HUGE walkouts are set to affect both Italy and Spain this week with both flight and train journeys disrupted.
The biggest strike will be held in Italy where staff who work in public and private sectors are staging demonstrations across the whole country.
The nationwide strike is scheduled for October 30 from 12am to 12.59pm.
The 24-hour walkout includes some who work in airports, however it’s unclear how many will take part in this general strike and which airline workers will join.
However, there’s a separate strike set to take place in Tuscany on October 30.
Ground-handling companies at Toscana Aeroporti, which runs Pisa and Florence airports are planning their own 24-hour strike.
These staff are essential to the running of the airport – they load bags, check in passengers and turn planes around between flights.
A walkout here could mean delays and cancellations even if pilots and airline crews are working normally.
However, it’s possible that this will be called off as the day of the strike falls within Italy’s protected period.
Between October 30 and November 5, strikes that affect flights and airports are normally prohibited as it is a busy holiday period in Italy with All Saints’ Day falling on November 1.
Even if airport workers don’t join the strike action, the walkout will have an impact on Metro services, and on motorways, staff and toll services are set to strike.
Dockworkers and port staff are also set to strike and on the day there could be closures at attractions like museums.
The walkout follows widespread protests across the county about the rising costs of living, a new government budget plan and students are protesting over school conditions.
Over in Spain, a rail strike is set to take place on October 29 between 12.01am and 23.39pm.
The train drivers’ union SEMAF is calling for members who work for train operator Renfe to walk out.
This is over an ongoing dispute over safety standards on the country’s rail network.
It could cause major disruption across the country as Renfe operates across the entire network of Spain connecting major cities like Barcelona, Seville, Zaragoza and Alicante.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.