French Pilot Strike Could Disrupt Travelers’ Plans Next Month
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Travelers flying on French airlines in early May could experience significant travel disruptions as a result of a possible pilot strike. The New York Times is reporting that the main union representing France’s commercial pilots, Syndicat National des Pilotes de Ligne, or SNPL, has threatened a week-long strike for the second week of May should a new transport law get passed by the French parliament.
SNPL fears the law will diminish its “powers of representation” by grouping the union with other large trade unions, thus making pilots vulnerable during negotiations with both employers and legislators.
In response, the SNPL has warned that if the legislation passes, it will lead a strike from May 6-11, leading to nationwide cancellations. Nationwide cancellations would not only have significant implications on air travel in France, but throughout Europe as well.
The following airlines would be impacted by the SNPL pilot strike:
- Air France
- Aigle Azur
- Corsair
- EasyJet
- Vueling
- XL Airways
How To Minimize The Effects of a Pilot Strike
First and foremost, travelers with itineraries on the carriers listed above should monitor the airline’s social media channels and website for updates.
In the event that the strike occurs, airlines will likely offer waivers. At the moment, French airlines have yet to issue any travel waivers but in the past, these waivers have included the option to postpone travel through a date set by the airline at no additional cost. However, it’s important to take note of how canceled itineraries will be refunded.
In the event that airlines do not provide passengers with enough advanced notice in order to take advantage of a travel waiver, there are still a few steps travelers can take to minimize disruptions. One of those steps is to utilize the trip cancellation or disruption coverage benefits offered by many credit cards. Passengers should call their credit card companies to find out if they’ll reimburse incidental expenses as a result of a strike. It is also a good idea to plan ahead and book refundable accommodations, as well as research alternate routes to/from your destination.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
Featured image by Alberto Riva / The Points Guy
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer ends 8/3/2022.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer ends 8/3/2022.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.