Delta flights in November with impending strike

[Cathyb]

Soothsayers -- I need your help We were just about to commit to a travel from sna to Springfied for a week then over to Fort Meyers for a week with Delta from Nov. 11-25, 2006 when I read on TUG about the impending Pilot strike.

1. If we pay money (not ff miles), is a multi-trip itinerary more difficult for another airline to take care of us if Delta is on strike in November?

2. If they are talking NOW to strike, is it very unlikely November will be affected; i.e., all will be settled?

Thank you for your views!

 

[Dave M]

The pilot strike is not likely to be an issue by the time of your trip. It should be result in a settlement or a strike within the next month or two. The problem with a strike is that, if prolonged, DL could disappear. Is that likely? No. The pilots want to apply pressure but not lose their jobs.

Thus, I would plan (and have planned) travel as though DL will be in business and not on strike.

However, if you want to plan for the worst, the complicated itinerary would be difficult to handle if Delta is no longer in business. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (now extended to November 30, 2006) requires other carriers to accept your tickets on the same routes as provided by your ticket if they have seats available. The other airline can charge $100 to accept your ticket, but that's academic if that airline doesn't fly the same routes as indicated by your ticket. Thus, that argues for a simple itinerary, perhaps as two tickets.

Keep in mind that NW, UA, US have all faced similar disputes while in bankruptcy that threatened the continued existence of those airlines. The issues were resolved and the airlines are still flying. Two of them have emerged from bankruptcy. My guess is that DL will do the same.

Thus, if it were my money (and some of it is!), I would make all of my plans under the assumption that DL will be flying in November and will be around for a long time.

 

[Cathyb]

Thank you Dave M -- you always come thru as my Superman