Today in travel, we have several stories that may have flown under your radar. Among them: an Icelandair strike begins, a Jetstar strike leads to passenger perks, a Qantas disturbance at 30,000 feet, an annoying scam at the Cancun airport, and United investigates an in-flight indecency claim.
Icelandair Cancels Morning Flights as Aircraft Mechanics Begin Indefinite Strike
Travelers flying to or from Iceland face disruptions after Icelandair aircraft mechanics began an indefinite strike at midnight on Wednesday, September 23. With the airline and mechanics unable to reach a labor agreement, Icelandair canceled its Wednesday morning departures from Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík Airport.
The initial cancellations included 26 international flight movements and five domestic services, affecting nearly 5,500 passengers. Icelandair said it was working to rebook affected travelers, with further disruptions possible if the strike continues.
The walkout follows unsuccessful mediation between the two sides. Ahead of the strike, Icelandair had already offered additional flexibility to passengers concerned that their travel plans could be affected.
Anyone scheduled to fly with Icelandair should check their itinerary directly with the carrier before heading to the airport and make sure the contact information attached to their reservation is current.
Read more at the Iceland Review.
Qantas Passenger Charged After Allegedly Trying to Open Plane Door Mid-Flight
An Australian man faces multiple charges after allegedly attempting to open a passenger door aboard a Qantas flight from Karratha to Perth.
Australian Federal Police say Thomas Raymond Forster, 41, verbally abused another passenger and pushed and kicked the seat in front of him during the September 21 flight. When cabin crew intervened, he allegedly became abusive toward them, ignored instructions to fasten his seatbelt ahead of landing, and attempted to open the aircraft’s forward passenger door while the plane was still airborne.
Police met the aircraft after it landed in Perth. Authorities allege Forster then became aggressive toward officers and had to be restrained.
He has been charged with causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, which carries a maximum sentence of 13 years; endangering the safety of an aircraft, punishable by up to 10 years; failing to comply with crew instructions, which carries a maximum fine of AUD $18,200; and disorderly behavior, punishable by a fine of up to AUD $6,000.
Forster appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on September 22 and was granted bail. He is due back in court on November 27.
Jetstar Airport Workers Waive Baggage and Seat Fees During Labor Dispute
Some Jetstar passengers in Australia are getting a temporary reprieve from extra fees as airport workers take industrial action against the airline.
Members of the Australian Services Union stopped collecting several sales-related charges at midnight on September 23 and planned to continue the action until midnight on September 24. The waived charges include excess baggage fees, seat-change fees, and late fees.
The action falls during the Victorian and Queensland school holidays and as travel ramps up ahead of the AFL Grand Final. Unlike a traditional strike, employees are continuing to work, with the union aiming to reduce fee revenue for Jetstar without disrupting passenger flights.
The union says workers are seeking higher wages, improved penalty and overtime rates, better sick and personal leave provisions, additional protections during extreme weather, and stronger job-security provisions.
Jetstar says it has contingency plans in place and does not expect the industrial action to disrupt its flight schedule. The airline says its proposed employment package includes pay increases, improved allowances and penalty payments, and greater roster flexibility.
Read more at Australian Aviation.
United Airlines Investigates Passenger’s Account of In-Flight Indecency
United Airlines says it is investigating a passenger’s account of in-flight indecency after a woman claimed she was made to sit next to a man who was pleasuring himself during a flight. The airline said it takes all such reports seriously and is reviewing the incident to determine what action, if any, is appropriate.
Travelers who experience or witness inappropriate behavior on a flight are encouraged to alert cabin crew immediately so the situation can be addressed before landing and documented for any follow-up investigation.
