Upcoming Alitalia and Meridiana Strikes

...and it may be worth mentioning...just like an Italian Train strike does not mean that ALL trains are shut down, a strike may not affect all Alitalia flights. Trans-Atlantic or certain shared flights may or may not be affected...which is why you have to talk to the airline.

The exact reason why I always say to NEVER depend on an Italian airline to get you TO/FROM Italy. The train strikes are bad enough, but when your trip is in jeopardy from an airline strike, or worse, an airline bankruptcy....I'm just sayin'.

So, as a complete newbie to Italian travel, could you clarify to me what this means?

Does this just mean you have a long wait somewhere? Or could you ultimately be stranded without being able to grab another flight (or train)?

thanks!

So, as a complete newbie to Italian travel, could you clarify to me what this means?

Does this just mean you have a long wait somewhere? Or could you ultimately be stranded without being able to grab another flight (or train)?

thanks!

A number of European Worker Unions will take the opportunity to strike to protest an action or to pressure for wage increases. Unlike in the US, these strikes are often announced well in advance and are usually of a short predetermined duration. Basically this means (unless the Italian Ministry steps in again) that those flights will not fly during that time, meaning either the scheduled flights will be late or cancelled. Your carraige contract in buying a ticket assures that you will get to where you are going, but it appears in this case that you may be delayed if affected.

I doubt many travellers are affected by the Meridiana strikes, since train usually is better, but where some may be caught is if their ticket they booked is a codeshare with Alitalia, depending on them for a London/Rome leg of a trip. In a codeshare case, the partner airline may fly the route or you may find yourself on another airline.

In the end, if these dates affect your plan, contact your carrier the day before to see how they plan to handle.

If the strikes occur, and you have planned to travel those days, be prepared to check with the airline for alternatives. That's really all you can do because no one knows if the strikes will actually take place.

I remember someone once said..."Someone is on strike in either Italy or France every day."

BTW...Some BA employees are voting about a strike. Management is now training some of its office employees, and pilots, to be temporary flight attendants.