Will strike chaos ground my flight? The Holiday Guru addresses travelers’ questions

The Holiday Guru is there to answer traveller’s questions.

This week he tackles questions about the upcoming Heathrow security staff strikes, how many blank pages you need in your passport, the best ferry routes outside of Dover to the mainland, and more…

Q. What is the latest on planned strikes by Heathrow security staff?

Audrey Johnson, Bath

A. Strikes by the Unite union are planned to hit Heathrow’s Terminal 5 for eight days in May. They start this week, from Thursday to Saturday, as well as on May 9 to 10 and from May 25 to 27.

The other terminals remain unaffected. The union hopes for ‘May chaos’, but the impact should be limited, as with similar strikes.

Some flights may be canceled – perhaps one in 20 – but these should be on short-haul routes such as to Geneva and Dublin, where alternatives are available on the day.

Long-distance services should run normally.

Q. What happens if my flight is canceled due to the strikes?

Ben Watson, via email

A. You are entitled to a seat on a reasonable replacement flight or a full refund.

Q. Do we have to arrive at the airport particularly early on strike dates?

Sarah Kenworthy, Penrith, Cumbria

A. No, the recommended arrival times of two hours for a short-haul flight and three hours for a long-haul flight are fine.

Q. I need a new passport for travel in August. If I apply now, will it be ok?

Mr Owen, Rochdale

A. Despite strikes by more than 1,000 Passport Bureau employees that have been ongoing since April 3 and end on Friday, there is no effect on the standard ten-week passport application time.

See gov.uk or apply at a post office. If you are looking for a passport sooner, you can request an appointment for a week’s fast-track service. But be quick, because these slots are getting busted.

Q. My son’s passport is still valid for two and a half months when he travels to France in August. Will this be enough?

Kate Peters, Teddington, London

A. No. He needs a passport for at least three months to visit the European Union. You must request an extension.

Q. My passport is filling up with stamps and there is almost no space left, but I still have a few years to go. What should I do?

Dan Penton, Manchester

You need a passport for at least three months to visit the European Union

A. You must also apply for an extension. Some countries can be picky about filled-page passports – Italy and South Africa require at least two completely blank pages.

Q. Can you suggest alternatives to the mainland ferry to avoid potential delays in Dover?

Sally Hamilton, via email

A. Try Brittany Ferries for Portsmouth to Caen, St Malo, Cherbourg and Le Havre (brittany-ferries.co.uk), DFDS for Newhaven to Dieppe or Newcastle to Amsterdam (dfds.com), P&O Ferries for Hull to Rotterdam (pufferries. com), or Stena Line from Harwich to Hoek van Holland (stenaline.nl). If you are going via Dover, see traffic updates at trafficengland.com.

Q. My husband and I were robbed of a backpack containing a laptop and a scanner at Victoria Station in London. We have filed a claim with Free Spirit, our travel insurance company, but we have no receipts and our bank statements are not good enough. We’re in our 80s and the claim feels like a war of attrition. Can you help?

Margaret Edwards, via email

A. We contacted the claims handler, Davies Group, who investigated the matter. The bank statements and other evidence have now been accepted and a £1,000 settlement has been reached.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

If you need advice, the Holiday Guru is there to answer your questions. Email us at holidayplanner@dailymail.co.uk.