tomarkot

Our flight to Barcelona is scheduled to arrive on September 29! We're read that there is a strike threatened to occur on that day which will affect the airline controllers. We are concerned about whether or not to go through the hastle and expense of trying to re-schedule flight, hotels, etc.etc. and would really appreciate any info, especially from someone who may live in Barcelona, on the status of this strike. Thanks, in advance, to anyone who can provide some current info.

ribeirasacra

First of all this is a general strike and if it goes ahead it will not just affect air-controllers. It affects a lot of trades and workers.
I have to say that also this is no threat, but how much it will affect everyone is almost impossible to say. Say the unions get their way almost all services will not be functioning, if the government thinks they are onto a winner then everyone will carry on working as per normal.
If the former scenario happens then the following day(s) you may find airlines rescheduling because crews and planes will be in the wrong place.
So it could be bad news,sorry about that.

tomarkot

Thank you, ribeirasacra, for your reply, even though it brings very discouraging news. From what we can understand, we are really risking additional traveling headaches and anxieties by keeping our plans as they are; namely, arriving in Barcelona on Sept. 29. Our initial idea of an easy and relaxing trip to Spain has, we think, suddenly taken a turn and will require attempts to make changes to a "nonrefundable pre-paid trip." If this is the case, would you think that traveling ahead of the Sept. 29 date, like a day or two, if we can arrange a change, would be more advisable than trying to bump up to early October? (Our present itinerary includes three days in Mallorca, Oct. 6-9, with return travel to the US on October 10th through Madrid. These segments could all remain if we can arrange one or two extra days in Barcelona before the 29th.) Do you know if other services for tourists, like rental cars, hotels, restaurants, etc. would be affected? We're trying to put together options for a Plan B. Any suggestions from you or others who may have been caught in a European strike situation would be greatly appreciated.

cruiseluv

In 2006 I was caught in an illegal(not announced) one day strike of baggage handlers and other airport personnel in Barcelona. Our flight from the US early that morning was the last one allowed to land. Unfortunately, I had airline travel plans the next day to Bilbao. Even though the strike had supposedly ended, many flights were again canceled as either they didn't have the plane in place or no pilots to fly them. We spent that next day in the airport, surrounded by throngs of angry people, many of them out of control. People that had a ticket for that day plus everybody whose flight had been cancelled the prior day were there. It was a scene right out of Dante's inferno! By 10 PM it was clear that we were not going anywhere and had to return to the hotel after standing hours in line to get our ticket changed for the following day. The next morning we went back and were not able to leave until late in the afternoon since the flights were still not running normally.

And this was due only to baggage handlers going on strike for one day! I can't even imagine the repercussions of a general strike! If you need to keep the trip in place in that time frame I would certainly suggest you move your arrival date to one or two days prior, and not plan to travel out of Barcelona for at least a couple of days after 9/29.

tomarkot

Based upon responses from fellow Fodorites, we've begun checking into the possiblity of backing up our departure date a day or two, arriving in Barcelona on the 27th or 28th. We're learning that if we anticipate Delta's notifying us of the strike in Spain, and re-booking us, we'll incur a $ 275. per person change fee plus an upcharge for the earlier flight. However, if we wait 'til the airline takes the initiative, we'll avoid those charges. Our concern is that waiting for a last-minute notice by Delta, with the many passengers affected, the flights on succeeding days will be filled, or the itineraries "undesirable" and that our hotel and other reservations will be impacted. When we check the Delta website for alternative flights, it appears that there are few seats available. Does anyone know if, perhaps, there may be more seats than the airline offers on their website to "economy" passengers? We'd appreciate any experiences/insights that fellow Fodorites have to offer to help sort out this situation.

cruiseluv

As far as I know the seats that appear as available in the seat map are for the most part the ones available. Sometimes they block the first row in economy and the seats on the exit rows to give those out at the airport.

I wouldn't put my faith on Delta calling you days prior and offering you a favorable solution.

tomarkot

We did contact the travel agency through which we booked this trip, and they, of course, know nothing definite to tell us except that, in case the strike goes throughand our flight is affected, Delta will re-book us. But, of course, when and how is unclear. At this point, with the uncertainties surrounding the Sept. 29th strike and how it might affect our Delta flight, due to arrive at 8:55 AM, we're thinking about "waiting it out" and hoping for the best. We're wondering whether or not flights from the US will be able to land early in the AM of the 29th. If, by luck, our flight is able to land, does anyone know if private transportation services, car rental companies, restaurants, etc., which do not involve government employees, will be affected? If so, then it would be less than enjoyable to be visiting Spain.

An additional concern, one we've never dealt with, is figuring out how much Trip Insurance will cover if we can't get into Barcelona on the 29th, and pre-paid hotel stay, etc. are not able to be utilized.

We'd appreciate any Fodorite's response to any of the above. Thanks!

lincasanova

Your trip insurance policy should state what is covered. Be prepared to have to turn in official documents from the airlines stating there WAS a strike, etc., late arrival, whatever.

You may want to find out now what those documents will be, just so you can be sure to get them while you are in the process instead of after the fact.

I was immediatley reimbursed by Amex after being delayed due to weather, and since I had been told what documents to ask for if that happened, it was a lot easier to ask for that during my re-booking than try to get the requested document later on.

Royal

I have been watching this situation closely as we are due to fly into Barcelona on the 29th as we are departing for a cruise.

There is very little current information available regarding the strike and if it's a one day strike or longer.

At the moment we are thinking we should change our flight and hotel and arrive on the 28th.

cruiseluv

Royal,

If I was taking a cruise I would for sure at least arrive one day early, even if there was no planned strike.

Royal

cruiseluv - our cruise departs Oct.1st which is why we planned to arrive on the 29th. Now I am thinking we should change our flight and arrive the 28th.

This will cost us approx. $250 each plus to change our tickets and an extra day in Barcelona. Not sure what to do so may wait a few days and see what develops.

Wish we had some way of getting current news.

lincasanova

So far the strike will be on, but news media is doubtful as to the percentage of supporters.If anything more definite is published or rumors we will post it.

The French strike today has cancelled tens of flights into and out of Spain and has affected some international trains.

Royal

lincasanova - thanks for the update. Appreciate your offer to keep us posted.

tomarkot

A second special thanks to lincasanova. We really appreciate your offer to keep us posted. This "cloud of anxiety" hangs over our trip to Barcelona, especially whether or not US flights will be able to land on the 29th. We're also concerned about whether the strike will affect private trans-port companies, car rentals, restaurants, etc. Any info is appreciated.

lincasanova

Just spoke to Madrid and Barcelona taxi companies. Seems taxis do not HAVE to go on strike, and most of them will just do what they want. No way to know until almost last minute.I get the feeling that there should be some sort of minimum services for most things.

Spoke to department of Aviation AENA and they will not know which, if any, flights are affected until the last minute. The airlines themselves will have that information as soon as it becomes available.

The person I spoke to said many times some flights are given priority, etc..

so.. not really much news here as you can see.
Will try to keep you posted.

The feeling is this is going to be a very unpopular strike.

Royal

Thank you lincasanova for this latest news. I did call my airline but they had no information regarding this strike.

Did read that there wasn't a lot of support for the strike but then again you never know do you as things can change at the last minute.

Right now I'm in a holding pattern and keeping an eye on seat availability on flights.

tomarkot

We're in a similar position to Royal; that is, a "holding pattern". We realize that no one has a crystal ball, but we really appreciate the suggestions of fellow Fodorites (i.e. using carry-on luggage to remain flexible)and especially those like lincasanova who indicate that they'll keep us posted as they learn new information.

Royal

I read somewhere in the past day or two (can't remember what site) that the air traffic controllers in Spain are required to give 10 days notice before a walkout or strike.

Can anyone confirm that?

cruiseluv

I am cutting and pasting something I read in a website called easytravelreport.com (I read about this on Tripadvisor):

"Spain

Spain will participate in European wide strike in September.

Spanish rail strike

Valencian Railway Service, Valencia, Alicante, Tuesday, July 27, Friday, 30 July and Thursday, Sept,9. see guide2valencia.com The strikes will affect the Metro of Valencia and the Alicante tram services.


Spanish nationwide general strike, 29 September.

23, August, General Union of Workers (UGT) submitted plan, steps towards the general strike next month. For your Information, UGT union members include, Spanish airport operators, air traffic controllers, maintenance technicians, administrative staff, firemen and security. Spain has 47 airports.


15, June, 2010 Spanish general strike date in. Brace yourself. Wednesday, 29, September. Coming up fast. Nice, that it takes place after summer. Unemployment 20%. Will coincide with European wide protests. CCOO and Comisiones Obreras, General Union of Workers (UGT) unions will join in. UGT members include Spanish airport operators, air traffic controllers, firemen, maintenance technicians and administration. Neither UGT nor CCOO have given any indication that they might call a general strike of all workers.Try to make your travel plans earlier rather than later of the 29th. Unions asking consumers not to shop.

19, July, It was announced today that the Balearic Islands, Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca will join in this strike.


U2 have postponed one of their two concerts in Spain next month google.com"

Royal

Thanks cruiseluv. Still can't remember where I saw that item regarding the 10 day notice that controllers must provide.

Guess tomarkot and I are in a wait and see mode.