kk

Hey, gang, just heard on the radio and it's got me worried....that four airlines may be struck in the next several months. One of those is NW, with whom I have FF tickets on April 17 to go to Germany. Now, if they cannot get me back home again on May 1, then who gives a flip, not moi. <BR>Anybody know any details about how likely this looks? <BR>Anybody know what happens if an airline gets struck...as in, will they find you 2 seats on a related airline, even if you do have FF tickets? <BR>I know, I know, I'm going to call the airline itself tomorrow, but I know from experience that when you call and ask about a strike that you get a lot of PR crap. Besides, what do they know? Fodorites, you all will know more...or have heard more. <BR>Any data or advice would be appreciated, thanks.

will

I'm glad that I'm not the only one worried about this. I have award tickets for Spain on American for mid march. AA's flight attendants can strike at the end of Feb if a deal's not reached. Based on some stuff I've read on a frequent flier forum, the airline's usually are not required to find alternatives for non-revenue passenengers (i.e. award travellers), however, they often do. Another factor is the fact that there may be 4 airlines suffering from strikes at the same time, so putting a passenger on a different airline might not be an option. I'm personally hoping that Dub-Ya will step in at the end of Feb and force the unions to wait 60 more days ... that would push the strikes off until after my trip!! <BR> <BR>Enjoy Germany, it's a beautiful country!

wendy

I've been involved in 2 American Airlines strikes over Spring break, and it is not fun. American did make good on the free tix, but I left 2 days late, and was on the phone for 7 hours. That was as a gold member

kk

No, Will, you are not alone in your worry. Before yesterday, my ignorance was bliss...because I didn't know about the impending strikes. And, Wendy, your experience as a gold member with American doesn't sound like fun either, although at least you did get eventually to Europe. Yeah, I wouldn't mind at all, from my own selfish point of view, if our new president called a halt to all this.

Mariarosa

kk, <BR>What are the 4 airlines that may go on strike?

pam

American, Northwest, Delta, and United.... Good Morning America had a story this morning, and it's on the WEb at http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/Da...kes010206.html <BR>

Concerned

What happens in a strike? Do we just wait around until a seat opens up? <BR>How about the return... do they put us up at a hotel (HA!)?

Roger

Going to London Mid March on United. Does anyone know how to get updated information on the impending strike, the dates or other news. I have a non-refundable ticket and was wondering if there is a way to cancell it and try to get a flight with British Airlines or Virgin Atlantic.

will

To Concerned & Roger - Airlines will put a "revenue customer" (you bought your ticket) on another airline (if space is available). My only concern would be that if, in fact, all 4 strike at once there might not be space available.

will

Hi, gang. As you can see, I'm super-paraniod about this whole issue. I've been out reading and want to summarize for everyone... (please correct me if I've misunderstood something I've read) <BR> <BR>1. NW - Mechanics are in mediation today and will continue as long as they see progress. If mediation stops they have to wait 30 days before they can strike. (source - Minneapolis Star Tribune) <BR> <BR>2. Delta - Pilots will not strike before April 1 (source - abcnews.com). <BR> <BR>3. United - mediations resume Feb 15 & 16 in Washington D.C. Should they decide to strike after those mediations they too must wait the 30 day "cool down" period before striking. (source - The Chicago Tribune) <BR> <BR>4. American - Flight Attendants vote on Feb 21 as to whether they'll strike or not. Should they decide to strike, they too must wait 30 days (that means that the earliest that the may strike is Mar 21 - 3 days after I return from Madrid on American!!) (source -abcnews.com) <BR> <BR>At anytime after a strike is announced, our President may call for an "Executive Board" to be formed to review the situation. The formation of this panel will extend the cool off period by 60 days. (I'm not sure if it extends it BY 60 days (i.e. 30+60=90) or if it becomes 60 days instead of 30.) <BR> <BR>I hope this puts some minds at ease.

xxx

Now I'm paranoid. We have a flight on American to Manchester on Mar. 27. We return from LRH on April 11. While I wouldn't so much mind being stranded in London, my employer is not forgiving.

s.fowler

Thanks for the details will. Since our trip is March 15-23 on American it looks as though we will GET there safely. As for getting home. Who cares??? *grin* [well our college will, but who's asking]

kk

Yes, Will, that was a handy compendium. I was able to go straight to your source, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, which is at http://www.startribune.com/viewers/q...he&slug=mech07 <BR>for anyone else worried about flying Northwest. I found it somewhat reassuring...especially this..."Steve MacFarlane, president of Local 33 of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), said early Tuesday that it appeared the two sides were moving toward a possible settlement -- a dim prospect last week when the talks were adjourned by the National Mediation Board." All right! <BR> <BR>

Gloria

Hello, <BR>I was wondering if anyone could answer this question. If an airline is unable to get you to your destination as ticketed (ie. strike), and you arrive late, are they willing to change the return date? We would be very disappointed if we were shorted any time on our vacation. <BR>If anyone knows the answer to this I would appreciate a reply. <BR>Thank you, <BR>Gloria