Which? comments on passenger rights during the Border Force strikes

Guy Hobbs, Editor of Which? Travel, said: "If your flight is cancelled or delayed as a result of strike action by border force staff, you are unlikely to be eligible for compensation as these events are considered outside of the airline's control. However, your airline still has a duty of care to you - and if your flight is cancelled you have a right to a refund or to be re-routed as soon as possible, even if that means flying with a rival carrier. "If you are significantly delayed, usually by two hours or more, your airline should provide assistance including free meals or refreshments, or overnight accommodation if required. If your flight is delayed by more than five hours, you have the same rights as if you had suffered a cancellation, and can request a refund or rebooking."

-ENDS-

Notes to editors: Which? is currently campaigning to , and at the time of writing, over 43,000 people have signed the consumer champion's petition to the Secretary of State for Transport demanding urgent action. The consumer champion is calling for: Enforcement - The CAA should be doing more by holding airlines to account proactively. It also needs direct powers to monitor and fine airlines when they flout the rules. Resolution - We need a dispute resolution system that is mandatory for all airlines flying to and from the UK so travellers don't have to go to the small claims court to enforce their rights. Compensation - We need to protect passengers' rights to redress when airlines are at fault for delays and cancellations. Proposals to slash pay-outs for domestic flights must be dropped.