I had to cancle my flight to Paris because of that strike on June 2nd and 3rd. I want to get tickets for this friday (the 6th). Does anyone know if there will be another possible strike? I ask because i am literally "scared."

Thx.

Mathematician, if you are as left-brained as I am, the situation must be driving you crazy. I'm so sorry.

This site supposedly has the most up-to-date information

http://strike.infogreves.com/

The translation on the English site leaves a bit to be desired and is also relatively vague re air traffic controllers. I read it to mean that air travel is getting better because some controllers are returning to work, but they might take it up again.

"Many disturbances today to the SNCF and with the RATP following the continuation of the strike, the personnel of teaching also continues the movement. A amélioraton in air transport because of the resumption of work of certain controllers, a signficant reduction of air control is however possible as well as the cancellation of certain average flights - mails. "

Sorry I couldn't give more info. Maybe a knowledgeable French person will check in.

LVSue: Thanks a lot for your reply. Were your flights cancelled as well?

Also, I used to be in the fine arts and majored in mathematical finance in college... So I don't know what I am! =)

But yes, I was about to cry when I read on british airways that the flight was cancelled. You see this has been such a bad few months for me. At first I booked tickets to Japan and China. With the SARS outbreak, I was forced to cancel the tickets. ANd now Europe, of all the dates, they had to have another strike on June 2nd and 3rd!!! Such is life...

For what it's worth, this is my translation of the information on lesgreves.com relating to air traffic today.

"Improvement in the air traffic control situation as some controllers return to work, however, a significant decrease in air traffic control remains possible, as does the cancellation of some medium-haul flights."

And a translation of what le Monde had to say about air traffic today...

"...At midday, 10 % of flights at CDG had been cancelled and 48 flights delayed by one to two hours. A similar situation was observed at Orly, according to Aéroports de Paris. Activity at the regional control centre at Athis-Mons was returning to normal. CGT and FO [transport workers unions] have informed the general civil aviation department (DGAC) of their intention to strike until Thursday. Aéroports de Paris (ADP) predicted that traffic would return to normal during the day, however.
Air France stated on Wednesday morning that the continued strike by air traffic controllers would lead to a significant reduction in air traffic control capacities."

So it sounds as though things are *slowly* returning to normal for the moment. You may have to face some delays, but have faith! I'm sure you'll make it to Paris.

No, my trip went off without a hitch. Maybe you will catch my trip report when it comes back to the top. I do much obsessing, though.

You remind me of a character in the Lil Abner comic strip--Joe Blfsplk, the jinxed guy who had a black rain cloud over his head.

Here's hoping someone with positive news will reply! Good luck.

I get email warnings from RATP about problems and strikes on the metro, and the one they sent me today says that the metro and RER are only slightly disturbed today, it is almost normal. So that sounds good as far as public transportation goes, if you can get there.

mathematician,

I understand how you feel. We just returned from France and Italy and had a great time. But I feel very very lucky that we were hardly impacted by the strikes. The situation in France is very grim. While in paris many museums were randomly shutdown(we missed the Orsay, had to go back twice to Tours or Notre Dame) and the airport also shutdown. There was contiuned talk of rail and transit stikes. Teachers and postal workers were also striking. This is a situation that will not go away overnight either. Again I felt lucky and we had a great time. we also took the TGV to Nice(missing a strike barely), I was happy when we rented our car so I did not have to depend on french transportion.

Also know that Europe is very very expensive right now. the cash excahnge rate was an average of 1.23$ to 1 euro when I left Italy(Today). The dollar is worthless over there. Best of Luck if you go - otherwise just go in the Fall, the dollar will be stronger by then anyway.

thx for the replies.

i have had so much luck with vacation planning this year. perhaps it IS a good idea to give it a rest and wait till fall. i can only say that all this is due to fate and that i can't argue with God. i need to look on the brighter side of things.

correction: I meant so much bad luck!

M, I am pretty much of a fatalist, too. I certainly hope everything works out for you, but maybe fall would be better. Perhaps a little US vacation in between? I just talked to a friend in Maine and the temp there was 47--I feel sure there is a spring there waiting to burst out. (and am extremely jealous since we have had temps in the 100s for the last two or three weeks).