Gatwick & Heathrow Airport issue warning to Brits heading abroad this week
AIRPORTS have issued a new warning for holidaymakers with flights this week due to train strikes.
Rail staff are walking out today and on August 20 - meaning Brits heading away for the weekend are being warned against getting the train to the airport.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) and Unite are all involved in the industrial action, after ongoing talks failed to break the deadlocked rows.
On Saturday, RMT members at Network Rail and 14 train operators, TSSA members at seven companies, and Unite members at NR will strike again, along with London United bus drivers.
Airports including Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted have all warned against using train travel to get to the airport.
A Gatwick spokesperson said: "Due to industrial action, limited trains will serve Gatwick Airport on August 18 and 20, with disruption likely on 19 August due to displaced trains and crew.
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"On the strike days (August 18 and 20), a limited number of trains will run between Gatwick and London, and Gatwick and Brighton from 7am to 7pm only, with no service outside of these hours.
"We strongly advise passengers travelling to and from Gatwick Airport to use other transport options where possible and allow extra time to reach the airport."
A Heathrow spokesperson echoed this, warning there will be reduced services.
The Heathrow Express will not be running from 6:10pm this evening until tomorrow morning at 7am, so anyone arriving very late or early tomorrow morning will have to find alternative routes.
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On August 20, trains won't run before 7am or after 6:10pm.
The Stansted Express has warned travellers to "avoid travelling with them" today, as well as over the entire weekend due to both strikes and engineering works.
Luton Airport passengers will also be affected by the Thameslink strike, while Manchester Airport passengers have been warned to expect busier trains due to a reduced schedule.
Brits may want to pre-book a taxi or drive to the airport to avoid the travel chaos, as the limited trains running are likely to be busy.
We've revealed the best and worst airports for parking fees for holidaymakers opting to drive instead.
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And here is an easy mistake you are making which is doubling your parking costs.
Some families may opt to stay at airport hotels the night before to avoid the chaos - here is what to expect from Gatwick Airport's Premier Inn, the largest in the country.
