Could Strikes by United, Southwest, and American Pilots Affect Upcoming Flights?

It’s been a hectic month for unhappy airline pilots. Last week, American Airlines pilots voted to authorize a strike, and this week, Southwest Airlines followed suit with a similar strike authorization vote. Meanwhile, United Airlines pilots are set to hold a nationwide informational picket on Friday, May 12, with demonstrations planned at airports across the country, including Denver International, Los Angeles International, Newark International, and San Francisco International airports.

The informational picket aims to showcase the United Pilots’ determination and unity in their pursuit of an industry-leading contract, according to the United Master Executive Council, which represents over 14,000 United pilots.

In a communication to United passengers, the union pointed out that United pilots are currently working under a contract that has not been updated in over a decade.

Casey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), remarked in a statement, “We do not take this path lightly. . . . We want our customers to be ready for what lies ahead and make alternative arrangements with other carriers to avoid disruptions to their summer and fall plans.” Of the 98 percent of Southwest pilots who took part in the strike authorization vote, an overwhelming 99 percent voted in favor of the strike.

Pilot actions are occurring alongside movements in other industries. Last week, members of the Writers Guild of America, representing thousands of writers in TV, film, news, and online media, walked off the job for the first time since 2007. Similar to airline pilots, they are advocating for better pay and improvements to their contracts and working conditions.

Why are pilots contemplating a strike?

Throughout the air travel industry, many contract negotiations, including those for pay raises, were stalled for years during the COVID-19 pandemic, as airlines faced significant financial losses and were unable to increase wages. However, with airlines returning to profitability and considering the sacrifices made during the pandemic—when pilots and airline staff worked relentlessly and often at risk to their health—plus a pilot shortage that highlights the importance of a skilled workforce, negotiations are now fully underway.

In March, Delta pilots secured a deal totaling over $7 billion in pay raises over the next four years. This agreement included a 34 percent salary increase throughout the duration of pilots’ contracts, along with enhanced vacation and benefits for Delta’s 15,000 pilots.

Now, other major U.S. airlines, such as American, Southwest, and United, are facing increasing pressure to raise pilots’ salaries and enhance their benefits.

United has suggested matching Delta's pay increase, according to the Associated Press reports, but it is uncertain if this will suffice for the pilots to come to an agreement with the airline.

“We still have a long way to go to settle some of the issues on the table,” Garth Thompson, chair of the United branch of the Air Line Pilots Association, told AP.

Thompson mentioned that the two parties continue to disagree on scheduling matters, particularly regarding the union’s request to limit United’s ability to require pilots to work on their days off.

Meanwhile, the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) aims to tackle some of the airline's deficiencies, notably Southwest’s significant operational breakdown that occurred last December.

“We have been striving to negotiate with Southwest sincerely for years, yet they have displayed little willingness to address key issues affecting not only our pilots but also our customers, such as scheduling work rules and necessary technology upgrades,” remarked SWAPA’s president, Murray.

Murray emphasized that Southwest urgently needs to upgrade its systems and processes “to keep up with other airlines and provide our passengers with the level of service they expect.”

What do the pilot strikes mean for air travelers?

Although the idea of a pilot strike is concerning for travelers, the recent picketing activities and strike votes are unlikely to result in pilots leaving their posts anytime soon.

“According to U.S. law, airline and railroad workers cannot legally strike, and companies cannot lock them out, until federal mediators conclude that further negotiations are futile. The National Mediation Board seldom declares bargaining to be at an impasse, and even if it does, there is a no-strikes ‘cooling-off’ period during which the White House and Congress can intervene to prevent a strike,” reports David Koenig of AP.

In fact, there are several steps that must be completed, as outlined by the Railway Labor Act, before a strike could be considered.

A representative from American Airlines informed Dinogo that the airline is optimistic about reaching a deal with the pilots’ union, asserting that an agreement will be “finalized swiftly. The finish line is in sight.”

However, the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American pilots, suggested that a favorable outcome is not guaranteed, noting that “the summer travel season is almost upon us, and we’re all concerned whether this will be another summer of uncertainty for American Airlines.”

Southwest Airlines’ vice president of labor relations, Adam Carlisle, stated in a statement that the pilot union’s “authorization vote will not impact Southwest’s operations or our capability to serve our customers.”

The airline also reassured its customers and employees that Southwest’s pilots are not currently on strike. “We are fully staffed and ready to welcome travelers for their summer journeys,” Southwest stated.

Carlisle further mentioned that the airline will continue its efforts “to achieve an agreement that rewards our pilots and positions them competitively within the industry.”

What about strikes in Europe?

Over in Europe, air travel is facing its own set of challenges due to planned strikes. Following a series of walkouts that occurred this spring, more strikes are slated for the upcoming days and weeks. Here’s a look at the scheduled strikes that will impact travel and their respective dates.

Strike by security staff at London Heathrow Airport

Officials at London Heathrow Airport have confirmed that security personnel will strike on several dates throughout May:

• May 4-6
• May 9-10
• May 25-27

Security guard members at Heathrow are urged by Unite the Union to advocate for higher wages. The strike affects security personnel at Terminal 5 and campus guards responsible for inspecting all cargo entering the airport, according to security risk and crisis management firm Crisis24.

Heathrow assures that it will continue to operate normally during the strikes.

Crisis24 noted that unless the strike is resolved, it could lead to disruptions in airport operations and flight schedules at LHR, potentially causing delays and cancellations, although airport officials claim contingency plans are ready to ensure normal flight operations.

Travelers can anticipate longer queues and wait times at the airport during the strike period.

Strikes affecting London trains are also in the mix.

London train drivers have declared strike dates for May 12, May 31, and June 3. The rail union RMT also announced that its members, representing 14 train operating companies, will participate in strikes on May 13. Travelers in London on these dates should brace for possible delays and cancellations in public transport.

Strikes by air traffic controllers and public transport workers are ongoing in France.

Protests and strikes have been taking place across France since the beginning of the year as citizens voice their opposition to recent pension reforms. Another series of worker demonstrations is set for June 6, with air traffic controllers having staged strikes on May 1 and 2. In response, the French Civil Aviation Authority requested airlines to cut their flight schedules to and from Paris Orly and several other French airports on those dates.

Throughout the strike, Air France maintained all long-haul flights, all operations to and from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and around 70 percent of flights between Paris-Orly and other French destinations. Passengers facing cancellations due to the strikes were offered either future flight credits or full refunds, as per Air France’s policy.

Air France cautioned that during strike actions, “last-minute delays and cancellations are possible.”

No new air traffic controller strikes have been announced yet, but travelers should remain cautious as they could occur at any time.

Alongside worker strikes that may disrupt public transport, ongoing protests in France are likely to cause traffic congestion and interruptions in transportation services in major cities, including potential delays when traveling between downtown and the primary Paris airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly.

Strikes affecting airports and public transit in Germany.

Since last year, Germany has faced numerous intermittent strikes at its airports, leading to ongoing disruptions in air travel.

The most recent strike occurred at the end of April at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, where airport staff initiated a walkout, resulting in the cancellation of all departing passenger flights, according to the Associated Press. This marked the third strike at the Berlin airport this year as workers seek improved wages.

Transportation workers are currently staging walkouts across Germany, creating a climate of uncertainty for travelers in the country.

What travelers should know if their flight in Europe is delayed or canceled

It’s essential to understand that while the European Union’s consumer protection regulation, known as “Regulation EC No 261/2004,” entitles passengers to compensation for canceled and delayed flights within Europe, strikes are classified as “extraordinary circumstances” and do not obligate airlines to provide compensation.

Therefore, travelers must stay informed by monitoring news and updates related to strike actions, allowing them to proactively adjust their flight plans if necessary. Airlines and airports usually post timely information on their websites when they are aware of strikes that may impact operations.

This article was originally published on May 5, 2023, and has been updated with the latest information.