Gatwick braces for strike

A STRIKE by baggage handlers and check-in staff at Gatwick Airport over the bank holiday could affect islanders who are planning to make connection flights.

A strike by baggage handlers at Gatwick Airport on Monday could cause delays for travellers. (0614954)
Although Guernsey passengers flying to Gatwick will not be directly affected, they could have problems if they intend travelling further.
Aurigny commercial director Malcolm Coupar said passengers who were unable to board their flight to Guernsey because their baggage had not been off-loaded from another aircraft would be able to travel on a standby basis.
This meant that there would not be any extra cost once their baggage has been received.

‘Passengers who are travelling in parties may split themselves up and travel on separate flights and others wait for luggage,’ he said.
‘In such cases, total baggage-allowances for the party will be recognised before any excess charges are applied.’
He said that all passengers must arrive at the Aurigny check-in-desk in time to check-in for their original flight, at which point staff should be made aware if the passengers had any problems.
‘Passengers are advised that Aurigny will not be responsible for delivering the baggage to Guernsey if it is not accompanied,’ said Mr Coupar.
The strike by Swissport staff is planned for bank holiday Monday and the following Friday, 29 August.
Service Air is the handling agent for both Aurigny and Flybe at Gatwick and therefore passengers wishing only to travel to and from Guernsey will not be affected.
Flybe head of public relations Niall Duffy said it was possible that Guernsey passengers on connection flights could face problems.
‘Certainly Guernsey to Gatwick flights will not be affected, but we advise passengers who are connecting to a different flight to check with their airline (from thisisguernsey)

With this and the possible Guernsey Strike choas will follow....