Easter Sunday 2019 Strike at MAD/Madrid... some questions
Apr 16, 2019, 10:36 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,264
Easter Sunday 2019 Strike at MAD/Madrid... some questions
Hello all... in the middle of a great vacation in Spain and have seen some stories about an airport ground workers strike which could impact travel this weekend.
We are 4 passengers all traveling MAD-LHR-USA. We are all in AA business class on the longhaul, while only me (OW Emerald) is business class on the Iberia MAD-LHR and rest of family (2 OW Ruby and 1 non-status) have economy tickets.
So a few things...
- How worried should we be about major flight disruptions this Sunday?
- Will we all have fast-track access at Madrid?
- MAD-LHR flight is at 7am Sunday (Easter)... what would the suggested airport arrival time be (we will be checking bags)?
Thanks in advance.
We are 4 passengers all traveling MAD-LHR-USA. We are all in AA business class on the longhaul, while only me (OW Emerald) is business class on the Iberia MAD-LHR and rest of family (2 OW Ruby and 1 non-status) have economy tickets.
So a few things...
- How worried should we be about major flight disruptions this Sunday?
- Will we all have fast-track access at Madrid?
- MAD-LHR flight is at 7am Sunday (Easter)... what would the suggested airport arrival time be (we will be checking bags)?
Thanks in advance.
Apr 16, 2019, 3:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 410
Fast Track should be available but may not be operative during strikes (may not be part of the mandatory minimum service)
I would be minimum 2.5h in advance.
Apr 16, 2019, 3:49 pm
#3
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In theory there was a strike last Friday when I flew out of MAD.
In practice I went through the Puente Aereo security as the only person in the queue. YMMV...
In practice I went through the Puente Aereo security as the only person in the queue. YMMV...
Apr 19, 2019, 4:14 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2006
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Dropped Mrs. Spainflyer at Terminal 4 Barajas on Tuesday 16th. There was a strike of both Vueling (I think) pilots and airport security personnel. Minimum services are mandated by law. Mrs. S's flight was at 10h50 but, "in an abundance of caution" we arrived at 7h15. She was checked in, bag dropped and through security in 15 minutes. I understand later in the morning things got hectic. At any rate, both strikes have been settled. You should have no more than the normal difficulties on Sunday. Buen viaje!
Apr 19, 2019, 7:07 am
#6
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Obviously if you can avoid checking luggage during ground handling disputes you'll be safer.
Apr 19, 2019, 8:00 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: RDU
Posts: 2,264
Just as a random thought with a 7am flight...
If I were to get to the airport around midnight, would:
- I be able to check in and check bags for a 7am flight?
- Is immigration open (I'm guessing so)
- Would I be able to access the lounge, which I think is open 24 hours?
Thanks.
If I were to get to the airport around midnight, would:
- I be able to check in and check bags for a 7am flight?
- Is immigration open (I'm guessing so)
- Would I be able to access the lounge, which I think is open 24 hours?
Thanks.
Apr 19, 2019, 8:03 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2010
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Posts: 2,201
Just arrived LAX-MAD on IB. Had notification prior to departure (18th) from IB about my onward flight to MUC (on a separate ticket) and to get to airport early as security on strike.
Important for you:
Due to the security staff strike at Madrid Airport, there may be delays at the security filter. We therefore recommend that you get your boarding pass online and arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
Fast track took me 5 minutes! 4 lanes open and on 1-2 in each (3pm local time).
Important for you:
Due to the security staff strike at Madrid Airport, there may be delays at the security filter. We therefore recommend that you get your boarding pass online and arrive at the airport earlier than usual. Fast track took me 5 minutes! 4 lanes open and on 1-2 in each (3pm local time).
May 11, 2019, 9:32 am
#9
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Looks like this is happening again. If pax miss their flights, does IB rebook pax on the next one at no expense?
May 11, 2019, 9:50 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 410
May 11, 2019, 9:54 am
#11
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According to an email and text I received from Iberia, there is a strike taking place tomorrow unless they just send that to anyone traveling during April/May.