We have a couple months until we fly to Rome, of course one of our connections in on Lufthansa through Frankfurt, but on top of that Italy is having all these airport strikes, anyone effected by that going to Italy? Anyone that might live over there have any idea if this will continue on all spring and summer?
Posted by
NY, NY
500 posts
Wondering the same. Found info here:
http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/strikes.html
If they are announced in advance, I will be prepared to transfer my flight to another hub (munich perhaps). But fingers crossed it isn't necessary.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Strikes in Italy can occur at any time of year, are well-publicized in advance, and last less than 24 hours (normally less than 12). Usually only one type of transportation will strike (unless it's s general strike), and there is always some skeleton schedule running for trains and buses.
I don't know how strikes work in Germany.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
"I don't know how strikes work in Germany."
I had some experience with that on my flights home last year. My route was Milan > Frankfurt > Calgary and not the most pleasant air travel experience on that occasion. I found out later that some kind of "labour disruption" was taking place in Frankfurt.
The first flight from Milan to Frankfurt was delayed (likely as things were backed-up in Frankfurt) and the second flight from Frankfurt to Calgary was really delayed. Although they had lots of extra time to transfer my checked luggage in Frankfurt, that didn't happen and I was informed on arrival in Calgary that my bag would NOT be appearing on the carousel anytime soon (the airline delivered it to my door a day or so later).
The joys of air travel......
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5836 posts
And then there are volocanos where plumes of ash cause massive delays and disruptions. http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/faqs/does-travel-insurance-cover-volcano/
http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/coverages/trip-cancellation/weather-natural-disaster/
Now strikes:
http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/faqs/does-travel-insurance-cover-airport-strikes/
Not all travel insurance plans include coverage for airport strikes.
In fact, it’s may be listed specifically as an exclusion, so you must
verify the plan before you can count on having coverage for strikes
that disrupt your travel plans.
Posted by
OP
Grass Valley, California
506 posts
Believe me I have been through almost every disruption every year from Volcano's to the Underground strikes in London last May. This is a little more serious than a normal European workers strike because Lufthansa has been in this dispute for a long long time. Like British Airways was a few years ago. I probably should of avoided that one leg, but when I asked on Rick Steve's they seemed to think no big deal, "just book your best priced/available price" and should be OK by then. Also the Italian air traffic controller strike has been on and off for a long while too, so anyone going to Italy could be effected no matter who they fly through. I have read that Lufthansa airlines have lost billions due to not settling their contract. Short haul, long haul and cargo.