Driving instead of flying is sometimes an option and one that many opted for during the peak pandemic period, but not everyone is able to or wants to travel long distances around the country in a car. Simply making other arrangements, however, is not always plausible, regardless of airline preference. Holiday plans were dashed, luggage was lost for days, and Southwest was forced to face Congress to explain why things went so horribly wrong. Some travelers may already be avoiding Southwest Airlines, however, following an epic multi-day operational meltdown in December that resulted in millions of passengers stranded and almost 17,000 canceled flights. Meanwhile, in a statement from Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), Casey Murray, president of the association, said, “We do not take this path lightly… We want our customers to be prepared for the path ahead and make arrangements on other carriers so that their plans through the summer and fall are not disrupted.” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg referenced the busy season of travel ahead: “Summer travel is going to put enormous pressure on the system.” Secretary Buttigieg added, “Airlines need to accept their fundamental responsibility to better serve passengers.” ‘Fundamental Responsibility’Įarlier this month, U.S. So far, the administration hasn’t said anything about the threat of pilots striking this summer. “Our top priority has been to get American air travelers a better deal,” Biden said. The Biden administration’s rules are an attempt to ensure air travelers are appropriately compensated when travel inconveniences are more than minor or expected. Delta Air Lines’ made headlines in March when it was reported that its pilots would receive a 34% raise over a four-year contract-or what amounts to roughly $7 billion for Delta.Ĭonsidering the President’s recent steps towards holding airlines accountable for flight delays and cancellations which significantly dampen-or even ruin-travelers’ plans, it’s quite possible Biden would take this measure to prevent a major strike from occurring. air carrier’s substantial pilot raises and are demanding similar contracts. Pilots at American, Southwest, and United and the unions representing them have taken notice of another major U.S. With summer on the horizon, a major pilot strike could wreak havoc on this peak travel season. Pilots want it airlines are considering it. The contract issue in question is higher pay. Southwest Airlines and United Airlines pilots are also threatening to strike if new contracts aren’t put in place. carriers threaten to strike.ĪP News recently reported on the potential for a pilot strike, noting that pilots at American Airlines were the first to authorize a strike. Memorial Day weekend, considered by many to be the unofficial start to summer, is just around the corner, but already, a carefree summer of travel appears dubious as commercial pilots for several major U.S. The strike threat at United, American, and Southwest comes after Delta raised pilot salaries by 34%.
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