All the airline labor problems are causing anxiety for airline travelers. Any possible strike is still weeks away, but Delta Air Lines pilots were on the picket line at DFW International Airport Friday, reminding the public of the labor strife that threatens summer travel on the majority of the nation's airlines this summer. The list of possible strikers is long and still growing. It includes Delta's pilots, American's flight attendants, United's flight attendants, United's mechanics, Northwests' mechanics, and now Southwest airlines ramp workers. And with mergers cutting down the number of airlines, travel professionals advise vacationers to take precautions.
Advice includes using paper tickets, because they are easier to exchange than electronic ones.
Using credit cards, for easier refunds and dispute resolution. But avoid travel insurance. They won't pay off if there is much warning of a possible strike. While travel agents everywhere are concerned they have never seen so many possible strikes, the agents locally point out there is always talk of strikes, but very few ever really happen. Labor disruptions can, however, disrupt plans.