Pilots’ Strike Raises Concerns for Summer Air Travel

Summer air travel could be in jeopardy after pilots move closer to a strike.

United Airlines pilots have dismissed the latest contract proposal and instead have agreed to authorize a strike vote, according to United Master Executive Council Chair Capt. Garth Thompson. The announcement came in the form of a letter sent to members Friday.

“You’ll receive more communication regarding this impending strike vote in the coming days,” read the letter, per Reuters.

A spokesman for the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) said it has not yet set a date for the strike vote.

“We have offered our pilots an industry-leading deal, and we’re actively working with ALPA to reach an agreement,” a United Airlines spokesperson told Reuters, noting that United flights will continue as planned during the negotiation process.

According to a report in Fox Business, unions representing Southwest Airlines and American Airlines pilots have each also authorized a strike this summer.

The airlines had far fewer delays and cancelations during Memorial Day weekend, as they did last year during the holidays. Further good news is that federal law makes it extraordinarily difficult for an airline to go on strike. The bad news is, even if one airline goes on strike it can have a trickle-down effect on the flying public during what is expected to be a record-breaking summer.