Shoppers at 62 stores in Scotland have been given access to the Poundland Perks programme, after it was trialled in 43 stores across Northern Ireland and the Isle of Wight. 

It works by rewarding customers with points for every purchase they make in store. 

The points can then be turned into reward vouchers that save them money. 

Customers can also play on the app to earn prizes through a "spin to win" system.

Poundland's director of digital Tom Hill said: "Poundland Perks allows us to offer shoppers the chance to save, earn and play through their smartphone, making shopping with us even more fun.

"We're creating an app that's convenient and easy for people to use in store, with reward vouchers that help customers save even more." 

The 10 most unaffordable cities in the world have been revealed in an annual housing report. 

With house prices soaring globally over the last year, Demographic International Housing Affordability report has created a new category - "impossibly unaffordable".

The majority of the most expensive locations were made up of cities in the US and Australia, but the top place is taken by Hong Kong. 

London was found to be the least affordable city in the UK. 

The report measures affordability using a price-to-income ratio of the average house price divided by the typical household income.

It has linked the rising prices to land use policies aimed at stopping urbanisation from spreading. 

"The middle-class is under siege, principally due to the escalation of land costs. As land has been rationed in an effort to curb urban sprawl, the excess of demand over supply has driven prices up," the report stated.

"Moreover, rising house prices can be driven even higher by the attractive returns from speculative activity. 

"The net effect is that land values and house prices have become skewed against the middle-class, whose existence depends upon the very competitive land market destroyed by the planning orthodoxy." 

Following news that Cadbury's is relaunching its Top Deck chocolate bar after 20 years (see our 11.00 post), we asked you what confectionary, crisps and general food products you wanted to return - and the response has, frankly, been overwhelming.

We've had hundreds and hundreds of suggestions, with many items being mentioned time and again, alongside some more obscure yearnings.

Here is a relatively small selection of your responses:

• Cadbury's Spira Perhaps the most popular of the now discontinued chocolate bars among our readers, it was on sale from 1989 until 2005 - and has even spawned a Facebook page dedicated to demanding it is brought back. One reader, Craggers, said: "Spira was the best Cadbury's chocolate and it was best used as a straw with hot chocolate. It must be brought back surely!!" Daz74, meanwhile, simply said of the treat: "Two spiral, long bars of pure heaven."
• Cadbury's Fuse Among the most requested items. One of those demanding it go back on sale, Alex, said: "I would love to see the return of the Fuse bar. Peanuts, raisins, biscuit and fudge, it was delicious!"
• Cadbury's Aztec Discontinued in 1978, not all our readers will be old enough to remember this particular chocolate bar, although those who can are certainly enthusiastic. Berlingirl described it as an "exquisite combination of a Mars bar and a Milky Way".
• Spangles A brand of boiled sweets produced by Mars Ltd from the 1950s until the 1980s, this was also a product that clearly evoked nostalgic longings among man readers - with Tommo Boy simply saying: "Yummy."
• Texan Another chocolate bar that prompted lots of mentions despite being withdrawn from sale in 1984 (albeit with a brief revival by Nestle in 2005). Pablo from Padiham said: "It was surely the greatest confection ever created."
• Bar Six Another nostalgic favourite, it was compared by some to the popular Kit-Kat. Lamenting its removal from shops, UkBulldog said: "My favourite from childhood."
• Caramac Apparently only discontinued in 2023, the caramel-based confectionery clearly still elicits significant fondness. JoJoBear said: "It should never have been discontinued - as its unique taste and texture have never been replicated by any other bar!!!!" An even more dramatic statement was sent to us by Ben M, who said: "Life isn't worth living, without its sugary heaven!"
• Dark chocolate Bounty We've included this because there were several mentions, although it apparently remains on sale in the UK, albeit seemingly in fewer outlets than in the past. This will be news to Shandy75, among others, who hailed it as "the best chocolate bar ever".

Again, we've had far too many suggestions to mention, some more obscure than others.

They have included (but are certainly not limited to): Banjo bar, Rowntrees Tooty Frooties, Burtons Potato Puffs, Cadbury's Wispas mint, Cadbury's Boost coconut, Cadbury's Cream Teddy Bears, Birds Eye frozen cod balls in batter, Cadbury's Snowflake, Oxo flavoured crisps, Knorr micro noodles, Rowntrees Secret bar and Heinz toast toppers.

Keep your suggestions coming, and we may well return to this theme in the future - and even attempt to establish if the various manufacturers have any plans to relaunch any more of your old favourites.

• Which currently discontinued chocolate bar, crisps, sweets - or any other food product - would you like to see brought back, and why? Let us know in the comment box at the top!

 The cost of playing video games has shot up in the last two decades - but now some UK gamers could soon be entitled to a little cash back.

Valve Corporation, the owner of the Steam PC gaming platform, has been accused of using its market dominance to overcharge 14 million UK gamers and is being sued for £656million.

The legal claim, which has been filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal, in London, alleges Valve forces game publishers to sign up to price parity obligations that prevents titles being sold at a lower price on rival platforms.

It claims that Steam charges an "excessive commission" of up to 30% that has led to UK consumers paying too much.

As many as 14 million PC gamers in the UK could have been affected and it claims that, if the lawsuit is successful, they could be entitled to up to £44 each.

"We've seen gaming explode in popularity over the recent years – and it plays such an important role in connecting people and building positive life skills, particularly for children and young people," said digital rights campaigner Vicki Sholtbolt, who filed the claim.

"So it's not good enough that gaming consumers are being taken advantage of and charged over the odds.

"I am bringing this claim on behalf of gamers and their parents to stop this unlawful conduct and help people get back what they are owed."

The claim says people could be eligible for compensation if they purchased a PC game or add-on content from 5 June 2019 on any platform.

The claim is backed by legal firm Milberg London LLP, which brings group action cases against large companies.

Among Steam's best-selling titles as of June 2024 are Apex Legends, Kingdom Hearts 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, Elden Ring and Helldivers 2.

Sky News has approached Valve for comment.

House prices are expected to stagnate this year, a well-respected forecaster has said. 

Capital Economics initially predicted property prices to rise by 2%, but believes 0.5% growth is now more likely, according to The Times. 

Its prediction comes amid softer buyer demand due to the rising cost of living and a volatile mortgage market. 

"This softening in demand has come at the same time as the most significant sustained increase in supply since 2013, aside from when the housing market reopened after lockdown," Andrew Wishart, senior UK economist at Capital Economics tells the news outlet.

However, he adds that the market could move to "a state of excess supply" in the coming weeks, which could cause prices to dip.

Last week, Halifax released data that showed house prices in the UK dropped by 0.1% between April and May. 

Analysts had expected a drop of around 0.2%, while last week, rival lender Nationwide said its measure of house prices rose in May after falling in the previous two months.

In the 12 months to May, prices rose by 1.5%, Halifax said - faster than the median forecast in a Reuters news agency poll for an annual increase of 1.2%.

"Market activity remained resilient throughout the spring months, supported by strong nominal wage growth and some evidence of an improvement in confidence about the economic outlook," Halifax's head of mortgages, Amanda Bryden, said.

The stable picture for property prices over the last three months was likely to give more confidence to buyers and sellers, she added. 

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