Q – We are doing a cruise on Azamara that will require us to fly into Barcelona this summer. I am going to be doing the air research myself and will, likely, not use my travel agent for the air but will, instead, do it myself. I am, according to the lovely wife, “totally air anal”. So my question really is about strike actions this summer. I will need to connect somewhere major in Europe to get to Barcelona and I am wondering where you think the strikes are most likely to occur. Or, perhaps, you feel strikes are unlikely. Thanks so much for all “the truth” My fellow “anals” and I appreciate it.
A – There will be strikes this summer. The Euros get in a snit when they have to work anything more than a 30-hour week or when they are expected to work extra hard when the airport is packed. It is always hard to gauge who will get in the biggest snit this summer but it always an interesting competition between the Italians working out at Fiumicino, the French at Charles De Gaulle, or the Brits working out of Heathrow.
Based on current reports and the level of discontent among British Airways pilots, air traffic controllers, baggage handlers etc., we are betting that London Heathrow has the most frequent airport closures this summer with the French valiantly maintaining second place. But when the gauntlet is thrown down, never count the Italians out. They have fewer strikes but theirs last longer.
