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The travel strikes hitting Europe in the coming weeks

Aug. 26, 2024
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4 min read
German Locomotive Drivers Go On Strike
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Editor's Note

This page will be updated as new information emerges.

We always hope your travel will be trouble-free, but there are strikes and other disruptions across Europe to look out for in the coming weeks.

If you plan to travel during these dates and need advice, read our guide to insurance policies and strike coverage. Additionally, find out what you may be entitled to in terms of compensation if your flight is delayed or otherwise affected.

Here are the strikes to be aware of in the U.K. and Europe.

German pilots and cabin crew strike for Discover Airlines

When: Aug. 27 to 30

Pilot and cabin crew strikes will affect departures from Frankfurt and Munich operated by Lufthansa-owned Discover Airlines. The strikes are planned to last from 12:01 a.m. Aug. 27 to 11:59 p.m. Aug. 30.

"The trade unions Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) and the Independent Flight Attendants' Organisation (UFO) have called for strikes on all Discover Airlines flights from August 27th until the 30th at midnight,” Discover said in a statement. “We are working to minimise the impact on our guests. Please check your current flight status regularly and enter your contact details in your booking."

Related: The best credit cards for trip cancellation and interruption insurance — and what it actually covers

Italian airport worker strikes

When: Sept. 7

Flights to and from Italy will likely experience delays and cancellations at the beginning of September due to a slew of strikes in the region.

Pilots and cabin crew at ITA Airways and Wizz Air are both planning to stage walkouts between 1 and 5 p.m.; air traffic controllers at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Sardinia's Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) plan to do the same.

Meanwhile, baggage handlers at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) and Pisa International Airport (PSA) will stage their own walkouts at the same time.

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Italian public transport strikes

When: Sept. 8, 9 and 20

Italian train drivers, conductors and onboard staff for the state-owned Trenitalia and private operator Italo will stage a 24-hour strike on Sept. 8. The walkouts are expected to impact regional and long-distance services in the region.

Further disruption is expected again on Sept. 9, when staff at bus, tram and train operators around the country will commence an additional eight-hour strike. Specific timings vary depending on the city.

An additional 24-hour public transport strike in Italy has also been slated for Sept. 20.

Related: You are entitled to a refund for your canceled flight — even if the airline says you aren’t

Airport security staff strike in Alicante, Spain

When: Aug. 30 to 31

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport (ALC) will be affected by a security staff strike on Aug. 30 and 31. The strike will occur between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. and again from 6 to 7 p.m. local time each day. This latest round of strikes is a continuation of the strikes that occurred at the airport between Aug. 1 and 4 and from Aug. 15 to 18.

Passengers should allow extra time to pass through security during the strikes, though airport operators say there shouldn’t be significant delays as of yet.

Bottom line

One thing worth remembering about strikes is that nothing is certain, and it’s always possible that unions and employers will reach a deal. However, as always in these situations, it’s better to be prepared for the worst so you can adapt your travel plans if you are required to.

Related reading:

Featured image by YING TANG/NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • 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.
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  • $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.