UK Airport Strike Will Effect Traveling Kiwis

UK Airport Strike Will Effect Kiwis

Kiwi travel company House of Travel warned customers earlier of the likelihood of strike action over the Christmas and New Year holiday period in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Unite, Britain's largest union confirmed their threat of strike action yesterday following no change in BAA's announcement to no longer offer salary pension to new employees from 1 December 2007.

House of Travel's director of retail, Brent Thomas says airports throughout England and Scotland would be involved and the flow effect would be widespread.

"People will be delayed and as a result they will miss connections but not only for other flights. People trying connect up with cruises, coach tours and trains are likely to be caught up in the strikes."

Thomas commented that missing luggage also goes hand in hand with a strike.

"It couldn't happen at a worse time and amongst the chaos bags often go missing and again there is that inconvenience factor for people until they are located and sent on to where they are staying."

Thomas says that Kiwis will be affected and the potential flow of a December strike into January will be massive. House of Travel alone has in excess of 4,000 customers travelling throughout the United Kingdom and Europe over this period.

"While it is winter in the UK and Europe, a number of New Zealanders travel to see family and it is generally between Christmas and New Year that people leave their base and begin to travel. Strike action will cause huge uncertainty and inconvenience for travellers at this time."

House of Travel has for the past few weeks being working with customers to minimize the effect of the potential strike action where possible but still anticipated they will be assisting customers in the United Kingdom and Europe as a result of the ongoing effect of the strike.

House of Travel recommended people prepare for delays and ensure they are at the airport at least an hour earlier than normally required. Having adequate cash on them for contingency plans such as meals and personal effects, especially if travelling with children will help during what will be a stressful time. The strike action is scheduled for 27 December 2007.

ENDS

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