8 things to know about traveling in Europe during labor strikes
Taking a vacation abroad means immersing yourself in another culture - and sometimes in another country's labor disputes.
This year, news out of Europe has been full of strikes affecting air travel, rail transportation and even everyday sanitation services as workers protest pay, working conditions and other government policies.
"It's normal and seasonal," said Peter Vlitas, executive vice president of partner relations at Internova Travel Group, a travel services provider. "Travel and tourism is not on anybody's mind as to whether or not it impacts it. It's just what the locals do."
For travelers, that means it's a smart idea to check if flights, hotel reservations and other plans overlap with already announced labor action. And even if nothing is on the books, experts say vacationers should arrive in Europe armed with some backup plans.
"Traveling to Europe in the spring at least and maybe for part of the summer is going to be a minefield in terms of navigating strikes and travelers having to think of what are their plans B, C and so on," said travel analyst Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group.
Experts say it's unlikely that strikes will ruin an entire vacation - but travelers should prepare for unexpected roadblocks.
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Where are strikes happening in Europe?
Depending on the day, labor action could be taking place in multiple countries across Europe.
In France, protests have continued over the government's push to raise the retirement age, including a nationwide strike by multiple unions this week.
Julian Moro, senior vice president and regional security director of travel security firm International SOS, said in an email that delays and cancellations across public service were expected.
"Train and metro services are liable to be severely affected, and recent related strikes have disrupted flights at select airports," he wrote. "As such, people should plan journeys accounting for the protests and industrial action."
The civil aviation authority in France asked airlines to reduce flights at Paris-Orly airport through Monday due to strikes, Bloomberg reported.
Security guards at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 will strike from March 31 through April 9, a stretch that includes the busy Easter travel season. Workers involved in a pay dispute have promised that flights "will experience severe delays and disruption."
Moro said there are additional strikes connected to transport, airports or rail services expected through the end of the month and into early April in the Netherlands, Spain and elsewhere in the U.K.
A one-day strike in Germany on Monday is expected to disrupt planes, trains and local transit, according to the Associated Press. That follows the cancellation of hundreds of flights at a handful of German airports last week due to strikes by security and ground handling workers.
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How could strikes disrupt my trip?
Just about any part of a trip could face some disruption, from delays at the airport to transit services to stinky trash piling up on sidewalks.
"The anticipated upcoming strikes include all transit and airport workers in popular tourist destinations," Moro said in his email. "Any mode of transportation, such as air travel and buses, are expected to be affected by these strikes, impacting travelers across Europe."
Vlitas said transatlantic flights are often not affected - though that is not always the case - but trips within Europe could more often be interrupted.
Depending on which groups are involved in a strike, Harteveldt said municipal transit, rail transportation, taxis, on-demand transportation and stores could also be affected.
"If transit is going on strike, you're probably going to have to pack an extra pair or two of walking shoes or sneakers because you may not be able to get a taxi as easily," he said. "You may not be able to do all the sightseeing you expected because it may take longer to get from where you're staying to any points of interest."
While the vast majority of strikes have been peaceful, even when protests are involved, some in recent days have involved fires or clashes with police where authorities deployed tear gas.
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What's the best way to prepare for strikes?
Strikes in Europe are generally announced in advance.
"You know when they're going to start and when they're going to end for the most part," Vlitas said. "That really helps us to plan accordingly."
Moro said if strikes are expected on a travel day, vacationers should either explore alternate routes or postpone their plans. Arrange itineraries that account for disruptions and allow delays, he said, making sure to pre-book taxis.
If public transportation will not be available, travelers should research their options, said Mark Seifert, a senior manager for response operations at risk management firm Crisis24. Are there ride-hailing services? Which taxis are considered safe? He said hotels should be able to help or arrange transportation if necessary.
In the rare situation where strikes and protests will lead to a lockdown, he said travelers should just plan to shelter where they are staying.
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How can I keep track of upcoming strikes?
Moro said travelers should check credible news sources, speak to local contacts and monitor transportation services via their social media pages or help lines. The State Department urges Americans abroad to monitor local media for news on demonstrations or protests. In a March 16 demonstration alert, the U.S. Embassy in Paris directed U.S. citizens to English-language outlets including France 24, RFI and the Local.
Moro said dates and times for strikes across Europe are often announced and publicly posted on official union websites, on social media and on transport websites. Major unions with upcoming strikes planned include the French Democratic Confederation of Labor, or CFDT, and Unite in Britain.
The U.S. State Department says travelers should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so they can get alerts and advisories directly about their destination.
Country information pages also include alerts from embassies and consulates, which may include warnings about disruptive strikes.
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What do I do if I get caught up in protests?
First of all, try to avoid finding yourself in the middle of any action.
The State Department encourages U.S. travelers abroad to avoid gatherings or crowds of demonstrators, to monitor local media for updates and to "exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests."
Crisis24 advises travelers to be aware of colors that protesters are wearing - and dress in neutral colors.
If a traveler accidentally encounters protesters while walking, the company says it's best to walk with them discreetly while staying away from the leaders and moving to the edge of the crowd.
"Look for a safe exit away from the crowd and slowly walk away, don't run; this will bring attention to yourself," the company's advice says. "If you are caught up in the dense crowd, stay away from glass shop windows and doors, stay firm on your feet, and move with the flow until you are able to move away in a safe direction."
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Should I cancel a vacation because of strikes?
Probably not - though experts say to consider your own ability to handle disruption.
Seifert said travelers might want to reconsider their need to travel if a country is going to start imposing curfews or significant limitations on movement.
In addition, Harteveldt said, vacationers should consider the extent of the planned strike and how it would affect members of their travel group, especially people who are older or might have mobility issues. If getting around will be more difficult or impossible, he said it could be worth reconsidering taking the trip during that time.
"You may decide that the inconvenience is too great and it makes your visit completely impractical," he said.
Vlitas said travelers should keep in mind that labor action typically doesn't last very long, so disruptions should not ruin an entire trip.
"If you are inconvenienced, it probably won't be more than a day," he said.
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If my flight is delayed, does the airline owe me anything?
Maybe.
Under European law, airlines are required to pay up to $700 to passengers who are stuck with delays or cancellations if strikes by their own employees are to blame, according to the flight compensation company AirHelp. This applies to any flight within the E.U. or departing from an E.U. country, regardless of carrier, or flights arriving in an E.U. country that are also operated by an E.U. airline.
"The decision only applies when the staff are employed by the airline," AirHelp chief executive Tomasz Pawliszyn said in an email. "Strikes by airport staff, air traffic control, or other aviation-related services are considered an extraordinary circumstance, as these strikes are not within the airline's control."
Passengers whose flights are canceled because of a strike must be offered a refund or their choice of a replacement flight; if a delay lasts more than five hours, travelers can opt out of the trip and get a refund, Pawliszyn said.
Airlines also have to provide meals and refreshments during a delay, access to communications and a hotel room, and transportation if a delay continues overnight, AirHelp said.
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What does travel insurance cover?
It depends on the kind of policy you have, when you bought it and - crucially - if a strike was already public knowledge when you bought the insurance.
"Once a strike is announced, it would be considered foreseen," said Steven Benna, marketing manager for the travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth. "With all travel insurance benefits, once an event is foreseen, it can't be covered anymore."
He recommended searching online for planned strikes in a destination before booking a trip or insurance. But for those who bought insurance before labor action was public knowledge, strikes may be covered by policies that include protection against trip cancellation, interruption or delays.
Benna said travelers should read through policy certificates before purchasing and choose a plan that specifically mentions strikes if that is a concern.
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