The travel strikes hitting Europe in the coming weeks
Editor's Note
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.
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:
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- Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
- 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without
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