NWA strike
Aug 22nd, 2005, 01:30 PM
#21
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Hi, pixielily - I'll throw my thoughts in here.
I live in Richmond VA so don't get to use NW much, but am heavy ff on other airlines (business mostly, then pleasure).
First of all, I would think that 16 days is a good bit of time - sure, i'm typically an optimist, but the mechanics and NW are - I'm certain - working awfully hard to meet somewhere on this. Regardless of bluster, both sides know this is not the time to try to bring down/lose an airline.
Secondly, when I fly from richmond, I am connecting at a hub, and will assume here that you are also. When I am flying overseas (just back 3 weeks ago from Paris - sigh...) I **always** book my flight from Richmond to "the hub" with a long layover - I don't take the 1st flight that will get me there, I leave at least one flight with the same airline available to get me to my overseas flight.
In my experience, given what's going on, if you call NW and assuming that there is an earlier flight, they should let you change to that flight at no fee charge (I've had to make such changes with Delta, USAir, and United over the years - if there's a story, they're typically very accommodating.) That way, at least you're at the hub, and eventually that plane will leave for London, even if delayed.
Hope this helps - enjoy the trip!
I live in Richmond VA so don't get to use NW much, but am heavy ff on other airlines (business mostly, then pleasure).
First of all, I would think that 16 days is a good bit of time - sure, i'm typically an optimist, but the mechanics and NW are - I'm certain - working awfully hard to meet somewhere on this. Regardless of bluster, both sides know this is not the time to try to bring down/lose an airline.
Secondly, when I fly from richmond, I am connecting at a hub, and will assume here that you are also. When I am flying overseas (just back 3 weeks ago from Paris - sigh...) I **always** book my flight from Richmond to "the hub" with a long layover - I don't take the 1st flight that will get me there, I leave at least one flight with the same airline available to get me to my overseas flight.
In my experience, given what's going on, if you call NW and assuming that there is an earlier flight, they should let you change to that flight at no fee charge (I've had to make such changes with Delta, USAir, and United over the years - if there's a story, they're typically very accommodating.) That way, at least you're at the hub, and eventually that plane will leave for London, even if delayed.
Hope this helps - enjoy the trip!
Aug 22nd, 2005, 04:07 PM
#22
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OKAY!! I am minorly freaking out!!!
We leave on September 1st @1:47 out of Orlando and land in Detroit @4:25. Leave Detroit (I HOPE!!) @5:35 to head to Frankfurt. This morning I got an automated call from NWA asking me to verify only the leg from Detroit to Frankfurt by pushing #1. I find this odd that it was only the Detroit portion that they wanted confirmed. This added to my anxiety over this strike. I am keeping my fingers crossed that within 10 days this gets all worked out!! This I am not familiar with but I am hoping they can all come to some sort of an agreement soon.
We leave on September 1st @1:47 out of Orlando and land in Detroit @4:25. Leave Detroit (I HOPE!!) @5:35 to head to Frankfurt. This morning I got an automated call from NWA asking me to verify only the leg from Detroit to Frankfurt by pushing #1. I find this odd that it was only the Detroit portion that they wanted confirmed. This added to my anxiety over this strike. I am keeping my fingers crossed that within 10 days this gets all worked out!! This I am not familiar with but I am hoping they can all come to some sort of an agreement soon.
Aug 22nd, 2005, 04:37 PM
#23
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Hi mabern, go onto to NWA website for flight status. www.nwa.com And also, call them. I can understand your concern. Best wishes.
Aug 23rd, 2005, 11:57 AM
#24
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Hi Pixielily, I hope everything goes well with your travels to London. My DH and I are supposed to fly out on NWA tomorrow (for our long weekend in Idaho, well actually we arrive in Spokane, WA to be specific, I'll update you when I return).
Hi Patrick ~ I was thinking about your friend last night and today trying to get back to Detroit, if you see this and have time could you give me an update... I hope he made it there last night. Thx, Tiff
Hi Patrick ~ I was thinking about your friend last night and today trying to get back to Detroit, if you see this and have time could you give me an update... I hope he made it there last night. Thx, Tiff
Aug 23rd, 2005, 12:05 PM
#25
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There is no question, but that strikes hurt everyone. Passengers, strikers,the airline,the airport workers and on and on. That said I have to say that it seems as if NWA isn't having as many problems as one might expect. I volunteer at Travelers Assistance in MSP, where 90% of flights are NWA. Last evening the airport was quite normal. There were a couple of cancellations and a few delays...some serious, but most of the flights were on time and operating as usual. Good advice..try to fly early in the day and don't book close connections.
Aug 23rd, 2005, 12:05 PM
#26
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mabem2.....Do not be concerned...Read: Normal Procedure for an airline to "firm" an international flight.It is not a red flag.Frequently, an airline will do this in the event they have an inordinate amount of unticketed passengers on a flight.Yes, I know...when you buy online, you either purchase or you dont.Not so with travel agents.And each airline is different.Bottom line: dont worry.
Aug 23rd, 2005, 12:26 PM
#27
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Ah yes, Doug made it to Detroit. His flight was a little over 3 and a half hours late taking off and landing. Fortunately he didn't have any connections to make.
And despite my "whining" I too compliment Northwest on keeping this all to a minimum. Although I still find it hard to believe that the strike has caused virtually "no hiccups" as was suggested. And today the flights between Ft. Myers and Detroit seem to be pretty much on schedule, so they have apparently worked things out better.
As Intrepid says, the statistic is significant when it is YOUR flight that is cancelled. And I still think it is ridiculous to think that an entire airline can run as smoothly as usual on a day when they suddenly have several thousand new, temporary employees on hand.
And despite my "whining" I too compliment Northwest on keeping this all to a minimum. Although I still find it hard to believe that the strike has caused virtually "no hiccups" as was suggested. And today the flights between Ft. Myers and Detroit seem to be pretty much on schedule, so they have apparently worked things out better.
As Intrepid says, the statistic is significant when it is YOUR flight that is cancelled. And I still think it is ridiculous to think that an entire airline can run as smoothly as usual on a day when they suddenly have several thousand new, temporary employees on hand.
Aug 23rd, 2005, 02:15 PM
#29
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LoveItaly: THX for the tip. I thought that I would wait until Monday to call in order to be able to get reliable info, thought 10 days was too early??? Also, when I logged onto the website it says the info is unavailable, again maybe to early? I guess I will see!!
BeachBoi: Since I have never flown NWA before (great time to pick to fly them now HUH!!) this may be the way the confirm, just found it strange that it was only the Detroit portion.
News reports say that they are keeping up with things, so I am keeping my fingers crossed!!!
THX for listening Fodorites!!
- Michelle
BeachBoi: Since I have never flown NWA before (great time to pick to fly them now HUH!!) this may be the way the confirm, just found it strange that it was only the Detroit portion.
News reports say that they are keeping up with things, so I am keeping my fingers crossed!!!
THX for listening Fodorites!!
- Michelle
