Lisbon Airport baggage handlers strike over festive season - Rick Steves Travel Forum
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Lisbon Airport baggage handlers strike over festive season

I read that baggage handlers will go on strike at Lisbon airport from Christmas eve to New Year. I’m supposed to fly into Lisbon on Christmas Day, and then leaving on New Year's Eve. I'm not sure what to expect and what will happen to all the checked-in luggage upon arrival. The airport announced on its Instagram that operational disruptions may occur from December 22 to January 1. Is this a common occurrence in Portugal and will flights be cancelled into Lisbon Airport as a result of this? Has anyone had similar experiences in the past? What should I do?

Posted by
10316 posts

This sounds like a definite time to fly carry-on only.

I don't usually do that, but made sure to do so this summer when f lying out of Paris on one of the busiest post-Olympics days. If you are headed into a situation where you know baggage handling is going to be a problem, remove the baggage handling from the equation.

Posted by
1826 posts

I agree with the previous poster to not check a bag, if at all possible.

That said, threats of strikes are common throughout Europe and Portugal is no exception. The good news is that frequently they settle and the strike is called off before it starts. But, there is no guarantee.