Concerned about possible Lufthansa strike

[ddoc]

I read in yesterday's paper that the mechanics could go on strike next week.

I am concerned because we fly on August 12th. We fly US air to Frankfurt and then Lufthansa to Rome. Comng home, we are all Lufthansa on August 26.

Any suggestions on what to do now?

[tomko2]

Given the wide spread between what the airline is offering (which seems very generous) and what the workers are asking, it seems probable that a strike or some action will take place.

Is your booking with USAir from USA to Rome or did you book the Frankfurt to Rome on your own. If the former, the airline will work on getting you on another airline; if the latter, then you may want to look at options.

Kathy

[ddoc]

these are ff tickets for a once in al ifetime trip to Eastern Mediterranean.

[greatam]

these are ff tickets for a once in al ifetime trip to Eastern Mediterranean.

 

Your only potential immediate problem is the flight from FRA to Rome.

 

One option-IF there were FF tickets on another airline for your dates, you COULD redeposit your miles (there is a fee) and rebook. This would NOT be my first choice. But it is an option.

 

You don't state how much time you have before your cruise. If a day or two, you can take the train to Rome.

 

You could also book a separate ticket (out of pocket, your cost) on quite a few airlines. Alitalia and AirOne fly nonstop to Rome. AirOne is a Lufthansa partner, so maybe their employees are honoring the strike. There is also Swiss and AirFrance, which fly onestoppers through AMS, CDG or Zurich. About $350.00pp.

 

There are also RyanAir and other discount airlines in Europe. RyanAir has one flight per day at 6:10AM. 35 Euros. AirBerlin has one flight per day-also early morning-$150 Euros

 

IF you are forced to purchase an intra- Europe ticket, please be aware that you will be charged for excess luggage over 40 pounds/1 suitcase on most carriers. The discounters have a 15kg luggage limit. The over weight charges are HUGE. Look into the possibility of flying business class. Sometimes the jump in fare to business is cheaper than the overweight charges. A lot depends on how much luggage you have.

 

Hope you have GOOD third party travel insurance and NOT the cruise lines insurance. If you need good insurance at the last minute, CSA writes policies up to 24 hours pre departure. You SHOULD be able to recoup most out of pocket expenses (train, another airline ticket or hotels) so long as Lufthansa is NOT listed as a "no fly" carrier. Check the fine print BEFORE you purchase.

 

Good luck-don't worry about the flight home. If there is a strike, it will probably be short lived. Or alternative arrangements will have been made.

[tomko2]

Definitely get in touch with your air line. Air Canada has a notice posted on its' website indicating that the level of service may be hampered, e.g. restocking food/beverages in Frankfurt. No other changes at this point.

Kathy

[NHBob]

The strike did go ahead today, 28 July, but Lufthansa claims to be maintaining schedules.

 

For up-to-date news from Germany, in English, see http://www.thelocal.de/13283/20080725/

 

Bob

[ddoc]

This will be interesting...

[Globaliser]

I am concerned because we fly on August 12th. We fly US air to Frankfurt and then Lufthansa to Rome. Comng home, we are all Lufthansa on August 26.

That's all weeks away yet. I'd be very surprised if the current strike has any effect on your travel. It can't last that long.

 

Today's news:-

A pay strike by ground and cabin staff at Lufthansa entered its second day on Tuesday, July 29, with the German airline cancelling 70 flights as union Verdi extended its industrial action to additional airports.

 

Service was cancelled to domestic and European destinations, a spokesman said, but represented just "three percent of all flights" scheduled by the carrier. Long-haul flights were operating normally, he said.

And a fun picture:-

 

Not all Lufthansa employees are supporting the strike