Everything you need to know about travel disruption in Germany next week
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is warning of a “massive disruption” to air travel this coming Monday after officials confirmed a 24-hour walkout.
As Germany’s largest airport — serving 250 destinations with more than 80 airlines — it's likely to affect flights within Europe and worldwide.
Monday's action is just one part of a national dispute over staff pay at airports across Germany. It is set to coincide with Munich International Airport's (MUC) closure for commercial air travel March 26 and 27. There will be a double whammy of strikes on public transport Monday, as rail union EVG has also given the go-ahead for strikes.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Why is the strike happening?
Monday’s planned standoff is the latest in many workforce disputes affecting travel. Led by Ver.di labor union — representing everyone from baggage handlers to airport security in Germany — representatives have been asking for a fair pay raise to reflect skyrocketing national inflation and an uptick in living costs.
Because aviation and airport bosses have been unwilling to meet these demands, strategically staged walkouts have crippled air travel across the country numerous times this year. Often, the walkouts affect multiple airports at once.
Earlier this month, hundreds of flights were axed at four German airports — Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB), Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS) and Stuttgart Airport (STR) — after staff walkouts over pay. Similar action occurred at airports in Berlin, Bremen and Hamburg this month.
Union bosses hope a one-day strike at Germany’s biggest airport might speed up negotiations.
What are the chances of making my flight at Frankfurt?
Slim, but not impossible. In previous weeks plenty of flights have operated at airports hampered by strike days. However, these events have led to increases in security wait times and delays in takeoff times. So even if your flight looks OK on paper, remain vigilant.
Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa is predominantly based out of Frankfurt and will bear the brunt of the chaos. It will likely suffer more cancellations and delays than any other outfit. With international giants, such as American Airlines, running multiple services to Frankfurt, the forthcoming 24-hour action will also have implications on the other side of the Atlantic.
Are other German airports affected?
Frankfurt acts as the biggest connecting hub for domestic and international travelers in Germany. So, the disruption at Frankfurt will certainly cause ripple effects at other airports.
If you have plans to fly to or from other airports on your way to Frankfurt, you may want to seek guidance from your airline in case of cancellations closer to travel time.
Additionally, don’t rule out further strike action at other airports. On March 22 and 23, Hamburg Airport (HAM) was crippled by a bout of similar industrial action. In something of a planned domino effect, walkouts at Munich are set to follow this Sunday and Monday before staff members at Frankfurt join the picket line themselves.
What should I do if I think my plans are affected?
Don’t panic. If there’s a whiff of trouble, your airline should already be taking measures to contact you and let you know that cancellations are expected. Keep tabs on your email inbox, text messages and the app.
There’s no harm in checking with the company on Twitter or by phone if you think your travel will be affected by a strike. Remember that you should be fully covered for a refund if your chosen airline can’t rebook you on another flight.
However, travel insurance is a pretty gray area regarding strikes because they're very much a "foreseeable" disruption. Read up on the small print of your insurance policy and check out this guide on insurance coverage you may have with your credit card. If you're based in the United Kingdom, check out this in-depth guide.
Should I be wary of anything else?
Absolutely. If you’re traveling in Germany next Monday, expect a wave of union strikes over pay to cause cancellations on buses, trains and trams as well.
Deutsche Bahn is just one operator already warning of disruption and has canceled all of its long-distance trains for March 27. Regional services are also likely to face plenty of cuts.
This strike will affect 230,000 staff members nationwide for EVG. Ver.di, which counts over 2.5 million staff members, will ask many of its followers to stand down from their stations. As a result, it’s feared that Monday’s mass strike action could also spill over into the preceding days.
If you’re traveling across Europe on a business trip (perhaps with multiple stop-offs in financial hubs like Frankfurt), be aware that strikes are occurring across the continent. This could affect your travel in a major way.
For example, neighboring France has seen millions take to the streets in protest over government plans to increase the age for retirement. This ongoing strife has correlated with strikes in practically every aspect of public transport — ranging from air traffic controller walkouts to train operators bringing their services to a grinding halt.
Stay prepared for last-minute changes by always checking the situation on the ground before you travel.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.