Originally Posted by
TravelingNomads
I know that you guys can't read the future, but do you think it's worthwhile for us to book refundable tickets through one of those other carriers as a backup plan? I'm concerned that if they do a last minute cancellation (1-2 days before the flight) that the backup plan will be 3x as expensive for the same flight.
Purchasing fully-refundable flights now is likely to be just as expensive as buying last-minute flights should you need to 1-2 days before travel. So I don't see that shelling out for new tickets now as a worthwhile endeavour.
(Using frequent flyer miles might be a better way of obtaining cheap, (partially-)refundable flights if you are still worried.)
Besides,
the threat of Ryanair strikes in Italy has receded. Today's planned strike, at least, has been postponed. The planned general strike in November would likely affect your alternate airline, but not Ryanair - so you may actually be better off with a Ryanair ticket.