traffic controller strike/Italy
 

I know strikes in Italy are pretty common but I just read that air traffic controllers will be on strike May 14 for 24 hours.
We will be flying from CDG to Rome on May 15. Is there likely to be any disruption from backups? Anyone dealt with this situation?
Thanks

Grimmy, did you ever hear anything about this? I just noticed the air controller strike, and we fly from CDG to Florence on May 14. Do you know anything? Thanks!

Hi Grimmy/ Mary - For details see:

http://www.seekitaly.com/news/from_roma.html#strikes

http://www.infrastrutturetrasporti.i...php?p=scioperi

Steve

I know only what is on the sites posted above (Thanks Steve).
It seems like the strike will last 4 hours in certain areas and 24 in others.
I don't see Florence on the list specifically.
Right now we're still a little concerned about that and the rail strikes on the 17-18th.
Guess we'll just have to be prepared for them and hope they're canceled.
Good luck to you Mary!

Thanks, Grimmy and Steve. I guess I'll just hope for the best about the air controller strike. Grimmy, hopefully the train strike will work out for you, too. It was just pure luck that my trip is structured so that I travel by train May 17 in the morning and May 19 in the morning, so hopefully I we'll be ok. Even if the strike creates problems, I'm in Italy! Which is a lot better than being at work in Texas, like I usually would be on a Friday!!

Have a great trip and safe travels!

Just had to let you know that I have changed my flight because of the air controller strike. I called Air France and asked what would happen if my flight from Paris to Florence was canceled on May 14, and they said that I wouldn't even be allowed to board in Houston on my originating flight on May 13! Apparently if the destination flight is canceled, they consider that the whole trip must be redone. Well, considering how long I have waited for this trip, I decided I just coulnd't take the risk of possibly arriving 1 to 2 days late. So I paid the $350 and changed my flight to leave on May 12, arriving in Italy May 13.So we should avoid the strike, if it happens at all.

We'll see how it all ends up, but for me it was better to be safe than sorry! Thanks for all the information.

Wow, $350 is a horrible price to have to pay! I'm so sorry for you, and for the trouble the strike is causing everyone. Just one more reason I think I'll never take a big trip again without trip insurance. I sure hope everything else goes well for you!

Keep in mind that Trip Insurance would probably not cover the $350 that mary09 spent. The insurance would not kick in UNTIL the strike actually occurs. It rarely pays based on "threats"

Thanks, Hagan and Carol. One thing I didn't mention above was that Air France said my flight could be rescheduled at no cost to me, but only AFTER my original flight had been "officially" canceled (probably 8-24 hours before departure). And even then they would have rebooked me on a flight departing Houston the day after my original scheduled departure...in the best case scenario!

The $350 made me sick, too, but it was worth it to me for peace of mind. Of course, the strike may not even have affected us, but at least I can relax now. And on the bright side, we are getting one more day in Italy.

Hagan, I very much enjoyed reading your trip report several weeks ago. I'd say I'll be grateful if this is the only glitch I have...still better than losing a passport in a Paris airport!! :)

Yeah, airlines live in this world where the "strike" won't really happen so they won't adjust you until it DOES. Now, for American airlines that actually works out well. (Remember the numerous NW strike threats over the past few years....)

With Italy who knows however! I probably would have done what you did.

Thanks, Carol, I agree with you! Like you said, Italy is another story. And yes, it definitely sounds like the airlines don't get too concerned until the strike actually starts.

I'll just plan to eat a few less gelatos and make up the $350!